Congratulations on welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your family! As exciting as this time is, one of the most important things you can do for your new companion is ensure they get their vaccinations at the right times.
At Aldgate Vets, we’re here to guide you through every step of your pet’s vaccination journey. We follow UK vaccination guidelines based on WSAVA and PDSA recommendations, so you can be confident your pet is getting the protection they need.
And, because we know those first-year vet visits can add up, we offer Pet Health Plans that spread the cost throughout the year, whilst providing additional benefits for your pet’s ongoing care.
Why Vaccination Timing Matters
When puppies and kittens are born, they receive temporary protection from their mother’s antibodies through her milk. However, these maternal antibodies fade by 16 weeks of age, creating a “window of susceptibility” when your young pet is most vulnerable to serious diseases.
In the UK, diseases like Parvovirus and Leptospirosis in dogs, and Feline Panleukopenia in cats, pose real threats. Proper vaccination timing ensures your pet develops their own immunity before maternal antibodies disappear.
For more detailed information about our vaccination services and the diseases we protect against, visit our Pet Vaccinations page.
Your Puppy Vaccination Schedule Checklist
First Appointment (6-8 Weeks)
We’ll administer the core vaccines protecting against Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus (CAV), and Canine Parvovirus (CPV), along with the Leptospirosis vaccine (L4 formulation).
This appointment is also the perfect time to discuss microchipping – a legal requirement in the UK before your puppy reaches 8 weeks old. We’ll book your next appointment for 4 weeks later.
Second Appointment (10-12 Weeks)
Your puppy will receive boosters for the core vaccines and a second dose of the Leptospirosis vaccine.
If you’re planning to use boarding kennels or doggy daycare, we’ll discuss the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. Not all puppies need this vaccine, so we’ll help you decide based on your lifestyle.
Final Appointment (14-16 Weeks)
This appointment completes your puppy’s primary vaccination course with the final core vaccine booster and third Leptospirosis dose. If microchipping wasn’t completed earlier, we’ll ensure it’s done now.
Your puppy will need approximately 2-3 weeks after this visit for full immunity to develop.
12-Month Boosters & Beyond
At 12 months we’ll administer a full booster course to ensure that your dog has full, long-lasting immunity. It also offers a ‘top-up’ dose in the event that your puppy didn’t fully respond to their initial course of vaccines.
After the 12 month booster, your dog’s vaccination schedule will change slightly. Leptospirosis requires annual boosting due to its prevalence in the UK. However, based on WSAVA evidence-based guidelines, core vaccines (CDV/CAV/CPV) only need boosting every three years in adult dogs.
If you’re planning EU travel with your dog, we’ll discuss a Rabies vaccination, which must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
Your Kitten Vaccination Schedule Checklist
First Appointment (6-8 Weeks)
We’ll administer the core vaccines protecting against Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopenia), Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Herpesvirus, along with the Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine.
During this visit, we’ll discuss your kitten’s expected lifestyle – whether they’ll be indoor-only or have outdoor access – as this influences ongoing vaccination recommendations.
Second Appointment (9-12 Weeks)
Your kitten will receive boosters for all the core vaccines and a second dose of the FeLV vaccine. In the UK, the standard protocol is a two-dose schedule, typically given at 9 and 12 weeks.
Third Appointment (Optional, 14-16 Weeks)
For kittens at higher risk – those with outdoor access or rescue kittens adopted from an animal shelter – we may recommend a third vaccination around 14-16 weeks. Our veterinary team will assess your kitten’s individual circumstances and advise whether this is necessary.
1-Year Booster & Beyond
Outdoor cats require annual FeLV vaccination due to ongoing exposure risk, whilst indoor-only cats may not need continued FeLV boosters. Core vaccines are typically given every one to three years based on your cat’s individual risk assessment and lifestyle.
Rabies vaccination is available for EU pet travel.
Your Common Vaccination Questions
Are all vaccines required?
Vaccines are classified as either “core” or “non-core.” Core vaccines protect against serious, widespread diseases and are recommended for all pets. In the UK, this includes CDV/CAV/CPV and Leptospirosis for dogs and FPV/FCV/FHV for cats.
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on individual risk factors. For example, Bordetella is typically only necessary if your dog will be in boarding or high-contact situations. Rabies is not routine in the UK but it is required for international travel.
What are the side effects?
Most puppies and kittens experience no side effects. When reactions do occur, they’re typically mild and can include slight lethargy, reduced appetite, or tenderness at the injection site for 24-48 hours. These signs indicate your pet’s immune system is responding appropriately to the vaccine.
Contact us immediately if your pet experiences vomiting, facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe lethargy that lasts beyond 48 hours.
When is my pet fully vaccinated?
Puppies are fully protected around 18-19 weeks of age (16 weeks plus 2-3 weeks after their final booster). Kittens reach full protection around 14-15 weeks (12 weeks plus 2-3 weeks post-final booster).
Until your pet is fully vaccinated, limit exposure to unvaccinated animals and avoid high-risk areas.
What if I miss an appointment?
Don’t worry – we can create a catch-up schedule tailored to your pet’s current age and vaccination history. Contact Aldgate Vets as soon as possible if you’ve missed an appointment, and our team will get your puppy or kitten back on track.
What’s the cost?
We understand that the cost of multiple veterinary visits can add up during your pet’s first year. That’s why we offer our Pet Health Plan, which spreads the cost of vaccinations and routine healthcare through affordable monthly payments. The plan also includes discounts on other veterinary services.
After Vaccination: What to Expect
After each vaccination appointment, it’s normal for your puppy or kitten to be slightly quieter than usual or show mild soreness at the injection site. These reactions typically resolve within 24-48 hours.
During this period, avoid intense physical activity and keep your puppy or kitten away from public areas, dog parks and contact with unvaccinated animals until they’re fully vaccinated.
If you have concerns outside of normal working hours, contact Aldgate Vets’ out-of-hours service immediately.
Book Your Puppy or Kitten Vaccination
At Aldgate Vets, we’re committed to providing exceptional care for your new puppy or kitten from their very first visit. Our experienced veterinary team follows evidence-based protocols, and we take the time to answer all your questions and address any concerns.
Ready to start your puppy or kitten’s vaccination journey? Call us at our Bridlington practice (01262 677269) or our Driffield practice (01377 252087) or book online to schedule your first appointment. Head to our website to learn more about how our Pet Health Plan can benefit your new family member.
