Meddor
Why several shots
A puppy or kitten gets antibodies from their mother. Those antibodies block the vaccine, and they fade at an age that varies from one animal to the next, even within a litter. So WSAVA recommends several shots, every 2 to 4 weeks, the last one at 16 weeks of age or older: by then, almost all can respond to the vaccine.
The puppy schedule
| Age | What WSAVA recommends |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First shot against canine distemper, canine adenovirus (hepatitis) and parvovirus |
| Then | One shot every 2 to 4 weeks |
| 16 weeks or older | The last of the series, and the most important |
| 26 weeks | A booster, or from 20 weeks a blood test to check they’re protected |
| Around 1 year | The health check, with rabies if needed and any other useful vaccines |
| After that | Distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus no more often than every 3 years |
Leptospirosis is a serious disease that can also infect people. Where it occurs, WSAVA recommends vaccinating every dog. The vaccine doesn’t last as long: it’s usually boosted every year.
The kitten schedule
| Age | What WSAVA recommends |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First shot against panleukopenia and cat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus) |
| Then | One shot every 2 to 4 weeks |
| 16 weeks or older | The last of the series |
| 26 weeks or older | A booster |
| After that | Every 3 years or more for a cat living alone indoors that never boards; cat flu as often as every year for a cat that boards or meets other cats |
Where feline leukaemia (FeLV) occurs, WSAVA considers its vaccine core for cats under a year old, and for adults that go outdoors or live with cats that do. Only cats that test negative for FeLV should be vaccinated against it.
Why 16 weeks, not 12?
Some vaccine leaflets say the series can finish at 10 or 12 weeks. WSAVA recommends not finishing before 16 weeks, followed by the 26-week booster or a blood test: some young animals keep enough of their mother’s antibodies for an earlier vaccine not to take. Your vet chooses the protocol based on the vaccine they use.
Which vaccines are required in France?
Only rabies, and only in some cases: to travel with your dog or cat outside France, for category 1 and 2 dogs, and in a département declared infected with rabies. The vaccine can be given from 12 weeks of age, and it only becomes valid 21 days after the first shot: plan it well before a trip.
The others aren’t required, but French authorities recommend, among others: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and leptospirosis for dogs; panleukopenia, cat flu and feline leukaemia (for cats that go outdoors) for cats. Outside France, check your local rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can my puppy go out before the vaccines are finished?
WSAVA considers early socialisation essential to a puppy’s development, and compatible with its recommendations: the risk of parvovirus for puppies attending socialisation classes partway through their vaccinations is low, according to the studies it cites. Ask your vet which places to avoid until the series is done.
Do vaccines need repeating every year?
Not all of them. For a well-vaccinated adult, WSAVA recommends giving core vaccines (distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus in dogs, panleukopenia in cats) no more often than every 3 years. Others, such as leptospirosis, are usually given every year. The yearly check-up is the time to talk about it.
A booster is overdue
Call your vet: depending on the vaccine and how late it is, a single shot may be enough, or they may start again with two shots 2 to 4 weeks apart, as WSAVA advises for leptospirosis when protection has lapsed.
Sources
- R. A. Squires et al., “2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats”, WSAVA, Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2024.
- Préfecture des Pyrénées-Orientales, “Importance de la vaccination chez les chiens et les chats” (in French), February 2024: required and recommended vaccines in France.
- DRAAF Centre-Val de Loire, “Gare à la rage” (in French), May 2026: rabies vaccination from 12 weeks.
- French Ministry of Agriculture, “Comment voyager avec son animal de compagnie ?” (in French), 2021: the vaccine is valid 21 days after the shot.
- Préfecture du Bas-Rhin, “Chiens dangereux” (in French): up-to-date rabies vaccination for the category 1 and 2 dog permit.