Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a vital part of your puppy or kitten’s early care, protecting them from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases that still exist in parts of Australia. A well-timed vaccination schedule helps your pet build strong immunity and gives you peace of mind when it comes to safe socialisation.
At Forth Valley Vet Clinic, we will work with you to create a vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and environment.
WHAT DO VACCINES PROTECT AGAINST?
Puppies are vaccinated against several core diseases, including:
Canine Parvovirus – a highly contagious virus causing severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
Canine Distemper – a virus that affects the nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis – a serious viral infection of the liver.
Canine Cough (Kennel Cough) – caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus, leading to a persistent, dry cough. Often contracted in group settings like parks, kennels, or training schools.
These are considered core vaccines. Additional non-core vaccines may be recommended based on your puppy’s individual risk. For more information on these diseases go here
Kittens are vaccinated against:
Feline Enteritis (Panleukopenia) – a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease.
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) – causes severe upper respiratory illness.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV) – another virus involved in cat flu, often affecting the mouth and respiratory system.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – recommended for outdoor cats.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) – may be recommended for kittens living with other cats or spending time outdoors.
Your kitten’s vaccinations will be tailored to their lifestyle, with indoor cats generally needing fewer than those who go outside.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATION SCHEDULE
Each pet is different, but here’s a general guide for puppies and kittens:
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinating your puppy or kitten is one of the simplest and most important ways to set them up for a long, healthy life. Some pets may require an additional booster, especially if there’s uncertainty around earlier vaccines.
After their primary course, both puppies and kittens will need booster vaccinations annually to maintain protection.
Forth Valley Vet Clinic follow the latest guidelines from the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and we’ll always provide advice based on the most up-to-date veterinary science.
Ready to book your pet’s vaccination?
FAQs on Vaccinations
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Early socialisation is essential for a well-adjusted adult dog or cat—but it’s important to balance this with disease risk.
Puppies can usually start interacting with other fully vaccinated dogs and attend puppy preschool classes in a controlled setting after their second vaccination. Kittens should remain indoors and away from unfamiliar cats until at least one week after their final kitten vaccination.
Our team will guide you on safe, age-appropriate socialisation for your pet.
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Yes. Vaccines used in Australia are carefully tested for safety and effectiveness. Mild, short-term effects like sleepiness or a small lump at the injection site are common. More serious side effects are very rare. If you have any concerns, we’re always happy to talk through them.
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If you're a returning client, we will send you an SMS reminder when your pet’s next vaccination is due. But if life gets busy and something slips through, don’t worry, just give us a call and we’ll get you back on track. If you haven’t visited us before and you’re unsure where your pet is up to, bring in any records you have, and we’ll assess what might be needed.