Pet Vaccine & Checkup Schedule Tool

Generate a reference plan for vaccinations, deworming, parasite control and routine health checkups based on your pet type, life stage and lifestyle.
Vaccine names, legal requirements and timing can vary a lot between countries and regions. This tool is for general information only. Always follow your local laws and your veterinarian’s specific recommendations.

1. Fill in your pet’s basic information

Three quick steps

Pet type Select the closest category, such as “Dog”, “Cat”, “Small rodents” and so on.

Life stage The focus of vaccines and checkups changes with age.

Lifestyle Pets with more outdoor exposure usually need stricter vaccine and parasite control plans.

Region / environment This only adjusts some wording. Real plans must follow local disease risks and laws.

Tips:
• Before a first vaccination course, a vet should always assess whether your pet is fit to be vaccinated.
• Pets with chronic disease, immune problems or pregnancy need individual risk–benefit assessment before each vaccine.

2. Recommended schedule & explanations

For reference only

After you select the pet type, life stage and lifestyle on the left and click the button, this tool will show a combined plan including “core vaccines”, “optional vaccines”, “deworming & parasite control” and “routine health checkups” to help you structure your pet’s long-term health management.

How to understand a pet vaccine schedule?

For most pets, vaccination can be divided into two main phases: the primary course in young animals and the booster phase in adults. During the primary course, puppies and kittens usually receive several doses at fixed intervals (often every 3–4 weeks) to build stable immunity. Later, periodic boosters (for example every 1–3 years) help maintain protection.

1. Core vs non-core (optional) vaccines

Core vaccines: Target serious diseases with high mortality, high prevalence or significant zoonotic risk (such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper, feline panleukopenia, rabies). In many regions rabies vaccination is required by law.
Optional or non-core vaccines: Recommended according to local disease risk and your pet’s lifestyle, such as kennel cough, leptospirosis or canine influenza for dogs, or FeLV (feline leukemia virus) for cats.

2. Deworming and parasite prevention

For dogs, cats and many small mammals, regular internal deworming plus external parasite control is just as important as vaccines. Products exist as tablets, spot-ons, sprays and collars. The right choice and interval depend on your pet’s species, weight and health status, as well as the parasites common in your area.

3. How often does a pet need a checkup?

Healthy adult pets: Ideally at least one full checkup per year, including a physical exam and basic laboratory tests if needed.
Young animals: The vaccination period already brings them to the vet several times. Use these visits to monitor growth, teeth, behaviour and any early problems.
Senior pets (around 7–8 years and older in dogs and cats): Aim for a checkup every 6 months, with blood tests, urine tests and imaging as needed, to catch chronic diseases early.

4. Different species need different strategies

Dogs / Cats: Vaccine and deworming protocols are well established. Most regions have clear guidance and legal rules, especially for rabies.
Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs: Some countries offer specific vaccines, but there is no global standard. Good husbandry, hygiene, correct diet and prompt medical attention are often more important than vaccines.
Birds, reptiles and fish: Health is mainly driven by environment (temperature, humidity, water quality, lighting) and nutrition. Vaccines usually play a limited role in private pet keeping, while regular health checks and good management are essential.

You can treat this tool as a simple “health management checklist generator”: first get a rough framework online, then take this schedule to your local veterinary clinic and discuss a tailored plan for your individual pet.