Being a pet owner, one of the most important things you can do to ensure your pet’s well-being and safety is vaccinating them. It is the fundamental duty of pet owners to protect their animals from a range of infectious and fatal diseases. Given Dubai's varied pet population and climate, which can impact the spread of disease, having a solid vaccination plan is essential.
Here we will guide you through everything you need to know about vaccination for dogs and cats in Dubai, guidelines, core and non-core vaccines, typical vaccination schedules, and why selecting the right veterinary clinic is crucial.
Why Pet Vaccination Matters
Vaccines prepare your pet's immune system to fight off certain diseases. By exposing the body to a weakened or dormant form of a virus or bacteria, they teach it to produce antibodies that will protect it. Thus, your pet's immune system is prepared to fight off any serious or even fatal illnesses should they ever come into contact with the real thing.
Besides protecting your own pet, vaccinations help the wider pet community through something called herd immunity. This prevents diseases from spreading, which is crucial in Dubai as pets often play together in parks or stay in boarding facilities.
AAHA & WSAVA Core vs Non-Core Vaccines
According to AAHA updates (2022) and WSAVA vaccination guidelines (2024):
- Core vaccines are those all dogs/cats should receive regardless of lifestyle, unless there’s a medical exemption.
- Non-core vaccines depend on the pet’s lifestyle, travel, exposure risk, and geographic disease presence
Dog Vaccination Guidelines in Dubai
Core Vaccines (all dogs should receive unless medically exempt):
- Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (DHPP/DHPPI):
- Start at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Booster every 2–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.
- One booster at ~1 year of age.
- After that: every 3 years (if a long-duration vaccine is used and the dog is healthy).
- Start at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Rabies (legally required in UAE):
- First dose at 12–16 weeks of age (depending on vaccine label).
- Booster at 1 year.
- After that: every 1–3 years, depending on vaccine product and local law.
- First dose at 12–16 weeks of age (depending on vaccine label).
- Leptospirosis:
- Considered core in many regions including the Middle East (due to water exposure).
- Start at ~12 weeks of age, two doses 2–4 weeks apart.
- Then annual booster.
- Considered core in many regions including the Middle East (due to water exposure).
Non-Core Vaccines (recommended based on lifestyle/risk):
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough): Recommended if your dog attends boarding, grooming, training classes, or dog parks. Usually annual.
- Canine influenza, Lyme disease: Only if your dog travels or is exposed to endemic areas.
Cat Vaccination Guidelines in Dubai
Core Vaccines (all cats should receive unless medically exempt):
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis [herpesvirus], Calicivirus, Panleukopenia):
- Start at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Booster every 2–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks of age.
- One booster at ~1 year of age.
- After that: every 3 years (for low-risk adult indoor cats).
- Start at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Rabies (legally required in UAE):
- First dose at 12–16 weeks of age.
- Booster at 1 year.
- After that: every 1–3 years, depending on vaccine type and law.
- First dose at 12–16 weeks of age.
Non-Core Vaccines (based on risk/exposure):
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV):
- Strongly recommended for kittens and cats with outdoor access or contact with other cats.
- Two doses, 3–4 weeks apart, starting at ~8 weeks of age.
- Annual or every 2–3 years, depending on lifestyle and test results.
- Strongly recommended for kittens and cats with outdoor access or contact with other cats.
- FIV, Chlamydia felis, Bordetella: Consider only in multi-cat households, catteries, or high-risk cats.
Typical Vaccination Schedule Summary for Dogs and Cats in UAE
Here’s a sample schedule adjusted for Dubai - UAE, combining core & common non-core pet vaccinations. Always follow the specific vaccine label and the veterinarian’s advice.
Dogs
- 6-8 weeks: Begin DHPP (core) first dose
- 10-12 weeks: DHPP booster
- 12-16 weeks: Final DHPP booster + start Leptospira (if using)
- 12-16 weeks: Rabies vaccine (depending on legal/regional requirement)
- 1 year: Booster for core vaccines (DHPP, rabies)
- Annually: Non-core if required (e.g., Bordetella, influenza)
- Every 3 years: Core vaccine boosters (DHPP etc.) if long-duration vaccine used, per AAHA/WSAVA & manufacturer guidelines
Cats
- 6-8 weeks: First FVRCP dose
- 10-12 weeks: Second FVRCP dose
- 16 weeks: Final FVRCP dose + Rabies where legally required
- 1 year: Booster (core vaccines + rabies)
- Every 3 years: Core vaccine boosters for mature low-risk indoor cats
- Annually or every 2-3 years: Non-core vaccines for high-risk cats (e.g. FeLV)
Before and After Vaccination Care
- Health exam before vaccination: ensure pet is healthy (no fever, illness)
- Deworming: advisable before or alongside initial vaccine series
- Monitor after vaccine for mild side effects: swelling at injection site, mild fever, lethargy. These usually resolve within 24-48 hours.
- Watch for severe reactions (rare): facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting. Contact the veterinarian immediately.
Importance of a Trusted Pet Clinic in Dubai
Finding the best veterinarian in Dubai is just as important as getting your pet vaccinated. A reputed clinic will guarantee that your pet gets the right vaccinations at the right times, tailored to their specific needs.
The Ark Animal Clinic has been a popular option for pet owners in Dubai for more than a decade. Our skilled and compassionate veterinarians provide everything from routine examinations to customized care. With modern facilities and 24/7 emergency services, The Ark Animal Clinic is a great choice for quality care and a compassionate approach.
Protect Your Pet’s Health with The Ark Animal Clinic
Getting your pet vaccinated is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and happy for a long time. By following the right schedule and working with a reliable veterinary clinic in Dubai, you're giving your furry friend the best protection against serious diseases. The Ark Animal Clinic is here to give your pet the great care they deserve. Their goal is to be a safe place for all pets, making them the perfect partner for your pet's health throughout their life.
