Dog and cat vaccinations

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A guide to dog and cat vaccinations

Updated 7 March 2024
Written by Eliza Buglar
Reviewed by Adrian Taylor

Expert tips on keeping on top of pet vaccinations

Our resident pet insurance expert, Adrian Taylor, has helpful tips for staying on top of your cat or dog vaccinations.

Adrian Taylor
Executive General Manager – General Insurance

Get a tailored vaccine program

Get a vaccination schedule for your pet to keep up to date with all their vaccines and annual boosters. Your vet will conduct a health check-up and assess your furry friend’s needs to recommend a program. Many pet owners believe their dog or cat is protected for life once they’ve had their initial round of vaccinations, but that’s not the case. Pets need boosters to maintain their immunity to infectious diseases.

Always go to a qualified veterinarian

Vaccinations can cause pets stress and discomfort, so make sure only a qualified veterinarian or vet nurse administers the vaccine. They should know how to use desensitising techniques to make the process more comfortable for your fur baby and yourself.

Consider routine care cover

You can get a routine care add-on to your pet insurance to help pay for periodic check-ups, vaccinations, and other preventative care procedures. This comes at an added premium, but you may opt to pay a higher excess at claims time to reduce the cost of your policy.

Core and non-core pet vaccinations

Dog and cat vaccinations are classified into core and non-core immunisations. Core vaccines are deemed essential to protect your pet against deadly or debilitating diseases. Core vaccinations should be administered from six or eight weeks of age, typically followed by a booster vaccine every two to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks.1

Non-core vaccines may be prescribed if your dog or cat is susceptible to illnesses or diseases due to their breed, location, environment or lifestyle.

Cat vaccinations

What vaccinations do cats and kittens need?

How much do cat vaccinations cost?

How much do kitten vaccinations cost?

Dog vaccinations

What vaccinations do dogs and puppies need?

How much do dog vaccinations cost?

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?

Important to know

Does pet insurance cover vaccinations for cats and dogs?

Do cats and dogs need the same vaccinations?

When can my puppy start socialising after getting vaccinated?

Should I still vaccinate my cat or dog if they don’t go outside?

Why should my pet get vaccinated?

Do I need to keep a pet vaccination record?

Are pet vaccinations safe?

Meet our pet insurance expert, Adrian Taylor

Adrian Taylor
Executive General Manager – General Insurance

As Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor knows that dogs and cats get themselves into all sorts of mischief. One part of Adrian’s work is to help empower consumers to understand how pet insurance can help save them from exorbitant vet bills when their pet gets injured or falls ill.

1 RSPCA − All you need to know about pet vaccinations. Accessed May 2023.

2 RSPCA − What vaccinations should my cat receive? Accessed May 2023.

3 RSPCA New South Wales – Costs. Accessed May 2023.

4 RSPCA − What vaccinations should my dog receive? Accessed May 2023