Dog Vaccination Costs & How to Pay for Them

As a pup parent, you know how important it is to keep your dog happy and healthy. 

From regular walks to daily cuddles, there are plenty of activities you can do (for free) to keep your pup content. Other activities, like routine vet visits and vaccinations, come at a cost, and it’s important to plan for these expenses.

While the highest fees will typically occur during your pup’s first year, there are often annual vaccinations and boosters as well. These costs will vary, depending on your dog’s needs and the prices in your area.

In this article, we’ll break down how much vaccinations cost – and provide some tips on how to pay for them.

Why are Dog Vaccinations Important?

Dog vaccinations are a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. Not only do vaccinations help protect your dog from preventable diseases, but they can prevent the spread to other pets and humans as well. 

While there are costs associated with most dog vaccines, this is a small investment in the larger future of your pet’s health, longevity, and well-being.

Here are a few reasons why dog vaccinations are so important.

Disease prevention

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, there are many diseases you can prevent through regular vaccinations. Vaccinations are designed to stimulate your dog's immune system to recognize and fight off specific diseases, such as rabies, canine parvovirus infection ("parvo"), canine distemper, leptospirosis, and others.

Herd immunity

When a significant portion of a population is vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier known as "herd immunity". This makes it more difficult for diseases to spread within the community, safeguarding both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Rabies causes over 60,000 human deaths every year worldwide and dog vaccinations help prevent this number from climbing.

Longevity

Vaccinations play a significant role in extending your dog's lifespan and enhancing their overall quality of life. Preventing diseases through vaccines can help avoid the pain, suffering, and costly treatments associated with common canine diseases.

Legal and social requirements

Many places, such as boarding facilities, groomers, and dog parks, require proof of vaccinations for entry. Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations ensures that they can participate in these activities without any issues.

Prevent costly treatments

Treating a dog with a preventable disease can be expensive. By keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccines, you can prevent higher costs in the future and ensure a better outcome for your pet’s health overall. 

Which Shots Do Puppies Need?

If you have a new puppy, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian about their recommended vaccination schedule. This schedule may vary depending on the country you live in and your dog’s individual risk factors. 

That said, the Canadian Kennel Club provides this generally accepted guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for their first year:

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

For your dog's first-year vaccinations, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 CAD. The total cost ultimately depends on the dog, where you live, and what shots they need. Costs will be less during adulthood, as your dog will need fewer vaccinations and boosters. 

Here’s a breakdown of puppy and dog vaccination costs, plus other associated vet fees:

First-year puppy vaccination costs

First-year puppy vaccination costs are higher than during adulthood. This is because several initial vaccinations, plus boosters, are administered in a series of three during their first year: at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks old. 

Here are the estimated costs for puppy vaccinations during the first year. All costs are in Canadian dollars (CAD):

6-8 weeks old

• Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus Combo vaccine (DHPP): This vaccine is often given in a series of shots, with the initial shot usually administered at 6-8 weeks old. The cost for the first shot can range from $20 to $40 or more.
• Canine Parvovirus vaccine: Sometimes given separately from the DHPP vaccine, this protects against a highly contagious and severe disease. The cost for the first shot can range from $15 to $40 or more.
• Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine: Optional, but recommended if your puppy will be in social settings with other dogs. The cost for the first shot can range from $20 to $40 or more.

10-12 weeks old

• DHPP vaccine (booster): The second shot in the DHPP series is typically administered around 10-12 weeks old. The cost for the booster shot can range from $20 to $40 or more.
• Canine Parvovirus vaccine (booster): The second shot in the parvovirus series is administered around 10-12 weeks old. The cost for the booster shot can range from $15 to $40 or more.
• Leptospirosis vaccine: If recommended by your veterinarian due to potential exposure to the bacteria, the cost for the first shot can range from $20 to $55 or more.

14-16 weeks old

• DHPP vaccine (final booster): The third shot in the DHPP series is typically administered around 14-16 weeks old. The cost for the final booster shot can range from $20 to $40 or more.
• Rabies vaccine: Administered at around 14-16 weeks old, this vaccine is often the final one in the series. The cost can range from $20 to $70 or more.

Adult Dog Vaccination Costs

The cost of adult dog vaccinations can vary based on several factors, including your location, the specific vaccines needed, the veterinary clinic or hospital you visit, and any additional services included in the vaccination appointment. 

Generally, adult dog vaccinations are less frequent than those for puppies and cover core vaccines that are recommended for all dogs. 

Here's a rough estimate of the cost range for adult dog vaccinations:

• Rabies vaccine: This vaccine is typically required by law in most places and is essential for your dog's health and the safety of humans. The cost can range from $20 to $60 or more.
• Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine: Especially important if your dog will be in close contact with other dogs, such as at boarding facilities or dog parks. The cost can range from $20 to $40 or more.
• Leptospirosis vaccine: This vaccine is recommended if your dog is exposed to wildlife or bodies of water where the Leptospira bacteria may be present. The cost can range from $20 to $50 or more.

