How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost? Additional Costs & FAQs

Healthy adult dogs need to see the vet at least once a year. This annual check-up is a chance for your vet to perform a wellness exam and administer any vaccines your dog needs. Knowing what vaccinations are available and how much they’ll cost will help you plan for your dog’s medical care. The price differs per state and pet, but you can expect to pay in the range of $30-$50.

What Dog Vaccinations Are Recommended in the US?

Most vets categorize dog vaccines as either “core” or “lifestyle.”¹ Core vaccines for dogs are adenovirus-2, distemper, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies. A dog should receive these vaccines unless a vet advises against it due to age or an underlying health condition.

Lifestyle vaccines for dogs are canine influenza, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease. Your vet will recommend lifestyle vaccines based on where you live and what types of activities your dog does. A yellow lab that accompanies its owner on hikes in the Arizona desert will need different lifestyle shots than a Pomeranian who lives in NYC.

Does My Dog Need Additional Vaccinations for International Travel?

Possibly. Traveling from the U.S. to another country with your dog requires advanced planning. It’s not as simple as walking on a plane with your pet. Your dog may need special vaccines, depending on your airline’s rules and your destination country’s regulations.

At the very least, your dog will need to be up to date on its core vaccines. You will also need a pet health certificate from your vet, which states that your pet is healthy enough to travel internationally.

Contact your vet as soon as you know you’ll be traveling outside of the country so you have time to get your paperwork in order. The USDA is a good resource for anyone planning to take a pet from the US to another country.²

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

We found that the price of dog vaccinations is fairly consistent across the U.S. Those living on the East or West Coasts may pay a couple of dollars more per vaccine.

The prices below are for individual vaccinations priced a la carte. The vet visit itself is not covered by the pricing tiers. You may save money if your vet clinic offers package pricing for multiple shots.

All prices are current and are subject to change.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

In addition to the cost of the vaccines, your final bill may reflect other expenses. Most clinics charge a supply and disposal fee. The above-referenced Vetco Clinics charge $5.99 per pet for this fee.

You may also have to pay an office visit or exam fee. Call the clinic ahead of time to find out what the total cost of vaccinations will be.

Your pet insurance may cover vaccines if you have a “wellness package” coverage.

How Often Should I Have My Dog Vaccinated?

Your vet will recommend a vaccination schedule for your dog, based on its age.

Puppies have a special vaccine schedule to follow between 6 weeks and 16 weeks of age. These shots help prevent young dogs from getting sick and set them up for a healthy life.

Adult dogs typically receive vaccines once a year, at their annual well-pet exams. Contact your vet right away if you acquire a dog with an unknown vaccine history.

You should also let your vet know about any lifestyle changes your dog will experience. For example, moving to a different part of the country or attending a dog daycare. These changes may impact what vaccines your dog needs.

Are There Any Side Effects of Dog Vaccinations?

Any substance you put on or in your dog’s body has the potential to cause an adverse reaction. That includes shampoos, holistic supplements, and even food. If your veterinarian recommends a vaccine for your dog, it’s because the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Dogs may experience mild symptoms after receiving vaccinations: lethargy, a lump at the vaccination site, sneezing, and sniffling. Your dog may be a little under the weather for a day or two but will recover on its own.

Any lumps at the vaccination site should subside in a day or two. If the lump doesn’t go away, enlarges, becomes red, or is tender, call your vet. Rarely, vaccine sites can become infected or develop an abscess.

Anaphylaxis is a rare, yet potentially life-threatening reaction to vaccines. Dogs who experience anaphylactic shock do so in the first few minutes or hours after receiving the vaccine. The symptoms of canine anaphylaxis are difficulty breathing, facial swelling, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Our research shows that dog vaccinations cost approximately the same throughout the U.S. Dog owners in the Midwest can expect to pay $30 for a rabies shot, while those on either coast will pay $32. Some vet clinics bundle multiple vaccines at a reduced cost.

Your vet will recommend vaccines based on your dog’s age, overall health, location, and lifestyle. At a minimum, most municipalities require a rabies shot. Your dog may need additional vaccines if you plan to travel internationally.

Featured Image Credit: Reshetnikov_art, Shutterstock