Complete Pet Vaccination Schedule for India (2026): What Every Delhi NCR Pet Parent Must Know

You brought home a puppy. Or maybe an adorable kitten. Or perhaps you adopted a stray who has never seen a vet. Either way, one of the first and most important things you must do is set up a vaccination schedule.

In India — and especially in a densely populated urban area like Delhi NCR — the risk of infectious disease for pets is real and constant. Parks, markets, kennels, groomers: your pet encounters other animals almost every day. Vaccination is your first and strongest line of defence.

This guide gives you the complete, doctor-approved vaccination calendar for 2025, specific to Indian conditions, with practical advice for Delhi pet owners.

How Vaccines Actually Work in Your Pet's Body

When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a weakened or inactivated form of a virus or bacteria into your pet's body. The immune system responds by creating antibodies — specialised proteins that remember and fight that specific pathogen. If your pet is ever exposed to the real disease in future, the immune system recognises it instantly and fights it off before it can cause serious harm.

This is why timing matters. If you give a vaccine too early, the puppy's maternal immunity (from the mother's milk) can neutralise the vaccine before the immune system has learned from it. Too late, and the maternal immunity has faded, leaving a window of vulnerability. Your vet determines the right window for maximum effectiveness.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule: Month by Month (India 2025)

6 – 8 Weeks: First DHPP combination vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza). This is the first visit. Also a good time for a complete health check, deworming, and flea/tick prevention discussion.

10 – 12 Weeks: Second DHPP booster. Leptospirosis vaccine. Corona Virus vaccine. At this age, immunity from the mother is fading rapidly — this booster is critical.

14 – 16 Weeks: Third DHPP booster. Rabies vaccine (mandatory). Bordetella if your puppy visits parks, boarding, or grooming. This completes the primary series.

12 – 15 Months: First annual booster for all core vaccines. After this, your dog moves to a yearly or 3-yearly schedule depending on the vaccine type and your vet's recommendation.

Every Year Thereafter: Rabies annual booster (required by Delhi Municipal Corporation), DHPP booster, Leptospirosis booster, and any non-core vaccines based on your dog's lifestyle.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide

Cats in India are often under-vaccinated. Here is the recommended schedule:

8 Weeks: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — the feline triple vaccine. Think of this as the cat equivalent of DHPP.

12 Weeks: Second FVRCP booster. Rabies vaccine (strongly recommended for all cats in India, including indoor cats).

16 Weeks: Third FVRCP booster if needed based on the specific brand and protocol.

Annual: FVRCP booster + Rabies booster every year.

Non-Core Vaccines: Should Your Delhi Pet Get Them?

Non-core vaccines are given based on risk factors specific to your pet's lifestyle and environment. For Delhi NCR pets, the following deserve serious consideration:

•       Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Highly recommended for dogs who visit parks, attend dog shows, stay at boarding kennels, or visit groomers. Delhi's pet-friendly culture means most dogs qualify.

•       Lyme Disease: Less common in Delhi but relevant if you travel with your pet to hilly or forested areas like Mussoorie, Shimla, or Corbett.

•       Giardia: Recommended for dogs that drink from outdoor water sources or visit heavily trafficked areas.

Common Mistakes Delhi Pet Owners Make with Vaccination

1. Skipping annual boosters: Many owners vaccinate puppies properly but forget annual boosters. Vaccine immunity wanes over time. A missed booster is a gap in protection.

2. Not maintaining a vaccination card: If you lose track of what vaccine was given when, your vet has to make assumptions. Always keep your pet's vaccination card safe. At Pet Vet Care, we provide and maintain detailed records for all our patients.

3. Vaccinating a sick pet: A pet with fever, diarrhoea, or active illness should not be vaccinated. The immune system is already compromised and may not respond correctly. Reschedule once your pet recovers.

4. Buying vaccines from a chemist and self-administering: Vaccines require cold chain maintenance (stored between 2–8°C). Improper storage makes them ineffective. Always vaccinate at a registered veterinary clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: My dog is 2 years old and has never been vaccinated. Can I still start? Absolutely yes. Bring your pet in immediately. We will design a catch-up schedule. It is never too late to start protecting your pet.

Q: My puppy had one vaccine but we moved to Delhi. How do I continue? Bring whatever vaccination records you have, even a photo of the old card. We will assess what has been given and continue the appropriate schedule without unnecessary repetition.

Q: Can two vaccines be given on the same day? Yes, certain combinations are routinely given together. Your vet will advise based on your pet's age, weight, and health. Combination vaccines like DHPP are designed for this purpose.

Q: My pet seems fine after vaccination. Does that mean the vaccine worked? Mild lethargy or slight soreness at the injection site for 24-48 hours is normal and actually a sign that the immune system is responding. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or include severe swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately.

Q: Is there a vaccination reminder service available? Yes. At Pet Vet Care by Dr. Jitender Jagpal, we maintain your pet's vaccination history and send reminders when boosters are due. You will never miss a dose.

Visit Us for Your Pet's Vaccination in Delhi NCR

Whether you have a 6-week-old puppy, a 10-year-old senior dog, or a rescue cat of unknown age — our team at Pet Vet Care is ready to build the right vaccination plan for your pet. We serve pet owners across South Delhi, Lajpat Nagar, Saket, Greater Kailash, Gurgaon, Noida, and the entire NCR region.

📍 Address: Shop No.1, NBCC Shopping Complex, South Market, Pilanji, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi - 110023

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 08048036513

🌐 Book Online: www.petvetcareindia.in

✉️ Email: drjagpal@petvetcareindia.com

Your pet cannot ask for help. You have to. Book their vaccination appointment today.