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How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost? (2023)

Dog vaccinations protect individual dogs from deadly diseases, as well as humans and other pets in the community. Vaccine costs can add up quickly, especially for young puppies, but these services are considered basic and essential to your pet's health. However, the best pet insurance companies will typically only cover vaccines through their wellness plans.

We at the Guides Home team want pet parents to understand and budget for this necessary expense as part of the cost of owning a dog, so we've gathered everything pet owners should know about dog vaccinations.

Dog Vaccinations Cost

Dog vaccinations can range from $20 to $50 each, depending on the vaccine type and overall veterinary fees in your area. Vaccines are typically administered during your dog's annual wellness visit, so the total visit cost includes an exam fee and will depend on how many vaccines your dog receives. Here is a breakdown of the expenses by individual vaccination and state.

Puppies receive antibodies from their mother's milk that temporarily protect them against infectious diseases, but that protection wanes after several weeks. Pet vaccinations start around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with doses given every two to four weeks until 16 weeks of age, which enables the puppy to make their own antibodies. Puppy vaccinations are customized to each pet depending on their current and expected lifestyle and needs.

Core Vaccines

Vaccines are broken down into core and non-core categories, based on disease severity and prevalence. Core vaccines are considered necessary for all pets because they protect against often-fatal diseases and help protect the community from outbreaks. Core vaccines for dogs include:

  • Canine parvovirus vaccine: Canine parvo is highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, leading to severe dehydration, systemic infection and shock. Most puppies will survive with treatment, but treatment requires intensive care, which can become costly.
  • Distemper vaccine: Canine distemper virus attacks the nervous system and respiratory tract and is often fatal. Dogs who survive typically have permanent neurologic damage. Wildlife can carry and transmit the virus, serving as a reservoir of infection.
  • Canine hepatitis vaccine: Canine infectious hepatitis, which is caused by an adenovirus, attacks liver cells and can cause secondary clotting problems or kidney disorders. Around 10% to 30% of infected young dogs will die, but vaccination provides good immunity.
  • Rabies vaccine: Rabies virus is nearly 100% fatal, attacking the brain and nervous system within days of infection. The virus is prevalent in many wildlife species, such as raccoons and bats, and is transmitted through bite wounds. The rabies vaccine is extremely effective and is required by law to protect pets and humans from infection.
    • What Is the 5-in-1 Vaccine?

    The 5-in-1 or 4-in-1 vaccine for dogs combines core vaccines into a single injection. Parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus and canine parainfluenza comprise the 4-in-1 vaccine; the 5-in-1 vaccine also includes protection against leptospirosis. This combination is often referred to as the DAPP, DHPP, DA2PP or DAPP+L vaccination, or the canine distemper combination vaccine. Most veterinary clinics use the combination vaccine rather than the individual components to minimize the number of injections required.

    Optional Dog Vaccines

    Optional dog vaccines are also known as lifestyle or non-core vaccines because they are administered only to dogs at high risk for contracting each disease. A dog's risk level is assessed during puppyhood and then reassessed during each annual wellness visit to determine whether their vaccine protocol is appropriate. Optional vaccines for dogs include:

  • Bordetella vaccine: The Bordetella vaccine protects against the bacteria that commonly causes kennel cough and is recommended for dogs who spend time at dog parks, daycare, boarding kennels, dog sports or training classes. This vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but lessens infection severity and helps dogs recover faster.
  • Canine influenza vaccine: Dogs at risk for Bordetella infection are also at risk for canine influenza, an airborne infection. The canine influenza vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but it can lessen disease severity, reducing the likelihood of complications, including pneumonia.
  • Leptospirosis vaccine: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that dogs can pick up from water sources contaminated with infected urine. Leptospirosis causes severe liver and kidney damage and can be fatal for some dogs. Vaccination provides effective immunity.
  • Lyme disease vaccine: Ticks transmit Lyme disease, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This vaccine is recommended for pets who spend time outdoors, and especially those who go hiking or camping with their owner.
    • Puppy Vaccination Schedule

    Your puppy's vaccination schedule depends on when vaccinations begin and how many total vaccinations they need. Expect vet visits every few weeks until your puppy is at least 4 months old. Here is an overview of a typical puppy vaccination schedule.

    How Often Do Dogs Need to be Vaccinated?

    After the initial puppy vaccination series, adult dogs need vaccine boosters throughout their life. The first vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the targeted disease, while boosters help to reinforce this response.

    All vaccinations are boosted one year after the puppy series ends. After this, dogs receive some vaccines every three years and others yearly, depending on the manufacturer's labeling and veterinarians' recommendations.

    Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

    This table shows a typical booster schedule for adult dog vaccinations.

    Are Dog Vaccinations Required?

    Rabies vaccination is required by law and is regulated by individual states and counties. Each county legislature sets rabies control laws and rules. In contrast, the animal control department typically enforces these laws and works with local veterinarians to protect pets in their communities.

    No other dog vaccinations are required; however, the DAPP combination, which includes four core vaccines, is highly recommended to protect your pet and others in your community.

