How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

Being a dog or puppy parent consists of a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is to ensure the health of your dog by taking him to the veterinarian for check ups. General check ups include vaccinations, and there are many kinds that your dog may have to receive. The basic shots include Boratella, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Coronavirus and Rabies. Puppies usually receive vaccinations at two, three, and four months of age, while unvaccinated adult dogs receive two rounds of vaccinations about three weeks apart and receive their boosters every twelve months.

The cost of these vaccinations usually depends which vaccinations are given and where they are done, if it is at a veterinarian’s office or a low-priced vaccination clinic run by a local government or humane organization. Generally dog vaccination costs range from $20 to $175 in the first year, and $15 to $130 per year after that. The basic shots given out to dogs, which include Boratella, Rabies and DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza) cost about $50 to $150. Other vaccinations such as Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Coronavirus cost somewhere between $55 and $160.

Along with these vaccination costs include additional expenses such as regular check up fees that cost about $30 to $100 alone. If the veterinarian found out the dog needs extra attention, a prescription or additional tests may have to be done. A fecal test is usually involved. In addition to the vaccination mentioned earlier, there are some dog daycare facilities or kennels require vaccinations that do not include in the standard round of shots such as for Boratella. Some veterinarians recommend extra vaccination such as for Lyme disease, which usually cost around $15 to $20 or more for each shot.

Vaccination costs can get really expensive. However, there are alternative ways on how you can spend less but not compromising your dog’s needs. Check out your local Humane Society since you can save as much as 70% when you visit this facility instead of going to private veterinarian clinics. Make sure that you inquire first on different veterinarian offices for price comparison. You may also consider purchasing the vaccines online when prescribed. Online purchase of vaccines can save as much as 30%. You may also want to look into your local laws regarding dogs, since rabies vaccinations can now be given on a three-year interval rather than annually.

You’re going to find that if you want to save on these shots with your dog, you’re going to want to compare a few places in your area. What you’re going to find is that there are many vets that are going to vary in price. You’re going to want to make sure that you call up a few places. If you want to save the most money, I have had the most luck with the humane societies. By going to them, I have found that I was able to save as much as 40% on my overall bill. Take the numbers above, and it should give you a good idea on what you’re going to pay.

Submitted By: Hannah Munson