Dog and cat vaccination schedule
A dog needs the core combo vaccine and rabies; a cat the feline trivalent and, in some cases, leukaemia. The first doses are given as a puppy or kitten and boosted yearly. Here is the full schedule and how to never miss a dose.
In Spain, the vaccination schedule for dogs and cats depends on the animal's age, region and lifestyle, and it is always set by the vet. Puppies usually start the core combination vaccine at around 6-8 weeks, and rabies can be mandatory depending on the autonomous community. The best practice is to record each vaccine with its date, batch and next due date.
Key facts
- A puppy's initial course starts at around 6-8 weeks, with several boosters every 3-4 weeks.
- The rabies vaccine is mandatory in most autonomous communities in Spain.
- The feline trivalent vaccine is recommended even for indoor-only cats.
- Note down the date, batch and next due date of every vaccine.
- The exact schedule is decided by your registered vet for each case.
¿Buscas otra cosa? Qué vacunas necesita un perro · Qué vacunas necesita un gato · Vacuna de la rabia en perros
Why vaccination matters so much
Who this guide is for
If you live with a dog or a cat in Spain, keeping their vaccination schedule up to date is the best way to prevent serious diseases. This guide walks you through it profile by profile.
Owners of a puppy or kitten
The initial course is the most delicate stage. Puppies usually start the combination vaccine at around 6-8 weeks and kittens the feline trivalent from 8-9 weeks, with several boosters every 3-4 weeks. Keeping the exact order avoids gaps in protection and unnecessary repeats.
Owners of an indoor cat
Even if your cat never goes out, it still needs the feline trivalent and, depending on its lifestyle, you should consider feline leukaemia. Viruses can enter the home on your clothes or shoes, so it is wise to keep boosters up to date as advised by your registered vet.
Multi-pet households
With several animals at home it is easy to lose track of who is due when. Keeping each schedule centralised reduces mistakes, prevents infections among housemates and makes joint check-up visits easier.
Common use cases
Scheduling the course for a new puppy or kitten
You have just adopted and need to know which vaccines are due and when. Recording the dates of each dose helps you not miss any booster during the first few months.
Preparing for a trip within the European Union
To travel with your pet within the EU you need a valid rabies vaccine and the European pet passport. It is wise to check deadlines in advance, because the first rabies vaccine requires a waiting period before you can travel.
Proving vaccinations at boarding kennels or daycare
Many boarding kennels, daycare centres and training facilities require an up-to-date vaccination schedule, sometimes including kennel cough. Having the records to hand speeds up admission.
Keeping up the adult animal's annual boosters
Once the puppy course is complete, the periodic boosters begin. Knowing when each vaccine expires lets you book the check-up before the date passes.
Benefits of keeping vaccinations up to date with a digital record
Protection against serious diseases
Vaccines such as the canine combination vaccine, rabies or the feline trivalent prevent conditions that can be fatal. Following the schedule is the foundation of preventive medicine.
No gaps or repeated doses
Recording every dose in the digital record gives you a clear timeline, so you neither miss a booster nor repeat a vaccine that was still valid.
Automatic reminders
By turning on reminders in the digital record you get an alert before each vaccine expires, so you do not have to rely on your memory to book the next appointment.
History always accessible
You have the full schedule on your phone, ready to show in an emergency, on a trip or at a boarding kennel, without searching for papers that get lost or wet.
Coordination with your vet
Arriving at the consultation with a well-organised history makes it easier for your registered vet to decide on the most suitable course based on age, lifestyle and the area where you live.
Peace of mind for the whole family
Knowing that protection is up to date reduces last-minute scares and lets you focus on enjoying your pet instead of checking dates by hand.
Practical examples
Initial course for a puppy
A puppy starts the combination vaccine at around 6-8 weeks and receives several boosters every 3-4 weeks until past 16 weeks. Rabies is usually given from 3 months of age, depending on the region. Your vet will set the exact dates.
Boosters for an indoor cat
An adult cat living alone at home keeps up the feline trivalent with the boosters its vet recommends. Feline leukaemia is considered according to the risk of exposure. Recording the last booster prevents the next one from being forgotten.
Travelling to another EU country
To cross borders within the European Union your pet needs a valid rabies vaccine, a microchip and the European passport. Since the first rabies shot requires a waiting period before travel, it is best to plan it with several weeks to spare.
How to keep the schedule up to date
Discuss the course with your vet
At the first visit, your registered vet defines which vaccines your animal needs based on its age, species, lifestyle and region. Ask for the expected dates of each dose.
Record every dose administered
Each time your pet is vaccinated, note the vaccine, the date and the batch in the free digital record. That way your complete history is always up to date and available.
Turn on reminders
Set up alerts in the digital record to receive a notification before each vaccine expires. This way you book the appointment in good time and never miss a booster.
Review the schedule once a year
At the annual check-up, review the status of each vaccine and update whatever your vet recommends. A periodic review also helps detect other health needs.
Common mistakes
Vaccination FAQ
Rabies requirements depend on your region; the core combo vaccine (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis) is always recommended. Check your local rules.
The schedule usually starts at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then yearly revaccination.
Most vaccines are boosted once a year. Your vet will tailor the schedule to age, lifestyle and local regulations.
The canine combination vaccine protects against several serious diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis, among others depending on the formulation. The exact combination is decided by your registered vet based on the area and the animal's lifestyle.
Whether rabies is mandatory depends on the region: in most it is compulsory and in some it is recommended. In addition, it is always mandatory to travel outside Spain. Check the current rules in your region and with your vet.
It is usual to keep up the feline trivalent, which covers rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia, even in cats that do not go out. The feline leukaemia vaccine is considered according to the risk of exposure. Your vet will advise the right course.
It is not advisable to vaccinate a sick, feverish or very weakened animal, because the response may not be adequate. Your vet is the one to assess the animal's condition and decide whether to postpone the vaccine. Never make that decision on your own.
If the annual booster has been missed, contact your vet as soon as possible. In some cases it is enough to give the booster, and in others it may be necessary to restart part of the course, depending on how much time has passed.
Most pets tolerate vaccines well. Mild, temporary discomfort may appear, such as some lethargy or a little swelling at the injection site. If you notice an intense reaction or one that does not improve, contact your vet.
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