Keeping your pet's vaccinations up to date is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership. Vaccines protect against diseases that are often fatal, highly contagious, or, in the case of rabies, transmissible to humans. In South Africa, rabies vaccination is compulsory under the Rabies Act and its associated provincial regulations. Your vet will guide you through the exact schedule appropriate for your pet's age, health status, and lifestyle.
The schedules below reflect current South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) guidelines and are intended as a general reference. Always consult a registered veterinarian for personalised advice.
Dogs
Puppy Series
Puppies receive antibodies from their mother's milk (maternal immunity), but this protection fades between six and sixteen weeks of age. The puppy vaccination series is timed to bridge this gap and establish the puppy's own immune response.
| Age | Vaccine | Core / Non-Core | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (DHP) | Core | First dose of the puppy series. Often combined as a multivalent vaccine (e.g. 5-in-1). |
| 10 to 12 weeks | DHP + Parainfluenza + Leptospirosis | Core / Non-Core | Second dose. Leptospirosis is especially recommended in areas with high rodent activity or flooding risk. |
| 14 to 16 weeks | DHP + Rabies | Core | Final puppy dose. Rabies is legally required in South Africa. This dose provides the foundation of lasting immunity. |
| 16 to 20 weeks | Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Non-Core | Recommended for dogs that visit kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, or doggy day care. Available as intranasal or injectable. |
Adult Dog Boosters
| Timing | Vaccine | Core / Non-Core | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months after puppy series | DHP Booster + Rabies Booster | Core | First adult booster. Confirms immunity established during the puppy series. Rabies booster is legally required. |
| Every 1 to 3 years | DHPPi (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) | Core | Frequency depends on the specific vaccine used and your vet's assessment. Many modern vaccines are licensed for three-year intervals. |
| Every 3 years | Rabies | Core (Legally Required) | South African law requires rabies vaccination. Your vet will issue a certificate. Keep this certificate in a safe place. |
| Annually | Leptospirosis | Non-Core | Annual booster recommended for at-risk dogs. Immunity does not persist beyond one year. |
| Annually or as needed | Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Non-Core | Required by most reputable kennels. Some facilities require vaccination within the last 6 months. |
Cats
Kitten Series
Kittens are highly susceptible to infectious disease once maternal immunity wanes. The kitten vaccination series protects against the most common and serious feline illnesses.
| Age | Vaccine | Core / Non-Core | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), Calicivirus, Panleukopaenia (FVRCP) | Core | Often called the "cat flu" vaccine. Protects against severe upper respiratory infections and panleukopaenia (feline distemper). |
| 10 to 12 weeks | FVRCP Booster + FeLV (if at risk) | Core / Non-Core | Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) vaccination is recommended for outdoor cats or cats in multi-cat households with unknown FeLV status. |
| 14 to 16 weeks | FVRCP Booster + Rabies | Core | Final kitten dose. Rabies is legally required in South Africa for all cats and dogs. Many vets administer this at the final kitten visit. |
Adult Cat Boosters
| Timing | Vaccine | Core / Non-Core | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months after kitten series | FVRCP Booster + Rabies Booster | Core | First adult booster. Important for confirming long-term protection. |
| Every 1 to 3 years | FVRCP | Core | Interval depends on vaccine type and lifestyle risk. Indoor-only cats may qualify for three-year intervals; outdoor or multi-cat household cats are often boosted annually. |
| Every 3 years | Rabies | Core (Legally Required) | Required by South African law. Ensure your cat's rabies certificate is kept current. |
| Annually | FeLV | Non-Core | Recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to FeLV-positive cats. |
| Annually | Chlamydophila felis | Non-Core | Considered in catteries or multi-cat environments where chlamydiosis (a cause of chronic conjunctivitis) is a known problem. |
A Note on Rabies in South Africa
South Africa experiences ongoing rabies activity, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. The Rabies Act (Act 15 of 1994) and provincial ordinances make rabies vaccination compulsory for dogs and cats. Failure to vaccinate can result in fines, and an unvaccinated pet exposed to a suspected rabid animal may be legally required to be euthanised rather than quarantined.
If you are unsure whether your pet's rabies vaccination is current, contact your vet immediately. A simple annual check-up is the best way to stay compliant and keep your family safe.
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