Routine and lifestyle vaccines for dogs and cats

Not every vaccine is recommended for every pet. Vaccines generally fall into two categories:

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Routine vaccines

Routine vaccines are recommended for nearly all dogs or cats because they protect against serious, widespread diseases or diseases that pose a public health risk.
Illustrated icon of a medical syringe

Lifestyle vaccines

Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on your pet's age, lifestyle, environment, travel habits, and risk of exposure.
Dogs

Routine vaccines for dogs include:

  • DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus)
  • Leptospirosis
  • Rabies

Depending on your dog's lifestyle, your veterinarian may also recommend vaccines such as:

  • Bordetella
  • Canine influenza
  • Lyme disease

Cats

Routine vaccines for cats include:

  • FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia)
  • Rabies

The feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is considered a lifestyle vaccine and is recommended based on your cat's age, lifestyle, and exposure risk.

Dog vaccines at a glance

Dogs begin receiving vaccines as puppies, with a series of vaccinations during their first few months of life. As they grow, those vaccines transition to booster doses that help maintain protection throughout adulthood. Your veterinarian will recommend both routine and lifestyle vaccines based on your dog's age, health, and lifestyle.

Learn more:

Two Banfield veterinary professionals examining a grey American bully

Dog vaccines: Guide by vaccine and life stage

Read all about dog vaccinations

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Rabies vaccine for dogs and cats: Law and schedule

Understand why the rabies vaccine is a must

Cat vaccines at a glance

Cats need routine vaccinations throughout life — even if they live exclusively indoors. Routine vaccines like FVRCP and rabies help protect against serious diseases, while the feline leukemia vaccine may be recommended depending on your cat's lifestyle and exposure risk. Your veterinarian will tailor your cat's vaccine schedule as they grow.

Learn more:

A veterinary professional holding a kitten

Cat vaccines: Guide by vaccine and life stage

Read all about cat vaccinations

A Banfield veterinary professional talking to a pet owner holding her cat

FVRCP vaccine for cats: What it protects against & schedule

How to keep your kitten or cat safe with the FVRCP vaccine

Vet tech Merrie Cooley examines a black cat with the help of a client

Feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine: What it does and who needs it

Does your cat need the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine?

A black and white cat and brown dog sitting on the floor together

Rabies vaccine for dogs and cats: Law and schedule

Understand why the rabies vaccine is a must

Vaccine schedules at a glance

Most puppies and kittens begin their vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Additional doses are given every few weeks until they're about 16 weeks old, depending on the vaccine.

Many vaccines require a booster about one year later. After that, adult booster intervals vary based on the vaccine, the product used, your pet's lifestyle, and — for rabies — local laws.

Rather than following one blanket schedule, your Banfield veterinary team will recommend the right timing for each vaccine.

Learn more:

A Banfield veterinary professional petting a black and brown dog

Dog vaccine schedule after puppyhood: Adult boosters

Dog vaccine schedule

A Banfield vet tech holding a Beauceron puppy

Puppy shot schedule: A guide to vaccine needs and timing

Puppy shot schedule

A Banfield veterinary professional holding a white kitten

Kitten vaccination schedule: A guide to your kitten's first shots

Kitten vaccination schedule

What vaccines cost and how wellness packages help

The cost of pet vaccinations varies based on your location, your pet's age, and which vaccines they need.

Optimum Wellness Plans® include routine vaccinations as part of your pet's preventive care package (services vary by plan). By bundling preventive services together, plans can help make routine veterinary care more affordable and predictable throughout the year.

If you'd like an estimate before your visit, use Banfield's Price Estimator to view pricing for your local hospital.

Vaccine safety and side effects

Vaccines are an important part of preventive care, and most pets experience only mild, short-lived side effects. It's common for dogs and cats to be a little sleepy, have mild soreness where the vaccine was given, or eat slightly less for a day or two.

Serious reactions are uncommon, but contact your veterinarian right away if your pet develops:

  • Vomiting
  • Facial swelling
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weakness or collapse

If you're ever unsure whether your pet's reaction is normal, your Banfield veterinary team is here to help.

Learn more:

Price Estimator || Dog vaccinations || Cat vaccinations || Optimum Wellness Plans

Pet vaccination FAQs

Dogs typically need routine vaccines for DAPP, leptospirosis, and rabies. Cats typically need FVRCP and rabies, while the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is recommended based on lifestyle and exposure risk. Your veterinarian may also recommend other lifestyle vaccines depending on your pet's individual needs.

Routine vaccines are recommended for nearly every pet because they protect against serious, widespread diseases. Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on factors like your pet's age, environment, travel, boarding, and exposure to other animals.

Most puppies and kittens begin their first vaccinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age. They receive a series of vaccines over the following weeks until they're about 16 weeks old, with timing depending on the specific vaccine.

Many vaccines require a booster about one year after the initial series. After that, booster timing varies by vaccine, product, your pet's lifestyle, and, for rabies, local laws.

Yes. Indoor cats still need routine vaccines because they can be exposed to disease through unexpected escapes, veterinary visits, or other animals entering the home. Your veterinarian can recommend which vaccines are appropriate for your cat.

In many states and local communities, yes. Rabies vaccination requirements vary by location, but it is commonly required for dogs and often for cats because rabies can spread to people and is almost always fatal.

The cost depends on the vaccines your pet needs, their age, and your location. You can use Banfield's Price Estimator to get pricing for your local hospital before your visit.

Yes. Optimum Wellness Plans include routine vaccinations as part of your pet's preventive care package. Included services vary by plan, so your Banfield veterinary team can help you choose the option that's right for your pet.

Protect your pet with Banfield

Keeping your dog or cat up to date on vaccinations is one of the easiest ways to help protect their long-term health. Whether your pet is starting their first vaccine series or is due for a booster, your Banfield veterinary team can help build a schedule that fits their age, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Keep your dog or cat protected. Book a wellness exam, get a local price estimate, or explore Optimum Wellness Plans with your Banfield veterinary team.

Schedule a vaccine appointment

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Optimum Wellness Plans®

Affordable packages of smart, high-quality preventive petcare to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
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