Dog and Cat Vaccination Schedule in India: Complete Guide by Age
Quick Answer
Vaccinations protect against parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and other deadly diseases. This guide covers the complete vaccination schedule for puppies, kittens, and adult pets in India — including costs and booster timing.
Vaccinations protect against parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and other deadly diseases. This guide covers the complete vaccination schedule for puppies, kittens, and adult pets in India — including costs and booster timing.
Vaccinations are the single most effective way to protect your pet
**Puppy vaccination schedule (India)**
**6-8 weeks:** First dose of DHPPi (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza). This is the most critical vaccine. Parvovirus kills up to 80% of unvaccinated puppies who contract it.
**10-12 weeks:** Second dose of DHPPi + first dose of Leptospirosis. Some vets also add Coronavirus vaccine based on regional risk.
**14-16 weeks:** Third dose of DHPPi + second Leptospirosis + Anti-Rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccination is mandatory by law in India.
**Annual boosters:** DHPPi + Lepto + Rabies, every year for life.
Optional but recommended:
**Kitten vaccination schedule (India)**
**6-8 weeks:** First dose of FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). Panleukopenia is the cat equivalent of parvovirus — extremely deadly in kittens.
**10-12 weeks:** Second dose of FVRCP.
**14-16 weeks:** Third dose of FVRCP + Anti-Rabies vaccine.
**Annual boosters:** FVRCP + Rabies, every year.
Optional but recommended:
**Important rules about vaccination**
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**Do not vaccinate a sick pet.** If your puppy or kitten has diarrhea, fever, or is unwell, postpone the vaccine until they recover. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system — a sick animal's immune system is already compromised.
**Do not take unvaccinated puppies outside.** Until the puppy has completed the full 3-dose DHPPi series (at 16 weeks), avoid dog parks, streets, and areas where other dogs have been. Parvovirus survives in the environment for months.
**Do not skip the rabies vaccine.** Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear — in dogs, cats, AND humans. India has one of the highest rabies burdens in the world. Vaccination is the only protection.
**Deworming before vaccination.** Always deworm your pet 7-10 days before vaccination. Parasites suppress the immune response and can make vaccines less effective.
Common vaccination side effects
When to call the vet after vaccination:
Vaccination costs in India (approximate)
These costs vary by city and clinic. Government veterinary hospitals often provide rabies vaccines free or at minimal cost.
**Myths about vaccination**
"My dog stays indoors, so vaccines are not needed." — Viruses can be carried on shoes, clothing, and through contact with other animals. Indoor dogs still need core vaccines.
"After the puppy series, no more vaccines are needed." — Annual boosters are essential. Immunity wanes over time without boosters.
"Indie dogs do not need vaccines." — All dogs need vaccines regardless of breed. Indie dogs are just as susceptible to parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.
"Vaccines cause autism in pets." — There is no scientific evidence for this. This myth has been thoroughly debunked in both human and veterinary medicine.
Never miss a vaccine date
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