Vaccination isn't "get all the shots every year." It's a science-driven schedule that balances disease protection against over-vaccination risk. Here's what the latest veterinary guidelines—from AAHA and AAFP—actually recommend in 2026.
Core vaccines are recommended for every dog or cat, regardless of lifestyle or geography. They protect against diseases that are highly contagious, widely distributed, and often fatal. Non-core vaccines are given based on individual risk assessment: geography, lifestyle (indoor vs outdoor), and exposure to other animals.
| Vaccine | Type | Protects Against | Mortality/Fatality Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DA2PP (Distemper combo) | Core | Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza | Parvo kills 91% of untreated puppies; distemper is nearly always fatal |
| Rabies | Core (legally required) | Rabies virus | 100% fatal once symptoms appear; required by law in all 50 states |
| Bordetella | Non-core | Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) | Rarely fatal but highly contagious in boarding/daycare settings |
| Leptospirosis | Non-core | Leptospira bacteria (multiple serovars) | Zoonotic—transmissible to humans; causes kidney/liver failure |
| Lyme (Borrelia) | Non-core | Lyme disease | Only in endemic tick regions (Northeast, Upper Midwest, Pacific coast) |
| Canine Influenza | Non-core | H3N2 and H3N8 strains | Recommended for dogs in social settings during outbreaks |
| Vaccine | Type | Protects Against | Mortality/Fatality Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| FVRCP (Feline distemper combo) | Core | Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia | Panleukopenia kills 90%+ of kittens under 6 months if unvaccinated |
| Rabies | Core | Rabies virus | Legally required even for indoor cats in most jurisdictions |
| FeLV (Feline Leukemia) | Non-core | Feline Leukemia Virus | Recommended for all kittens (initial series), then based on lifestyle; ~85% fatal within 3 years |
The reason puppies and kittens need a series of shots—not just one—is maternal antibodies. They get antibodies from mother's milk that protect them early on but also block vaccines from working. The antibodies fade gradually between 6 and 16 weeks, and we don't know exactly when for each individual. The series covers that uncertainty window.
| Age | Dogs (Core) | Cats (Core) | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DA2PP #1 | FVRCP #1 | Bordetella (if early boarding) |
| 10–12 weeks | DA2PP #2 | FVRCP #2 | FeLV #1 (cats), Leptospirosis #1 (dogs) |
| 14–16 weeks | DA2PP #3 + Rabies | FVRCP #3 + Rabies | FeLV #2, Lepto #2, Lyme #2 |
| 1 year later | DA2PP booster + Rabies | FVRCP booster + Rabies | All non-core annual boosters if continuing |
After the one-year booster, the schedule extends. DA2PP and FVRCP are now typically given every 3 years (not annually) per AAHA/AAFP guidelines. Rabies follows state law—some states require annual, others accept 3-year vaccines. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella, Lepto, and Lyme are still given annually because they don't produce long-duration immunity.
A titer test measures the antibody levels already circulating in your pet's blood. If levels are sufficient, revaccination can be skipped. Titer testing is most commonly used for DA2PP and FVRCP—it's reliable for core vaccines but not recommended for rabies (legal requirements) or bacterial vaccines like Lepto and Bordetella (antibodies don't correlate well with protection). Cost runs $50–$150 per test at most veterinary clinics. Some boarding facilities and groomers will not accept titers in place of vaccine records, so check before relying on them. For more on keeping your pet healthy year-round, see our pet supplement guide and dog dental care guide.
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