    Summary of Dog Vaccination Costs

    Dog vaccinations typically cost between $20 and $50 each. Here are the average costs for each dog vaccine:

  • Rabies vaccine: $23 to $27
  • DAPP vaccine: $33 to $38
  • Leptospirosis vaccine: $20 to $24
  • Lyme vaccine: $36 to $41
  • Bordetella vaccine: $28 to $33
  • Canine parainfluenza and influenza vaccines: $45 to $52
    • How To Lower the Cost of Vaccines for Dogs

    Pet parents can lower the costs for puppy vaccines by adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue, who may include vaccinations in the initial adoption fee. You can lower adult dog vaccination costs using the following strategies:

  • Visit low-cost vaccine clinics in your area
  • Re-evaluate your dog's vaccine risk with your veterinarian each year
  • Adopt an every-three-year vaccine protocol where appropriate
  • Ask your veterinarian about vaccination packages with bundled costs

    • Remember that low-cost vaccination clinics provide vaccinations only — a complete physical examination and other wellness services are still recommended annually for all pets.

    Pet Insurance for Dogs

    You can purchase a pet health insurance policy for your dog to cover expenses related to accidents or illnesses. You will pay a monthly premium to keep your policy active, and the insurance company will reimburse you for a percentage of the costs associated with your pet's care, minus any applicable deductible.

    While pet insurance plans help to ensure you're prepared for the unexpected, most policies do not cover wellness or preventive pet care services, including vaccinations. For an additional fee, you can add wellness coverage to some policies, which will then reimburse you up to a certain amount for vaccinations and other services, such as a microchip, heartworm test, heartworm prevention, deworming and spaying or neutering.

    Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate's degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.

    Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.


    Humane Society, Petco Love Hold Free Pet Vaccine Event In North Myrtle Beach

    NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Pets can get free vaccines next weekend thanks to the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach and Petco Love.

    As part of Petco Love's initiative to provide one million more free pet vaccines, the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach is hosting a free pet vaccine clinic on Saturday, June 3.

    According to Petco Love, an estimated 30% of pet parents do not take their pets to a veterinarian annually for preventative care.

    The most prevalent deadly diseases affecting pets, parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats, are preventable with a simple vaccine.

    The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach aims to vaccinate 300 pets through this effort.

    "Beyond the immediate impact, Petco Love's provision of free vaccines has a ripple effect," said Tina Hunter, Executive Director of the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. "By keeping pets healthy and protected, we are reducing the risk of contagious diseases spreading within our neighborhoods and ensuring a safer and more harmonious environment for both animals and humans alike."

    The free vaccine clinic will run from 8 a.M. Until 1 p.M. On June 3 at the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach at 409 Bay Street in North Myrtle Beach.

    Vaccines distributed through the Petco Love initiative will be DAPPv Canine and HCP Feline vaccines. Rabies vaccines will be offered for $10 and microchips will be offered for $15. Each pet will also receive a free identification tag.

    "It is heartbreaking when any pet suffers or dies from a disease that could have been prevented. It is further exacerbated when unvaccinated pets come into busy shelter kennels, where these deadly diseases can spread quickly, resulting in multiple deaths, skyrocketing expenses, and hindering saving pet lives," said Susanne Kogut, Petco Love President. "By creating greater awareness and making this crucial preventative care more accessible to pets not currently receiving these lifesaving vaccines, we can prevent the dangerous spread of disease."

    The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach will provide free vaccinations for Grand Strand area pets at a vaccine clinic on Saturday, June 3(NMB Humane Society, Petco Love)

    For more information about vaccine distribution, contact The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach at info@hsnmb.Org. Learn more about Petco Love's lifesaving impact at PetcoLove.Org.

    Copyright 2023 WMBF. All rights reserved.


    Pitt Co. Offers Free Rabies Vaccines For Pets June 10

    © Provided by Greenville-N.Bern-Washngtn WITN-TV WITN

    PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Pitt County pet owners can get their furry friends the rabies vaccine for free.

    Pitt County Animal Services will be offering 500 first-come, first-served, rabies vaccines for pets.

    It will be taking place Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.M. To 1 p.M. At the Staton House Volunteer Fire Department.

    CLINIC INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Dogs MUST be leashed and cats in carriers.
  • Transport cats in separate carriers to expedite rabies shots administration.
  • No retractable leashes.
  • Dogs must be in regular collars or harnesses. No chains are allowed to be used as collars.
  • No appointment needed; first come, first served.
  • All rabies vaccines given will be valid for one year.
  • Photo ID with current address is required. If the address on the ID is not current, bring a utility bill that verifies the owner's current address. Owners without photo ID will be turned away.
  • All dogs and cats MUST be at least four months of age to receive the rabies vaccination. Animals under four months will be turned away. If available, bring papers that verify the pet's date of birth.
  • Pets will not receive a rabies vaccination if it is requested more than 30 days before the previous shot's expiration date. Rabies vaccinations requested within the final 30 days or after expiration will be given.
  • If you bring an animal to the clinic for a family member, friend, or neighbor, you MUST have their photo ID (or copy of their photo ID) with their current address and written permission for their animals to be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Upon arrival, check-in at the tent with tables in the parking lot at the rear of the fire station. Volunteers will be on-site to assist.

    • The county says it's state law that dogs and cats over four months old be vaccinated against rabies. Pitt County residents are subject to a $100 civil penalty if not vaccinated.

    Animal Services stresses that the staff will be unable to look up previous rabies vaccination records.

    For more information, visit the Pitt County Rabies Clinic webpage.





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