Complete Pet Vaccination Schedule for Dubai

⚡ Quick Summary

• Rabies is LEGALLY REQUIRED in Dubai
• Puppies/kittens: Start at 6-8 weeks, series of 3-4 shots
• Adult pets: Annual or triennial boosters
• Cost: 150-500 AED per visit
• Keep records - you'll need them for housing, boarding, travel

Just got a new puppy or kitten in Dubai? Congratulations! Let's make sure they stay healthy with the right vaccines at the right time.

📋 Dubai's Legal Requirements

Rabies vaccination is mandatory in Dubai. Dubai Municipality requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by 3 months of age, with annual boosters.

🐕 Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Age	Vaccines	Notes
6-8 weeks	DHPP (1st dose)	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
10-12 weeks	DHPP (2nd dose)	Building immunity
12-16 weeks	DHPP (3rd dose) + Rabies	Rabies legally required
16-18 weeks	DHPP (4th dose)	Final puppy shot
Annually	DHPP booster + Rabies	Lifelong protection

🐱 Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Age	Vaccines	Notes
6-8 weeks	FVRCP (1st dose)	Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
10-12 weeks	FVRCP (2nd dose)	Building immunity
12-16 weeks	FVRCP (3rd dose) + Rabies	Rabies legally required
Annually	FVRCP booster + Rabies	Lifelong protection

✅ Required vs Optional Vaccines

Required (Core) Vaccines

Every pet in Dubai needs these:

Dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis
Cats: Rabies, FVRCP (3-in-1)

Optional (Non-Core) Vaccines

Based on lifestyle and risk:

For Dogs:

• Bordetella - If using boarding, grooming, dog parks
• Leptospirosis - If exposure to standing water, wildlife areas
• Canine Influenza - Social dogs, dog parks, daycare

For Cats:

• FeLV - Outdoor cats or multi-cat households
• FIV - Outdoor cats, especially males
• Chlamydia - Multi-cat environments

💰 Vaccination Costs in Dubai

Typical Price Ranges:

Consultation fee: 100-200 AED
DHPP/FVRCP combo: 150-250 AED
Rabies vaccination: 100-200 AED
Full puppy/kitten package: 800-1,500 AED
Annual booster visit: 300-500 AED

Prices vary by clinic. Compare clinics here.

📝 What You'll Need for Documentation

1. Pet Passport - Get one from any Dubai vet, required for travel
2. Vaccination Card - Keep all records in one place
3. Microchip Number - Required in Dubai, linked to your Emirates ID
4. Municipality Registration - Required for dogs in Dubai

Pro Tip: Take photos of all vaccination records and store in your phone. You'll need them for boarding, grooming appointments, building management, and travel.

🏠 Dubai-Specific Requirements

For Building/Community Living

• Most buildings require proof of vaccination
• Some require annual vet health certificates
• HOAs may have additional requirements

For Pet Boarding

• All core vaccines must be current
• Bordetella (kennel cough) often required for dogs
• Vaccines must be given 2+ weeks before boarding

For International Travel

• Rabies titer test required for most countries
• Must be done 30+ days before travel
• Some countries have 6-month waiting periods
• Check destination country requirements early

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Starting vaccines too early

Maternal antibodies interfere before 6 weeks

❌ Missing booster appointments

May need to restart the series

❌ Socializing before fully vaccinated

Risk of parvovirus and distemper exposure

❌ Skipping rabies boosters

Legal requirement, fines apply

🐾 Side Effects: What's Normal?

Normal (No Worry Needed)

✓ Mild lethargy for 24-48 hours
✓ Slight decrease in appetite
✓ Small lump at injection site (resolves in 2-3 weeks)
✓ Mild fever

Call Your Vet If You See

⚠️ Facial swelling
⚠️ Difficulty breathing
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhea
⚠️ Collapse or extreme weakness
⚠️ Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours

📅 Setting Up Reminders

Don't rely on memory. Set up vaccine reminders:

1. Add recurring calendar events
2. Many Dubai vets send SMS reminders
3. Ask about clinic reminder apps
4. Set phone reminders 2 weeks before due dates

🔍 Finding the Right Vet

For vaccinations, look for:

✓ Dubai Municipality licensed
✓ Proper vaccine storage (cold chain)
✓ Transparent pricing
✓ Good reviews from pet parents
✓ Convenient location for regular visits

Find trusted vets near you →

💚 Final Thoughts

Vaccines are the single most important thing you can do for your pet's long-term health. They're safe, effective, and required in Dubai.

Start on time, stay on schedule, and keep your records organized. Your future self (and your pet) will thank you.

Questions? Your local vet is always happy to help. 🐾

💉 Complete Pet Vaccination Schedule for Dubai