Pet vaccination schedule

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Settle on a regular vet

   One clinic that sees the whole history notices changes faster than one-off visits to different places.

2. Get a vet passport or vaccination record

   Paper or digital — one document where every shot gets logged, needed for boarding, travel, and just keeping the dates straight.

3. Map out the first vaccine series with your vet

   For puppies and kittens this is usually several shots spaced weeks apart starting around 6–8 weeks — the exact timing and vaccines are the vet's call based on the animal's condition.

4. Set calendar reminders for every date

   Missing the interval between shots in a series can sometimes mean restarting it — a reminder a few days ahead beats relying on memory.

5. Confirm the rabies vaccine timing

   Age requirements for the first shot and revaccination intervals differ by country and region — check the local rules with your vet.

6. Plan a deworming schedule

   Usually done alongside vaccines for young animals, then on a regular schedule as adults. The vet picks the product and dose by weight.

7. Set up regular flea and tick prevention

   Discuss seasonality and product with your vet — in some regions it's needed year-round, not just in warm months.

8. Set an annual reminder for booster shots

   Several adult vaccines need yearly repeats — tying it to the pet's birthday helps it stick in memory.

9. Watch the pet after each vaccination

   A calm day without heavy activity or bathing, and knowing who to call if there's an unusual reaction — ask the clinic in advance.

10. Get a microchip if not already done

    A good moment to combine with a scheduled vaccine visit rather than putting it off separately.

11. Save a photo or scan of the vaccine record on your phone

    Useful if the paper booklet gets left at home on boarding, grooming or travel day.

12. Check boarding or pet daycare requirements

    Many places require specific vaccines beyond the basics — like bordetella for dogs. Check well before drop-off day, not on it.

13. Factor vaccine validity into travel planning

    For travel, and especially moving abroad, there's usually a required gap between the last vaccine and departure — check the rules early.

14. Discuss schedule adjustments for a senior pet

    The frequency of some vaccines and check-ups can change with age — this is a decision to make with the vet, not on your own.

15. Log any unusual reactions to past vaccines

    Tell the vet at the next visit — a reaction history affects the choice of vaccine or protocol going forward.