How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost? | 2024 Price Guide
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How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost? 2024 Dog & Puppy Vaccine Price Guide

  • Dog vaccines typically cost anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on the type of vaccine.
  • Puppies need multiple vaccines to protect them from rabies and parainfluenza, distemper, hepatitis and parvo (often given in a single, 5-in-1 vaccine called DHPP).
  • Expect to spend between $90-$120 for your complete round of puppy shots.
  • Adult dogs will also need booster shots for rabies and DHPP every 1 to 3 years.
  • If your regular vet is too expensive, opt for preventative care pet insurance that covers shots or try a low-cost vaccination clinic.
  • We recommend using an online comparison tool when shopping for pet insurance. This way, you can easily compare coverage options and prices.

As vaccines are considered ongoing or routine care, they are not typically covered by a standard accident-only policy or an accident and illness policy.

That said, many pet insurers offer dog insurance plans with optional wellness packages that cover routine care – including vaccinations.

Usually, there is a limit to the amount of vaccinations per year that can be covered by a wellness policy. Most providers offer coverage for around 3 vaccines per year.

Top pet insurance providers that pay for vaccines

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Lemonade Pet Insurance

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4.8
Maximum annual coverage 
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices 
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices 
$100, $250, $500
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MetLife Pet Insurance

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4.7
Maximum annual coverage 
$1,000-$10,000
Reimbursement choices 
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices 
$50, $100, $250, $500
Many Deductible Options

Pets Best Insurance

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4.6
Maximum annual coverage 
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices 
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices 
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000

Dog and puppy vaccination costs

Here’s what you can expect to pay for some of the most common dog and puppy vaccinations.

Vaccine Average Cost
Rabies vaccine $15 to $20
DHPP $75 to $100
Bordetella $15 to $45
Leptospirosis $15 to $45
Parvovirus $30 to $40

What vaccinations does my puppy need?

Puppies need several core vaccines to protect them from infectious illnesses or to opt for the 5-in-one DHPP vaccine. Puppies also need a separate vaccine to prevent rabies.

Additionally, your vet may recommend some optional vaccines, especially if your pup is in contact with other dogs, like regularly attending a doggy daycare.

Let’s have a closer look at your puppy’s core vaccines.

DHPP the 5-in-1 vaccine

The DHPP is a single shot that protects against distemper, parvovirus, 2 forms of canine hepatitis, and influenza.

The DHPP vaccine includes:

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is typically a legal requirement for all dogs and is given to puppies once they are old enough to tolerate it (usually around 3-4 months) and again when they reach 1 year of age.

Optional puppy vaccines

Your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on your puppy’s lifestyle.

The optional puppy vaccinations include:

How often does my puppy need to be vaccinated?

Puppies have immature immune systems, so they need multiple vaccines during their first 18 months of life.

Speak with your veterinarian about following this recommended vaccination schedule in the table below.

Vaccination Age Recommended or Optional?
Distemper 6 to 8 weeks Recommended
Parvovirus 6 to 8 weeks Recommended
Bordetella 6 to 8 weeks Optional
Heartworm 6 to 12 months Optional
DHPP 10 to 12 weeks Recommended
Bordetella 10 to 12 weeks Optional
Leptospirosis 10 to 12 weeks Optional
Lyme 10 to 12 weeks Optional
DHPP 16 to 18 weeks Recommended
Rabies 16 to 18 weeks Recommended
Bordetella 16 to 18 weeks Optional
Leptospirosis 16 to 18 weeks Optional
Lyme 16 to 18 weeks Optional
DHPP 12 to 16 months Recommended
Rabies 12 to 16 months Recommended
Bordetella 12 to 16 months Optional
Leptospirosis 12 to 16 months Optional
Lyme 12 to 16 months Optional

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Not all vaccines provide lifelong protection, so adult dogs need boosters from time to time.

