Dog vaccination costs should be a primary consideration when planning your pet budget. Some vaccines are essential for pet health, and some are even required by law.
We have researched dog vaccinations to provide an in-depth guide to pet parents on how to vaccinate their furry friends. Read on to find out how much shots cost for puppies and how much vaccines cost for dogs, plus a list of pet insurance companies that cover vaccines and a state-by-state guide to vaccines required by law.
How much do dog vaccines cost?
Dog vaccines range from $20 to $60 per vaccine. Prices vary depending on the specific vaccine (a rabies vaccine typically costs less than a Lyme vaccine, for example) and the veterinary practice you choose.
Essential vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine for dogs, are considered core vaccines. These are applied on an annual basis. However, there are also non-core vaccines, which are administered based on the dog’s breed, lifestyle, age and health status. Some nonessential vaccines, such as the Lyme vaccine, help prevent potentially fatal diseases.
All vaccines can help your dog stay healthy and free from life-threatening diseases. They can also help you reduce future vet bill costs and reduce your chances of having an expensive emergency vet visit.
Dog vaccination prices
When considering the cost of dog vaccinations, remember that your vet may require a general checkup before administering the shots. Be sure to ask about exam fees when booking your appointment.
Dog vaccine prices: basic vaccines
|
Vaccine |
Cost per dose |
Frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Anger |
$20 – $45 |
Every 1 or 3 years |
|
DA2PPv* |
$20 – $60 |
Every year |
Dog Vaccine Prices: Non-Essential Vaccines
|
Vaccine |
Cost per dose |
Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) |
$15 – $35 |
From semi-annual to annual |
|
Lyme disease (Borrealia burgdorferi) |
$25 – $35 |
Two doses spaced two to three weeks apart, then once a year |
| Leptospirosis (Leptospirosa bacteria) |
$25 – $45 |
Two doses spaced two to four weeks apart, then once a year |
| Rattlesnake vaccine (Crotalus atrox toxoid – CAT) |
$25 – $45 |
Two shots spaced a month apart, then annually |
How much do puppy shots cost?
The cost of puppy shots starts at $20 and increases depending on the type of vaccine. Additionally, puppy vaccination costs may vary depending on where you live and the vaccination facility you choose (e.g. private veterinary practice, low-cost clinic, Humane Society).
Check to see if your veterinary clinic offers discount prices on puppy vaccines when you purchase multiple vaccines at once. Some clinics offer a free wellness exam with the purchase of multiple vaccines.
First-time exams can cost between $40 and $100. There are also clinics that include deworming, heartworm testing, and heartworm prevention medications in puppy vaccination packages.
Please note that you may also be required to pay a biohazard waste disposal fee, which is usually less than $5 per vaccine. Additionally, your puppy may need a routine fecal exam to check for parasites such as heartworm. This can cost between $25 and $50.
Cost of puppy shots
|
AGE OF THE PUPPY |
VACCINES |
AVERAGE TOTAL COST |
|---|---|---|
|
6-8 weeks |
DA2PPv* |
$20 – $60 |
|
10-12 weeks |
DA2PPv* |
$20 – $60 |
|
14-18 weeks |
DA2PPv, anger |
$40 – $105 |
|
Annual |
DA2PPV, anger |
$40 – $105 |
What vaccines do dogs need?
Dogs need two vaccines: the rabies vaccine and DA2PPv. The latter is a combined vaccine that protects against distemper, adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis), adenovirus type 2 (kennel cough), parainfluenza and parvovirus. These vaccines, often called core vaccines, are administered annually to adult dogs.
There are also optional vaccines, called non-essential vaccines, that your dog may need, such as the Lyme disease vaccine. Your veterinarian can make recommendations for additional vaccines based on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, age and health.
Core vaccines for dogs
Many dog vaccines should be administered annually. Below you will find details for both core and non-core vaccines.
