What Vaccinations Does My Pet Need?

As someone who’s had both cats and dogs over the years, I know how overwhelming it can be trying to figure out what vaccines your pet actually needs—and what’s just recommended. When I first brought home my puppy and later my rescue cat, I spent ages trying to make sense of it all. So, while I’m not a vet—just a fellow pet owner—I thought I’d share what I’ve learned, based on my own experience here in the UK.

Just to be clear, though: always speak to your vet for proper medical advice tailored to your pet. They’ll know what’s best based on your pet’s age, breed, health, and lifestyle. But if you're looking for a simple breakdown of the typical vaccinations for dogs and cats in the UK, here’s a good place to start.

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Vaccinations for Dogs in the UK

When I got my dog, the vet gave me a vaccination schedule that’s fairly standard across the UK.

Core Vaccinations (essential):

• Canine Parvovirus

• Canine Distemper

• Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

• Leptospirosis (This is actually bacterial, but often grouped in with vaccines)

These are usually given as a combination vaccine—commonly referred to as the DHP or DHPPi. Leptospirosis is sometimes given separately, depending on the brand used.

Booster Schedule:

• Puppies: First set around 8–10 weeks old, with a second dose 2–4 weeks later

• Booster: One year after the first set

• Annual boosters: Usually leptospirosis is boosted every year, while others may be every 3 years (depends on the vaccine)

Optional (but sometimes advised):

• Kennel Cough (Bordetella) – Required if your dog goes to kennels, daycare, or training classes

• Rabies – Not needed for pets staying in the UK, but essential for travelling abroad under the Pet Travel Scheme

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Vaccinations for Cats in the UK

My cat was a bit less fussy than the dog, but still needed her jabs to stay safe—especially since she liked sneaking out into the garden.

Core Vaccinations:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV)

• Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

These are usually combined in one injection, often called the “tri-cat” vaccine.

Optional (but often recommended):

• Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) – Particularly important for outdoor cats or multi-cat households

Booster Schedule:

• Kittens: First jab from 9 weeks old, second 3–4 weeks later

• Booster: At one year

• Annual boosters: Depending on the vaccine brand and your cat’s lifestyle

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What I’ve Learned as a Pet Owner

The biggest thing I’ve realised is that vaccine schedules aren’t always one-size-fits-all. My dog, for instance, needed his kennel cough vaccine before staying at a boarding kennel, even though it wasn’t strictly “essential” beforehand. And my indoor cat didn’t need the FeLV jab, but my previous outdoor cat absolutely did.

The good news is that your vet will guide you through it all—they’ll keep a record and let you know when boosters are due. A lot of practices even send reminders, which is a godsend if (like me) you forget everything that isn’t written down!

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Final Thoughts

So, what vaccinations does your pet need? Well, it depends on the pet—but most dogs and cats in the UK need their core vaccines in the first few months of life, followed by regular boosters. Some extras might be needed depending on their lifestyle.

Again, I’m not a vet—just a regular owner trying to do right by my pets. Always check with your local vet to get the proper advice for your specific situation.