Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your pet from preventable diseases — following a proper schedule is essential for your pet's health and safety.
Key Fact
Rabies vaccination is required by law in Kenya and is essential for public safety — the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Why Vaccinate Your Pet?
Vaccines stimulate your pet's immune system to produce antibodies, protecting your pet and reducing disease spread through herd immunity.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs
- Distemper: Highly contagious, often fatal; affects respiratory, GI, and nervous systems.
- Parvovirus: Causes severe vomiting/diarrhoea; death can occur within 48–72 hours.
- Hepatitis: Affects liver, kidneys, and eyes; can be fatal in young dogs.
- Parainfluenza & Kennel Cough: Respiratory infections, highly contagious in social settings.
- Rabies: Fatal, transmissible to humans; vaccination required by law.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Cats
- Panleukopenia: Highly contagious, often fatal; most deadly in kittens.
- Calicivirus: Causes upper respiratory infections, oral ulcers, and pneumonia.
- Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus): Major cause of upper respiratory infections; lifelong carriers.
- Feline Leukaemia (FeLV): Suppresses immunity; recommended for outdoor cats.
- Rabies: Vaccination required by law for cats in Kenya.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies receive temporary immunity from their mother, which fades between 6 and 16 weeks — a series of vaccinations during this window is critical.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
- DHPPi: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
- Rabies: Required by Kenyan law
- Kennel Cough (Bordetella): Recommended for social dogs
Puppy Shot Schedule
- 6–8 weeks: First DHPPi
- 10–12 weeks: Second DHPPi + Kennel Cough
- 14–16 weeks: Third DHPPi + Rabies
- 12–16 months: Annual booster (DHPPi + Rabies)
- Yearly: Annual boosters thereafter
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Cats require a different set of core vaccines. Many owners underestimate risks to indoor-only cats — diseases can be brought in on shoes and clothing.
Core Vaccines for Cats
- FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
- Rabies: Required by law
- FeLV: Feline Leukaemia (recommended for outdoor cats or multi-cat households)
Kitten Shot Schedule
- 8–9 weeks: First FVRCP
- 12–13 weeks: Second FVRCP
- 16+ weeks: Third FVRCP + Rabies
- 12–16 months: Annual booster (FVRCP + Rabies)
- Yearly: Annual boosters thereafter
Core vs. Optional Vaccines
Core vaccines are for all pets — dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Rabies; cats: Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Rabies. Optional vaccines (Kennel Cough for dogs, FeLV for cats) depend on exposure risk.
Titer Testing as an Alternative
Titer testing measures antibody levels to check if your pet is still protected. It is more expensive than vaccination — consult your veterinarian.
Adverse Reaction Management
Modern vaccines are extremely safe. Mild side effects (lethargy, fever, soreness) resolve within 24 hours. Rare serious reactions include facial swelling, vomiting, breathing difficulty, or collapse — contact your vet immediately.
Legal Requirements in Kenya
All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies annually under the Rabies Control Act. Agrinovetec Kenya provides official vaccination certificates.
Travel Requirements
International travel requires valid rabies vaccination (30+ days before), an international health certificate, microchip ID, and destination-specific vaccines. Contact us at least 3 months before travel.
Adult Pet Vaccination
Adult pets need regular boosters. Even indoor-only pets need protection — diseases can be brought in on shoes and clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my puppy meet other dogs before being fully vaccinated?
Yes, with caution. Socialise with known, vaccinated dogs in controlled environments. Avoid dog parks until 1–2 weeks after the final shot.
Does my indoor cat need vaccinations?
Yes. Diseases can be brought in on shoes and clothing, and rabies is a public health concern regardless of lifestyle.
How much do pet vaccinations cost in Nairobi?
Call +254 708 274 925 for current pricing. Prevention costs far less than treatment.
"Many pet owners believe that once their pet is an adult, vaccinations are no longer needed. This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in veterinary medicine. Annual boosters are essential to maintain immunity throughout your pet's life."
— Agrinovetec Kenya Veterinary Team
Learn About Pet Vaccinations
Call +254 708 274 925 to learn more about vaccinations at our Nairobi clinic.
Learn More