When it comes to protecting your furry companions, pet immunisations are one of the most crucial aspects of preventive care. Whether you’ve recently welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your home or are maintaining the health of an older pet, understanding the distinction between core and non-core vaccines is essential. In Australia, veterinarians follow strict guidelines to ensure dogs and cats receive the right animal vaccinations based on their health needs and lifestyle.
In this blog, we’ll explore what core and non-core vaccines mean, how they’re administered, and why these canine and feline vaccinations matter in safeguarding your pet’s long-term wellbeing.
What Are Core Vaccines for Pets?
Core vaccines are those that are essential for all pets, regardless of their location, lifestyle, or breed. These vaccines protect against life-threatening diseases that are either highly contagious or pose a significant risk to human and animal health.
In Australia, the core vaccines for dogs typically include:
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Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
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Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) – causes infectious hepatitis
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Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2)
Together, these are often combined into one shot known as the C3 vaccine under the standard pet vaccine schedule.
For cats, core vaccines include:
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Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)
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Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
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Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
These are commonly grouped as the F3 vaccine for cats.
According to the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), these vaccines are considered vital for all dogs and cats due to the prevalence and severity of the diseases they prevent.
What Are Non-Core Vaccines?
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on an individual pet’s risk factors, such as their geographic location, exposure to other animals, travel habits, and overall health status.
Non-core vaccines for dogs may include:
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Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
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Parainfluenza virus
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Leptospira interrogans (Leptospirosis)
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Canine Coronavirus
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Lyme disease (uncommon in Australia)
These are often part of the C5 vaccine, especially important for dogs attending boarding kennels, training schools, or grooming salons.
Non-core vaccines for cats may include:
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Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) – especially for outdoor cats
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Chlamydophila felis
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Veterinarians assess whether these companion animal vaccines are necessary by evaluating lifestyle and environmental exposure.
Why the Distinction Matters
The difference between core and non-core vaccines allows for individualised care. While core vaccines are typically mandatory and standardised, non-core vaccines provide additional protection tailored to your pet’s unique lifestyle. For example:
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A housecat in Sydney may only need the core F3 vaccine.
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A social dog attending doggy daycare in Brisbane may benefit from the C5 combination, which includes kennel cough prevention.
Veterinary professionals rely on these distinctions to create an optimal pet immunisation plan.
Pet Vaccine Schedule in Australia
Maintaining a regular pet vaccine schedule is essential for long-term immunity. Here’s a general guideline based on Australian veterinary standards:
🐶 Dog Vaccination Schedule:
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6–8 weeks: First puppy shot (C3)
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10–12 weeks: Booster (C5 or C3 + kennel cough)
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14–16 weeks: Final puppy booster
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Annually or every 3 years: Booster shots depending on vaccine type and vet advice
🐱 Cat Vaccination Schedule:
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6–8 weeks: First kitten vaccine (F3)
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10–12 weeks: Second dose
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14–16 weeks: Final booster
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Annual boosters: As needed, especially for FeLV or FIV in outdoor cats
Your vet will determine the right pet booster shots based on your pet’s age, breed, and environment.
Benefits of Vaccinating Your Pets
Investing in routine pet shots is far more cost-effective than treating a preventable illness. Key benefits include:
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Disease prevention: Stops the spread of deadly diseases.
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Public health safety: Many animal diseases can spread to humans (zoonotic).
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Pet boarding compliance: Boarding facilities often require up-to-date veterinary vaccines for pets.
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Improved longevity: Healthy pets tend to live longer, happier lives.
The RSPCA and other pet health organisations in Australia actively encourage pet owners to stay on top of vaccinations for both puppies and kittens, as well as adult pets.
Are There Risks Involved?
Like any medical procedure, puppy and kitten vaccines may come with mild side effects such as temporary lethargy, swelling at the injection site, or loss of appetite. However, serious adverse reactions are rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. If your pet shows unusual symptoms after vaccination, always consult your veterinarian immediately.
Final Thoughts
In summary, core vaccines are essential for all pets to prevent widespread, serious diseases, while non-core vaccines provide additional protection based on lifestyle and exposure risk. Whether you’re raising a new kitten or caring for an older dog, staying updated on your pet’s vaccine schedule is one of the most responsible things you can do as a pet owner.
For accurate guidance on dog and cat vaccinations, always consult a licensed veterinarian who can tailor the right immunisation plan using veterinary vaccines for pets that match your companion’s needs.
