How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

Last Updated on March 15, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Vaccinating your dog is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner to protect their health. But with frequent veterinary exams and vaccinations recommended, especially for puppies, you may be wondering just how much those essential dog vaccinations are going to cost you.

In this article, we’ll break down the average costs associated with puppy shots and dog vaccinations to help you budget and plan for these vital veterinary expenses.

Getting your dog properly vaccinated can save you thousands of dollars in treatment for preventable illnesses like parvovirus, rabies, or distemper. It also protects other pets by preventing the spread of contagious diseases.

While the cost may give some pet owners pause, the benefits for your dog’s health are well worth the investment. Planning ahead and understanding what vaccinations your dog needs and when can help you manage the costs proactively.

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

Most puppy vaccinations and annual dog boosters range from $15 to $45 per vaccine. Typical core vaccines like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus generally fall within this range, costing around $25-35 each. Non-core vaccines, those that are required less often or for specific circumstances, may be slightly more.

You’ll typically pay less per vaccine at low-cost vaccination clinics, which usually offer core immunizations for $15-25 per shot. Full-service veterinarians tend to charge from $20-45 per vaccine. Location, clinic fees, vaccine brand, and type may increase costs as well.

For a puppy’s initial series of core vaccinations, which are spread out over the first 16 weeks, expect to spend $75 to $200. Adult dogs require fewer vaccines, so annual booster shots are around $50 to $150. Non-core vaccines, if needed, may cost $30 to $50 each.

According to MarketWatch.com, for example, dog vaccinations can range from $20 to $50 each, depending on the vaccine type and overall veterinary fees in your area. For example, prices for specific vaccines are listed as follows:

• Lyme vaccine: $20 to $24
• Bordetella vaccine: $36 to $41
• Canine parainfluenza and influenza vaccines: $45 to $52

Forbes.com writes that the cost of common vaccinations for dogs in different states is provided, with prices for specific vaccines listed as follows:

• Bordetella: $29.83 – $33.38
• DAPP: $34.87 – $39.02
• Bivalent influenza: $47.22 – $52.84
• Leptospirosis: $21.35 – $23.89
• Lyme disease: $38.31 – $42.87
• Rabies: $24.78 – $27.732

Money.com mentions that the cost of vaccines for dogs is reported to range from $20 to $60 per vaccine, with specific vaccine costs listed as follows:

• Rabies: $20 – $45
• DA2PPv (Distemper/Parvovirus Combo): $20 – $60
• Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica): $15 – $35

LowCostPetVaccinations.net provides specific prices for individual dog vaccines, such as:

• Rabies: $10
• DHPP (Distemper/Parvovirus Combo): $28
• Leptospirosis: $20
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): $18

While core and non-core vaccinations do represent an added expense for pet owners, preventing deadly contagious diseases like rabies and parvovirus is crucial for keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Proper vaccination literally can save your dog’s life and avoid costly treatments for preventable illnesses. So although budgets are tight for many families, protecting your dog’s health through timely vaccinations should take high priority.

Types of Dog Vaccinations

There are several different types of dog vaccines recommended on a schedule throughout your pet’s life. Core vaccines protect against common and highly contagious diseases, including:

• Rabies – Required by law in most regions. Provides long-lasting immunity, usually needing a booster only every 1-3 years. Costs around $15-25.
• Distemper – Protects against an often fatal viral illness. Given in a series of 3-4 boosters and then a yearly shot. Each costs $25-35.
• Parvovirus – Prevents a severe GI illness that’s prevalent in many areas. Administered in initial series and annual booster. $25-30 per dose.
• Adenovirus – Guards against infectious hepatitis. Often combined with parvovirus vaccine for $25-30.

Non-core vaccines may be recommended in certain situations to protect against other diseases like Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, or kennel cough. Talk to your vet about the right combination for your dog.

Puppies need a series of vaccinations starting as early as 6 to 8 weeks old and repeating every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs require most core vaccines just once a year, though your vet may recommend some every three years after the initial series.

Being familiar with the recommended dog vaccination schedule helps you plan and budget.

Factors Influencing Vaccination Costs

Several factors contribute to the overall cost of vaccinations for your dog:

• Vaccine Type – Some immunizations inherently cost more than others. Rabies is often the most affordable at $15-25.
• Veterinary Clinic – Full-service clinics generally charge more per vaccine than low-cost vaccination events.
• Location – Accessing care in a major metro area usually costs more than rural areas.
• Booster Shots – Initial puppy series requires more vaccines and vet visits than annual boosters.
• Vaccine Brand – Prices can vary slightly between manufacturers of the same vaccine.
• Combination Vaccines – Combining multiple immunizations into one shot can sometimes save money.

Talk to your vet about which vaccines are truly needed based on your dog’s age, breed, and location. It’s not necessary to get non-core vaccines that your pet won’t realistically benefit from.

Additional Veterinary Expenses

Along with vaccinations, here are some other routine veterinary costs for dogs:

• Wellness Exams – Should be performed annually, costing $45-65 per visit.
• Spay/Neuter – One-time expense of $150-300 to have your dog fixed.
• Flea/Tick Medication – Around $150-300 per year for preventative treatment.
• Heartworm Medication – Usually $50-150 annually depending on your dog’s weight.
• Blood Tests – May be recommended annually for older pets, costing $50-150.

While essential for your dog’s overall health, these recurring expenses add to the cost of pet ownership. Get an overview of these projected expenses so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Tips for Reducing Vaccine Costs

To make dog vaccinations and wellness exams more affordable, consider these cost-saving tips:

• Take advantage of low-cost vaccination clinics held periodically by animal shelters and humane societies.
• Enroll your dog in a preventative pet healthcare plan through your regular vet.
• Purchase annual packages or multi-pet discounts if you have more than one dog.
• Investigate non-profit organizations that provide discounted veterinary care and vaccines for pets of low-income families.
• Have your dog vaccinated at the same time as their annual wellness exam to save on exam fees.
• Compare prices between vets in your area to find the most budget-friendly option.
• Consider enrolling your dog in a pet insurance plan to get reimbursements for vaccination costs.

Keeping your dog healthy and protected doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some savvy planning, you can secure those essential, potentially life-saving vaccines your pup needs while sticking to your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Vaccinate a Puppy?

The average cost to fully vaccinate a puppy in their first year is $200-300. This covers the combination of core vaccines puppies need between 6 and 16 weeks old.

Each initial shot typically costs $15-35, and a series of 3-4 boosters is required. So with vet exam fees, expect to invest $75-200 for a puppy’s first year of vaccinations.

How Many Shots Does a Dog Need?

In their first year, puppies need a series of core vaccines including distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus given in 3-4 boosters between 6-16 weeks old. They also need a rabies vaccine by 12-16 weeks of age.

Beyond the puppy shots, adult dogs require annual boosters of core vaccines, with rabies being given every 1-3 years. Non-core vaccines may also be recommended by your vet depending on your dog’s circumstances.

How Many Months is a Puppy Fully Vaccinated?

With the combination of puppy shots required between 6-16 weeks, a puppy should be fully vaccinated against common illnesses like parvovirus and distemper by 4 months of age.

The series of boosters primes their immune system to protect against infection. Puppies also need additional vaccines as they grow, so discuss the schedule with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy receives all necessary immunizations on time.