Fortunately, an adult dog doesn’t need as many vaccinations as a puppy. Over the course of your dog’s life, it will need DHPP boosters and rabies boosters, but it won’t need additional vaccines for Bordetella, leptospirosis or Lyme. If you have concerns about other illnesses, talk with your veterinarian.

How often does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Here’s a sample vaccination schedule for an adult dog.

Vaccination Recommended Timing
DHPP 1 year after the last puppy series
Rabies 1 year after the first vaccination
DHPP 2 years old
DHPP Every 3 years after the second booster
Rabies Every 1 to 3 years after the first booster

Why do dogs need vaccinations?

The main reason to get vaccinations is to protect your dog against serious illness.

Having your dog vaccinated reduces the risk of death and prevents unnecessary suffering. You may also be required to get certain vaccinations if you plan to board your dog or send it to doggy daycare. This prevents the spread of serious infections in a group setting.

Are there any risks involved with vaccinating your dog?

Vaccines may cause mild side effects, such as:

You may also notice a lump at the injection site. In some dogs, these lumps last for several weeks. As long as the lump remains firm and goes away after 3 weeks, it shouldn’t be any cause for concern.

Although vaccination is an important part of caring for your dog, it’s possible for an animal to have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in an injection. If you notice severe coughing, difficulty breathing, hives, facial swelling, or persistent diarrhea or vomiting, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

Are dog vaccines required?

The rabies vaccine is the only one required by law.

All other vaccinations are optional. However, you may be required to get certain vaccines if you plan to board your dog, participate in dog shows or engage in other activities that will put your pup in close contact with other dogs.

Where can I take my dog to get vaccinated?

Most people take their dogs to licensed veterinarians for recommended and optional vaccines.

Another option is to go to a low-cost vaccination clinic or purchase the vaccinations and administer them yourself.

Going to a vet is easiest, as it gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from a trained professional. A vet can also monitor your pet for any signs of an allergic reaction or other complications.

How to save on the cost of dog vaccinations

If you’re on a budget, there are a few ways to save on dog vaccines:

1

Try a low-cost vaccination clinic.

Animal shelters and other nonprofit organizations sometimes sponsor these clinics to make it easier for dog owners to afford preventive care.

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2

Shop around.

If your veterinarian charges more than you can afford, see if you can find a vet clinic with lower prices. Call around and ask questions about DHPP, rabies, leptospirosis and Bordetella vaccine costs to determine which vet is a good fit for your needs.

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3

Buy pet insurance.

This type of insurance reimburses you for some of the expenses associated with caring for a pet. Several companies offer plans designed to cover vaccinations and other routine services, making preventive care a little more affordable.

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If you’re considering purchasing a pet insurance plan to help cover the cost of preventative care, we recommend checking out these guides to help you find the best policy to suit your needs.

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FAQ: Dog vaccinations

What is the cost of vaccinating a dog?

Adult dogs don’t need as many vaccinations as puppies, but you should still expect to pay $15 to $100 for a booster. Parainfluenza, parvovirus, and other infectious illnesses can be fatal, so this is money well spent.

How much do puppy shots cost?

On average, puppy vaccinations cost anywhere from $15 to $100. You may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs by looking for low-cost providers, administering the shots yourself or purchasing dog insurance.

How many vaccines do puppies need?

Puppies should get seven shots within their first 18 months of life: three for DHPP, two for rabies, one for distemper and one for parvovirus.

How often do I need to vaccinate my dog?

Once your puppy reaches adulthood, it should get a rabies booster every 1 to 3 years and a DHPP booster every 3 years.

What happens if my dog is not vaccinated?

If your dog doesn’t get any vaccines, it has a higher risk of contracting infectious illnesses. Some of these illnesses are severe, increasing the risk of death. Additionally, you may not be able to participate in dog shows or board your dog at a kennel, as unvaccinated dogs can spread kennel cough and other diseases to their playmates.

How much does the Bordetella vaccine cost?

The cost of the Bordetella vaccine ranges from $15 to $42.

How much is a rabies shot for a dog?

A rabies shot typically costs $15 to $20.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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