How Much Do Dog Shots Cost?
How Much Is a Dog Shot?: Quick Answer
Although the cost of dog vaccinations varies depending on the vaccine and where you get your dog’s vaccinations, the average cost per shot is between $20 and $60. The cost of puppy vaccinations is slightly higher because they must follow the puppy vaccination schedule, which requires a series of shots and boosters starting at six to eight weeks of age.
How much are dog vaccines?
The cost of dog vaccinations ranges from $27 to $96 per vaccine, according to Care Credit, a financial service used for veterinary expenses. Prices vary depending on the specific vaccine – the rabies vaccine usually costs less than the Lyme vaccine, for example – and the veterinary treatment you choose.
As animal care becomes more expensive every year, preventive health services are becoming increasingly important. Vaccinations help keep your dog healthy, reduce vet costs and reduce your chances of expensive vet visits.
“Vaccines play an important role in protecting dogs from highly contagious and often life-threatening diseases,” said Dr. Zac Pilossof, consulting veterinarian at Healthy Paws pet insurance. “Especially for puppies, the vaccines help to stimulate their immune system so they can build immunity early.”
Read on for a breakdown of the cost of adult dog vaccines and the first-year puppy vaccination schedule.
Cost of core vaccines
Essential vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine and the DA2PPv vaccine, are considered core vaccines. These are usually used every year.
Prices for canine vaccines
|
Vaccine |
Average cost per dose |
Usually |
|---|---|---|
|
Rabies |
$35 |
Every 1 to 3 years |
|
DA2PPv* |
$42 |
Every year |
Cost of non-core vaccinations
Non-original, or lifestyle, vaccines are given based on your pet’s health, lifestyle and age. For example, your vet may recommend a Lyme vaccine if your dog lives in a tick-prone area, or a Bordetella vaccine if your dog often meets other dogs at parks or boarding facilities.
Prices for non-primary canine vaccines
|
Vaccine |
Average cost per dose |
Usually |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) |
$38 |
Every six months to a year |
|
Lyme disease (Borrealia burgdorferi) |
$50 |
Two doses, two to three weeks apart, and then annually |
| Leptospirosis (Leptospirosa bacteria) |
$49 |
Two doses, two to four weeks apart, and then annually |
| Rattlesnake vaccine (Crotalus atrox toxoid – CAT) |
$34 |
Two shots, one month apart, then every year |
How much does a puppy shot cost?
The cost of a puppy shot starts at $20 and goes up depending on the type of vaccine, where you live and whether you go to a private veterinary clinic, clinic or Humane Society.
Puppies need four shots at four months of age: one DA2PP (for canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza) at six to eight weeks of age, a second DA2PP at 10 to 12 weeks and a third DA2PP at 14 to 16 weeks, and one rabies vaccine. DA2PP vaccine is also known as DHPP, DAPP and 5-in-1 vaccine.
Your veterinary clinic may offer discounted prices on puppy shots when you purchase vaccination packages. Some clinics also offer free health screenings, deworming and heartworm screenings.
Be aware that you may be required to pay for a stool test to check for parasites and a biohazard disposal fee, which is usually less than $5 per vaccine.
Cost of puppy shots
|
Vaccines |
Non-core vaccines |
Average cost |
The age of the puppy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
DA2PPv |
Bordetella (kennel cough) |
$20 – $60 |
6 to 8 weeks |
|
DA2PPv |
Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine influenza |
$20 – $60 |
10 to 12 weeks |
|
DA2PPv, rabies |
Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine influenza, rattlesnake vaccine |
$40 – $105 |
14 to 18 weeks |
|
DA2PPV, rabies |
Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine distemper, rattlesnake vaccine |
$40 – $105 |
In a year |
What vaccinations are required for dogs?
Dr. Julie Hunt, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, says there is one vaccination that is required by law: a rabies vaccine.
All dogs 12 weeks of age or older are required to receive a rabies vaccine. Dr. Hunt adds that veterinarians recommend vaccinating most dogs, at least 6-8 weeks old, against distemper virus, adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza virus. These vaccines are combined into a combination vaccine called the DA2PP vaccine, which will be given in one injection.
Ohio and Hawaii are the only two states that do not legally require residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies. Additionally, imported dogs are not subject to mandatory rabies vaccinations in Georgia, and in Texas, police animals are not required to be vaccinated against rabies.
Exemptions from medical rabies vaccinations are allowed in the following states:
- Alabama
- California
- In Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- In Florida
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- In Oregon
- in Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- Virginia
- In Wisconsin
Where can I get my dog vaccinated?
You can get your dog vaccinated at the veterinary office. However, if you want to save money on pet costs, look for free or low-cost policies using the following:
- State and city-run animal shelters – You can get vaccinations and other preventive care at low prices at local shelters.
- Non-profit organizations – Animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society often organize free vaccination events or offer discounted prices on vaccines.
- Colleges of veterinary medicine – Check the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for a list of veterinary colleges with low-cost clinics.
- Mobile animal clinics – Veterinarian “hospitals on wheels” operate in vans, bringing often low-cost basic medical care and spay and neuter services directly to you.
- Assistance programs – For example, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation offers grants to pet owners who need financial assistance.
Does pet insurance cover vaccinations?
Pet insurance policies do not cover vaccinations. However, many pet insurance companies offer additional health plans (also called standard care packages or add-ons) that include vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries and other preventative pet care. These include Pumpkin, Figo, Pets Best, Nationwide, Lemonade, AKC, ASPCA, Wagmo, Fetch, MetLife and ManyPets
How Much Does it Cost to Vaccinate Dogs Frequently Asked Questions
How many shots does a puppy need?
Puppies need four shots when they are four months old:. one DA2PP (for canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza) at six to eight weeks of age, a second DA2PP at 10 to 12 weeks and a third DA2PP at 14 to 16 weeks, and one rabies vaccine.
What is the Bordetella vaccine for dogs?
The Bordetella vaccine, also known as the kennel cough vaccine, helps prevent canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Although Bordetella is a non-core vaccine, veterinarians often recommend this additional protection for dogs that frequently come into contact with other dogs at kennels, dog parks and other situations.
What vaccinations do dogs really need?
Mandatory dog vaccines include the rabies vaccine and DA2PPv, also known as DHPP, which protects against distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, parvovirus and parainfluenza.
When should a puppy be vaccinated?
A puppy should receive its first round of shots when it is six to eight weeks old. The second round should be between 10 and 12 weeks, and the third should be between 14 and 18 weeks. Note that if your puppy is older than any of these ages and has never had a shot, it is not too late to start your puppy on the vaccination schedule.
What vaccinations do dogs need every year?
The dog vaccination schedule includes the annual rabies vaccine for dogs and DA2PPv, a combination vaccine for distemper, two types of adenovirus (hepatitis and kennel cough), parvovirus and parainfluenza. Depending on the dog’s needs, your dog may benefit from annual doses of non-essential vaccines, such as Bordetella and leptospirosis vaccines.
Cost Summary How much does it cost to vaccinate dogs?
Although the cost of vaccinating dogs varies by vaccine and provider, the average cost per shot is between $20 and $60. The cost of vaccinating puppies is slightly higher because they require a series of vaccinations and boosters during the first year, starting at six to eight weeks of age.
Once your dog has completed its first-year vaccination schedule, it will need annual vaccinations, which include the DA2PPv vaccine and the rabies vaccine, in addition to any non-primary vaccinations your vet recommends.
You can get free and low-cost vaccinations through animal welfare organizations, mobile pet clinics, local shelters and low-cost vaccination clinics. Some pet insurance companies also offer health riders that cover vaccinations and other preventative care.
