How much do dog vaccinations cost?

Key points

• Dog vaccination costs typically fall within the range of $20 to $75 per vaccine, according to our analysis of rates. 
• The total cost of first-year puppy shots can average around $75 to $100. 
• A pet insurance policy with a wellness plan add-on can help reimburse you for some vaccination costs. 

The average cost of owning a dog is $4,512 per year, which includes expenses for vaccines and veterinary care. Vaccine prices vary in the U.S. depending on your region. A comprehensive pet insurance policy with a wellness plan can help reimburse you for some vaccination and medical costs. 

How much are dog vaccinations? 

Individual dog vaccination costs can vary, but typically fall within the range of $20 to $75 per vaccine, according to our analysis of rates. In addition to the cost of vaccines, U.S. dog owners pay an average of $67 per office visit according to our analysis. 

Dogs typically receive shots annually or every few years, depending on the vaccine and veterinarian recommendations. Here’s the average cost of each type of dog vaccine.

DOG VACCINATION	AVERAGE COST
Bordetella	$32
DAPP	$38
Bivalent influenza (H3N8 & H3N2)	$51
Leptospirosis	$23
Lyme disease	$41
Rabies	$27

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Note that vaccine costs can vary greatly by ZIP code and veterinarian. 

What vaccines do dogs need? 

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), your dog may need these five vaccines, or booster shots if they got them as puppies: 

• Distemper.
• Hepatitis and Adenovirus or CAV-1 and CAV-2.
• Leptospirosis (depending on where you live and your vet’s recommendation).
• Parvovirus.
• +/- Parainfluenza.
• Rabies (depending on state).

Other vaccines, such as Lyme disease and Bordetella, may be considered a core vaccine, depending on your region. If you live in a region where pathogens have reached epidemic levels or your dog is surrounded by potential risks, they may be required to get additional vaccines.

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What vaccines do puppies need? 

The core vaccines in the U.S. that are strongly recommended include the DHPP or DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo and parainfluenza). Your pup will also need a rabies vaccination in most states. 

Animal shelters often charge less for vaccines and some are even free. If you adopt your dog from a shelter, it will have most likely been vaccinated up until the age that you got it.

Puppy vaccination schedule

PUPPY’S AGE	CORE VACCINATIONS	OTHER VACCINATIONS
6 to 8 weeks	Distemper, parvovirus	Bordetella
10 to 12 weeks	DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza and parvovirus)	Influenza, leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease per lifestyle as recommended by veterinarian
16 to 18 weeks	DHPP, rabies	Influenza, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, Bordetella per lifestyle
12 to 16 months	DHPP, rabies	Coronavirus, leptospirosis, Bordetella and Lyme disease
Every 1 to 2 years	DHPP	Influenza, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease per lifestyle
Every 1 to 3 years	Rabies (as required by law)	N/A

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Dog vaccination schedule

VACCINATION	TIMELINE
Bordetella	Annual (sometimes given every 6 months)
Canine influenza	Annual (if recommended by your vet)
DHPP (distemper, hepatitis + adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus)	Booster vaccination one year after the last dose Boosters every three years after that
Leptospirosis	Annual (particularly important for dogs in high-risk areas)
Lyme disease	Annual (particularly important for dogs in high-risk areas)
Rabies	Second vaccination one year after the first. Boosters every three years after that

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Breakdown of puppy and dog vaccine costs

Puppies need vaccines within the first year of their lives. Dogs need booster vaccines annually or every few years.

Distemper vaccine cost for dogs

Average cost: $38 (when administered as a DHPP shot) 

The distemper combination vaccine costs an average of around $33 to $43 per vaccine, according to our analysis of rates. This is a core vaccine and it can be administered as a combination vaccine, referred to as DHPP, which protects your dog against five viruses: distemper, hepatitis (CAV-1 and CAV-2), parainfluenza and parvovirus. Your pup will likely need multiple boosters of this vaccine.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through airborne exposure, like coughing, barking and sneezing. Dogs can also contract the disease through contaminated food and water bowls. 

Bordetella vaccine cost for dogs

Average cost: $32

The Bordetella vaccine costs around $30 to $40 for most dog owners, according to our analysis of rates. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial agent amongst dogs, causing inflammation of your dog’s respiratory system, also known as kennel cough. Dogs in daycare centers, boarding kennels, training classes, parks and shows are usually required to have this vaccine. 

Bivalent influenza (H3N8 & H3N2)

Average cost: $51

There are two different strains of canine influenza — H3N8 and H3N2. You may be able to get a 2-in-1 combination shot for both strains of canine influenza, and the shot typically costs anywhere from $46 to $60. Also known as dog flu, canine influenza is a contagious virus that can affect your dog’s respiratory system. 

Rabies vaccine cost for dogs

Average cost: $27

The rabies vaccine costs dog owners an average of around $24 to $32, according to our analysis of rates, but the cost can vary based on your location. Rabies is a potentially deadly viral disease that your dog can get if bitten by an infected animal. In the United States, most rabies-carrying animals are wild, like raccoons and bats. Most states require pet owners to vaccinate their dogs for rabies. 

Leptospirosis vaccine cost for dogs

Average cost: $23

Leptospirosis vaccines cost around $20 to $28, according to our analysis of rates. You may be able to get a combination vaccine, called DHLPP, which administers the same vaccinations as a DHPP but includes leptospirosis. 

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the leptospira bacteria that can be found in the environment — like soil and water — and can be spread through contact with other infected dogs, wild animals and stagnant water like ponds and streams.  Common signs of leptospirosis include lethargy, loss of appetite, stiffness or muscle pain, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. 

Lyme disease vaccine cost for dogs

Average cost: $41

The Lyme disease vaccine is a non-core vaccine and costs anywhere from $37 to $49, according to our analysis of rates. Lyme disease can be transmitted to dogs through the bite of a black-legged tick. According to AAHA, two doses of the vaccine should be given to your dog two to four weeks apart, and the first dose can be given as early as eight or nine weeks of age. However, dogs can receive these doses regardless of age.

Parvo shot cost

Average cost: $38 (when administered as a DHPP shot) 

According to Vetco, the vet clinic that services Petco, the parvo shot vaccine can cost dog owners $40 to $60. However, the parvo shot can be given as part of the DHPP combination vaccine which will lower your overall dog vaccination cost. 

How to lower the vaccination cost for your dog 

Dog vaccinations can be expensive, depending on where you live and your dog’s risk of exposure. But there are ways to lower the costs. Try the following:

Consider a pet insurance plan 

Standard pet insurance accident and illness plans don’t cover vaccination costs, however, most of the best pet insurance companies offer wellness plans that you can add to your policy for an additional fee. Wellness plans can help reimburse you for costs like vaccinations, veterinarian visits and flea and heartworm prevention.

Compare pet insurance to help with vaccination costs 

When shopping for pet insurance, it’s a good idea to compare pet insurance quotes from multiple companies. This can ensure you’re getting the best plan for the best price, and also help you find a pet insurance company that offers wellness plans to help cover the cost of vaccinations. 

Low-cost vaccines for dogs 

Some clinics offer low-cost vaccinations in a variety of packages, or may even vaccinate your pup or dog for free. Petco offers a “Low-Cost Vaccination Package” that includes puppy vaccines, shots and other preventative services. It also offers boosts, bundles and packages for older dogs. 

The Humane Society of the United States provides an extensive list of resources that can help reduce your dog’s vaccination costs.