Vaccines for adult dogs
|
VACCINE |
FREQUENCY |
|---|---|
|
Anger |
Every one to three years |
|
DA2PPv* |
Annual |
Vaccination schedule for puppies
The puppy vaccination schedule below shows the core and non-core vaccines for your puppy’s first year, including booster vaccinations.
|
AGE OF THE PUPPY |
MAIN VACCINES |
NON-CORE VACCINES |
|---|---|---|
|
6-8 weeks |
DA2PPv* |
Bordetella (kennel cough) |
|
10-12 weeks |
DA2PPv enhancer* |
Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine flu |
|
14-18 weeks |
recall of DA2PPv*, anger |
Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine flu, rattlesnake vaccine (16 weeks and older) |
| Annual |
DA2PPV*, anger |
Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine influenza, rattlesnake vaccine |
What vaccines are necessary for dogs?
Dog vaccinations required by veterinary clinics and boarding services include DA2PP and the rabies vaccine. Additionally, the rabies vaccine for dogs is required by law in most US states. Ohio and Hawaii are the only two counties that do not legally require residents to vaccinate pets against rabies.
Medical exemptions for rabies vaccination are allowed in the following states:
- Alabama
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Imported dogs are exempt from mandatory rabies immunization in Georgia, and in Texas police service animals do not need to be vaccinated against rabies.
Where can I vaccinate my dog?
You can have your dog vaccinated at a veterinary practice by making an appointment. However, if you want to save on pet costs, search for free or low-cost pet vaccines via the following:
- State and city-run animal shelters – You may be able to find vaccinations and other preventative care at lower prices at local shelters.
- Nonprofit organization – Animal advocacy organizations like the Humane Society often hold free vaccination events or offer discounted prices.
- Schools of veterinary medicine – See the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for a list of veterinary colleges with low-cost clinics.
- Mobile veterinary clinics – Search for mobile veterinary clinics in your area for the lowest prices.
- Charity programs – For example, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation offers grants to pet owners who need financial assistance.
Does pet insurance cover vaccines?
Standard pet insurance plans do not cover vaccines. However, the best pet insurance companies offer additional health coverage, which can include vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and other preventative care.
Some pet insurance companies that cover vaccines through additional wellness plans or preventative care packages:
If you’re thinking about purchasing pet insurance to save on pet care costs, be sure to check out our guide on How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? Additionally, you can read about what pet insurance covers, such as pet dental care, and what pet insurance doesn’t cover.
How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost Frequently Asked Questions
How many injections does a puppy need?
Puppies need four shots when they are about four months old:. a DA2PP (for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza) between six and eight weeks, a second DA2PP between 10 and 12 weeks and a third DA2PP between 14 and 16 weeks, plus a rabies vaccine.
What is Bordetella vaccination for dogs?
The Bordetella vaccination, 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 who are frequently in contact with other dogs in daycares, dog parks, and other situations.
Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?
Absolutely necessary 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 between six and eight weeks of age. The second cycle should last 10 to 12 weeks and the third 14 to 18 weeks. Keep in mind that if your puppy is more than one of these ages and has not received any vaccinations, it is never too late to start a puppy vaccination program.
What vaccines do dogs need each year?
A vaccination schedule for dogs includes an annual rabies vaccine for dogs and DA2PPv, the combined vaccine for distemper, two types of adenovirus (hepatitis and kennel cough), parvovirus and parainfluenza. Depending on your dog’s needs, your dog may benefit from annual doses of nonessential vaccines, such as the Bordetella and leptospirosis vaccines.
Money Summary: How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?
Although dog vaccination costs vary depending on the vaccine and where the vaccination is given, the average cost per vaccination is between $20 and $60. Puppy vaccination costs are slightly higher because they should follow a puppy vaccination program, which requires a series of vaccinations and boosters starting at six to eight weeks of age.
Remember that the rabies vaccine for dogs and the DA2PPv combination vaccine are annual vaccinations for dogs. Both vaccines are considered core vaccinations, meaning they are essential for keeping your adult dog’s immune system healthy.
Your dog may also need non-core vaccinations depending on breed, age, lifestyle and health. Your veterinarian can make personalized recommendations on non-core vaccinations.
You can find free and low-cost vaccinations through animal advocacy organizations, mobile pet clinics, local shelters, and low-cost vaccination clinics. Some pet insurance companies also offer wellness packages that cover vaccines and other preventative care.