Optional Vaccinations:

• Lyme Disease Vaccine: Recommended if you live in an area with a high prevalence of ticks carrying Lyme disease. The cost can range from $30 to $50 or more.
• Canine Influenza Vaccine: Especially relevant if you live in an area with reported cases of canine influenza. This vaccine may require an initial series of two shots. The cost can range from $35 to $60 per shot.

Additional Vet Services Costs

There may be other costs to consider during your pup’s first year and into adulthood, such as examinations, tests, preventive medication, and consultations. 

For example, throughout your dog’s life, it’s likely that your veterinarian will recommend flea and tick protection medication, heartworm tests and medication, and fecal exams to check for parasites.

Here are the approximate costs for additional services:

• Heartworm test: $35-$60
• Fecal exam: $30-$50
• Flea and tick prevention: $50-$270
• Heartworm prevention: $35-$160
• Deworming: $35-$180 (if necessary)

Factors Influencing Vaccination Costs

We have provided the average or estimated costs for dog vaccinations above, but there are several factors that can influence these costs. With that in mind, it is always best to speak to a trusted veterinarian about the recommended vaccinations and how much they cost for your area. 

Here are some key factors that influence dog vaccination costs:

• Geographic location: Vaccination costs can vary significantly depending on where you live. Veterinary services, including vaccinations, tend to be more expensive in urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living.
• Type of vaccine: Different vaccines protect against different diseases, and the cost can vary based on the type of vaccine being administered. 
• Chosen veterinarian or clinic: The choice of a veterinarian or veterinary clinic can impact vaccination costs. Private practices might have higher fees compared to nonprofit clinics or government-funded facilities.
• Breed and size of the dog: Larger dogs often require larger vaccine doses, which can influence the cost. Additionally, certain breeds might have specific vaccination requirements or susceptibility to certain diseases that could affect the overall cost.
• Lifestyle and exposure risks: Dogs with different lifestyles and exposure risks might need additional vaccinations. For example, dogs that frequently interact with other dogs in social settings might require additional vaccines like Bordetella (kennel cough).
• Package deals and bundles: Some veterinary clinics offer package deals or bundles for vaccinations, which can help you save money. 

How to Pay for Dog Vaccination Fees

One of the best ways to prepare for dog vaccination costs is to plan ahead. By thinking about dog vaccination costs early, you have time to explore various cost-saving options and save up money. 

Paying for dog vaccines doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Here are several ways to cover the costs of dog vaccination fees.

Create a Vaccination Budget

Try creating a vaccination budget by estimating the costs associated with your pup’s routine vaccinations. 

Start by researching local veterinary clinics and asking them about the average costs of core and recommended vaccines in your area.

Next, create a timeline for their vaccination schedule, including initial shots and booster doses. Determine how much money you need to save and within what timeframe.

Finally, allocate a portion of your overall budget to cover these vaccinations. This may involve setting aside a portion of your paycheck or savings every month.

Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed. You can also explore other options, like wellness plans or discounted clinics, to maximize your savings.

Explore Different Payment Options

As a pet owner, you have several payment options to explore when it comes to covering the costs of dog vaccinations. 

• Out of pocket: The simplest method is out-of-pocket payments, where they directly pay the veterinary clinic or hospital at the time of service using cash, credit/debit cards, or checks. 
• Pet insurance: Some pet insurance providers can help offset vaccination costs, as some comprehensive plans cover preventive care, including vaccinations. 
• Wellness plans: Some veterinary clinics offer wellness plans and packages that bundle multiple services, including vaccinations, at discounted rates, allowing you to spread out costs over time. 
• Local shelters: Those seeking affordability can consider local animal shelters and low-cost vaccination clinics, which often provide cost-effective options for essential vaccinations. 

Try Cost-Saving Strategies

There are other creative ways to save money on dog vaccinations. 

• Research local clinics: Researching local clinics with competitive pricing is a smart approach, as prices can vary significantly between veterinary practices.
• Look out for discounted vaccination events: Staying informed about discounted vaccination events organized by animal welfare organizations or clinics can provide an excellent opportunity to access essential vaccinations at reduced rates. 
• Group vaccinations together: Grouping vaccinations together during a single visit can help save on examination fees and streamline the process.
• Check for coupons: To maximize your savings further, consider utilizing online resources that offer price comparisons among various clinics or coupons for vaccine discounts.

Plan for Your Dog’s Vaccination Costs

While the exact costs for dog vaccines may vary depending on your dog, your area, and the vaccines they need, the best approach is always to get educated early. Contact multiple local veterinary clinics to get estimates for dog vaccination costs. Look for wellness packages, coupons, discounted events, and pet insurance options to maximize your savings.

At Furkin Pet Insurance, we offer pet insurance options to help cover vet bills, unexpected illnesses, surgeries, and more. While we don’t cover preventive care like vaccinations, pet insurance can help you save money on other vet bills.

Still don’t have pet insurance? Get a quote from Furkin to find out how you can reduce your vet expenses!