2026 Pet Vaccination Schedule and Cost Guide

Vaccination is the foundation of pet preventive healthcare and can effectively reduce the risk of many fatal infectious diseases. Whether you're a new pet owner or an experienced pet parent, understanding vaccine types and schedules is important. This article compiles basic knowledge about dog and cat vaccines to help you plan ahead.

## Dog Vaccine Types

### Core Vaccines (Strongly Recommended)

1. **Distemper**
* Highly contagious virus with high mortality rate
* Affects respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems

2. **Parvovirus**
* Extremely high mortality rate in infected puppies
* Primarily causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea

3. **Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)**
* Affects liver and blood vessels
* Can cause acute liver failure

4. **Rabies**
* Legally required vaccine
* Transmissible to humans, nearly 100% fatal once infected

### Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Risk Assessment)

* **Kennel Cough (Bordetella)**: Recommended for dogs frequently visiting pet stores, grooming salons, or boarding facilities
* **Lyme Disease**: Consider for frequent outdoor activity in high tick-risk areas
* **Canine Influenza**: Higher risk in group environments

## Cat Vaccine Types

### Core Vaccines

1. **Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)**
* Highly contagious with high mortality in kittens
* Virus survives well in environment

2. **Calicivirus**
* Causes upper respiratory infections and oral ulcers
* Common in multi-cat environments

3. **Herpesvirus**
* Commonly called cat flu
* May become lifelong carrier after infection

4. **Rabies**
* Recommended even for indoor cats
* Legally required vaccine

### Non-Core Vaccines

* **Feline Leukemia (FeLV)**: Recommended when there's risk of going outdoors or contact with other cats
* **Feline AIDS (FIV)**: More controversial, discuss with veterinarian

## Recommended Vaccination Schedules

### Puppy Vaccination Schedule

| Age | Recommended Vaccines |
|-----|---------------------|
| 6-8 weeks | First combination vaccine |
| 10-12 weeks | Second combination vaccine |
| 14-16 weeks | Third combination vaccine + Rabies |
| 1 year later | Booster |
| Thereafter | Booster every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type) |

### Kitten Vaccination Schedule

| Age | Recommended Vaccines |
|-----|---------------------|
| 6-8 weeks | First FVRCP vaccine |
| 10-12 weeks | Second FVRCP vaccine |
| 14-16 weeks | Third FVRCP vaccine + Rabies |
| 1 year later | Booster |
| Thereafter | Booster every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type) |

## Cost Reference

Vaccine costs vary by region, clinic, and brand. Here are general reference ranges:

**Dog Vaccines (per dose):**
* Combination vaccine: approximately NT$600-1,200
* Rabies vaccine: approximately NT$200-500
* Lyme disease/Kennel cough: approximately NT$500-800

**Cat Vaccines (per dose):**
* FVRCP vaccine: approximately NT$600-1,000
* 5-in-1 vaccine: approximately NT$800-1,200
* Rabies vaccine: approximately NT$200-500

## Pre and Post-Vaccination Considerations

**Before vaccination:**
* Ensure pet is in good health
* Inform veterinarian of any past vaccine reactions
* Avoid vaccinating when pet is sick or stressed

**After vaccination:**
* Monitor for reactions within 24-48 hours
* Mild sleepiness and decreased appetite are normal
* Minor swelling at injection site usually resolves on its own

**Situations requiring immediate return visit:**
* Severe vomiting or diarrhea
* Breathing difficulty or facial swelling
* Weakness, inability to stand
* Persistent swelling or pus at injection site

## Booster Frequency for Adult Pets

Past thinking was that all vaccines needed annual boosters, but current views have adjusted:

* Core vaccines may only need boosters every 3 years
* Non-core vaccines may need annual administration
* Rabies follows local regulations, usually every 1-3 years
* Discuss the most suitable schedule for your pet with your veterinarian

Vaccines are an important part of preventive medicine, but each pet's needs may differ. We recommend discussing with your trusted veterinarian to develop the most appropriate vaccination plan based on your pet's age, health status, and lifestyle.

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**References:**
* World Small Animal Veterinary Association - Vaccination Guidelines
* American Animal Hospital Association - Canine Vaccination Guidelines
* American Association of Feline Practitioners - Feline Vaccination Guidelines

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