Meddor
The first months are the busiest: vaccinations, deworming, microchip, neutering, and a few steps before they even arrive. Enter their date of birth: the tool gives you every step, on its date.
Before they arrive (in France)
- The certificate of commitment and knowledge: since 1 October 2022, anyone taking in a dog or cat in France must sign it, then wait at least 7 days before collecting the animal. It stays valid for later acquisitions of the same species.
- Identification: in France, any animal given away or sold must be identified beforehand, by microchip or tattoo. Check their papers. Identification is required anyway before 4 months for a dog, before 7 months for a cat.
Vaccinations
WSAVA recommends a first shot between 6 and 8 weeks, then one every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, and a booster at 26 weeks. Our vaccination schedule details each shot.
Deworming
According to ESCCAP, puppies are dewormed from 2 weeks, kittens from 3 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 2 weeks after weaning, then monthly until 6 months. Our deworming schedule gives you the dates.
Neutering
For a kitten, International Cat Care recommends neutering at around 4 months, before they can breed: kittens can reach sexual maturity from that age. The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) recommends neutering owned cats from 4 months.
For a puppy, AAHA (2019) goes by expected adult weight. If they’ll weigh under 45 lb (20 kg), it generally recommends neutering around 5 to 6 months, before the first heat for a female. If bigger, it advises waiting until growth is complete for a male, around 9 to 15 months, and deciding case by case between 5 and 15 months for a female. Risks also vary by breed: it’s a decision to make with your vet.
The first vet visit
According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, the first visit is often when the vet examines the animal, implants the microchip if needed, and gives the vaccinations. Bring their health record and the papers you got at adoption.
Frequently asked questions
I already have a dog: do I need a new certificate?
No, if you’ve already signed one for that species: it doesn’t expire. You do need one per species.
They aren’t identified
In France it’s required before any transfer: ask the person giving the animal to do it, or talk to your vet.
Sources
- Préfecture de l’Oise, “Certificat d’engagement et de connaissance” (in French), December 2022.
- French Ministry of Agriculture, “L’identification des animaux de compagnie” (in French), 2026.
- WSAVA, “2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats”.
- ESCCAP France, deworming flowcharts for dogs and cats (in French), 2023.
- International Cat Care, “Neutering your cat”, and FECAVA/FVE, “Early neutering of kittens”, 2019.
- Creevy et al., “2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines”, JAAHA, 2019: neutering age in dogs.