Dog and cat vaccination schedule

Vaccines take over at the point where the immunity passed on by the mother runs out. That is why timing matters — a vaccine given too early may not work, and one given too late leaves an unprotected window.

Why maternal immunity dictates the timing

In their first weeks, puppies and kittens are protected by antibodies passed on in their mother's milk. Those antibodies fade over time, but exactly when differs from animal to animal. A vaccine given while they are still high may have no effect. To work around that uncertainty, vaccines are given as a spaced series rather than a single dose.

General schedule for dogs

The combination vaccine covers diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and parainfluenza. Parvovirus in particular moves fast in puppies and can be fatal — a puppy should not be taken to shared spaces such as parks before the series is complete.

Depending on lifestyle, your vet may recommend additional vaccines: kennel cough (bordetella) if the dog goes to boarding, or tick-related protection in high-risk regions.

General schedule for cats

The feline combination vaccine generally covers panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. Cats must be tested before the leukaemia vaccine; there is no benefit in vaccinating a cat that is already a carrier.

Rabies and the legal position

Rabies is fatal for both animals and people, and vaccination is compulsory for dogs, cats and ferrets in Türkiye. The vaccine is recorded and tracked alongside digital identification (microchip). Vaccination records are requested for travel, boarding and trips abroad.

Why keep the vaccination card?

The card is not just a piece of paper — it is your pet's medical history. You will need it when:

• Changing vets — a new clinician cannot build the right plan without the history
• Being admitted to boarding, hotels or daycare
• Travelling, especially internationally
• Showing which protections are in place during an emergency

Photograph the card and keep a digital copy too. In the PATI app you can store vaccination records with dates and next-due information, and get a reminder when the time comes.

What to expect after vaccination

Mild lethargy, reduced appetite and slight tenderness at the injection site are normal in the 24–48 hours after a vaccine. However, contact your vet immediately for:

• Swelling of the face, around the eyes or in the mouth
• Hive-like rash
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or extreme weakness

What if a vaccine is late?

If a dose in the puppy or kitten series is delayed, restarting the series is usually not necessary, but a window of reduced protection opens. In an adult animal whose annual booster is a few months overdue, the vet will normally continue with a single dose. Knowing exactly how late it is makes the right decision easier — which is why keeping dates on record matters.

Parasite protection is not a vaccine

Internal and external parasite treatments run on their own schedule, separate from vaccination, and are usually repeated more often. Do not confuse the two, and do not let either slip. For details, see our guide on protecting against ticks and fleas.