How Much Do Puppy Shots Cost?

Puppy vaccinations protect our canine companions from deadly diseases that can easily spread between dogs. They also help pet parents avoid expensive treatments for illnesses that are preventable. 

But what shots do puppies need and how much do puppy shots cost? Fortunately, options like pet insurance and the CareCredit credit card can help pet parents feel more financially prepared to manage the cost of their puppy’s wellness care. 

Here’s what you need to know about puppy vaccinations.

How Many Shots Do Puppies Need?

Puppies may receive both core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines for puppies are recommended for all dogs to protect them from deadly diseases, while non-core vaccines are specifically recommended for at-risk puppies. Let’s discuss these in detail and why they are important for your puppy’s health. 

Core Vaccines for Puppies

Based on the guidelines provided by the American Animal Hospital Association, the following are core vaccines for puppies [1]:

Distemper: Distemper vaccines (sometimes abbreviated DHPP, DAPP or DA2PP) are a type of core vaccine that protects against multiple viruses: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Distemper and parvovirus can be fatal for puppies, while adenovirus can affect several organs in a dog’s body. Parainfluenza causes the highly contagious kennel cough disease in dogs. This vaccine should start soon after you take your puppy home, but 6 weeks old at the earliest. Your puppy will need multiple vaccines to stay healthy and keep their immunity until they reach 16 weeks of age.

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis vaccines have been newly classified as core vaccines and should be given to all dogs, starting at 12 weeks of age. The vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that dogs pick up from infected urine of wildlife or other dogs. Leptospirosis can cause significant liver and kidney disease. 

Rabies: Rabies vaccines are another type of core vaccine given to all dogs to prevent the deadly disease called rabies. It is spread through a bite from an infected animal and transmitted through that animal’s saliva into the wound. This vaccine is required by law in most places, and is given when a puppy is between 12-16 weeks old.

Non-core Vaccines for Puppies

There are also three non-core vaccines offered for dogs:

Lyme: Lyme vaccines are considered a non-core vaccine and recommended for dogs who spend time hiking or walking in wooded areas or those with tall grass and weeds where ticks are commonly found. Lyme disease is spread through tick bites and causes painful, swollen joints and fevers in dogs. 

Bordetella: Bordetella vaccines are classified as non-core and protect against a highly contagious respiratory disease called kennel cough. Kennel cough vaccines for puppies are given to dogs who frequently interact with other dogs in settings such as boarding facilities, grooming offices, or dog parks. 

Influenza: Influenza vaccines are non-core vaccines given to dogs with frequent contact with each other. Influenza is a respiratory disease that quickly spreads in boarding and daycare facilities and shelters. 

Vaccine Schedule for Puppies

Vaccine	Type	Age to Start	Frequency / Quantity
Distemper	Core	6-8 weeks	Boosters given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks and again at 1 year
Leptospirosis	Core	12 weeks of age	Booster given 3-4 weeks later and at 1 year
Rabies	Core	12-16 weeks	Booster given at 1 year
Lyme	Non-core	12 weeks of age	Booster given 3-4 weeks later and at 1 year
Bordetella	Non-core	6-8 weeks of age	Booster given 3-4 weeks later or at 1 year, depending on the route of administration
Influenza	Non-core	7 weeks of age	Booster given 3-4 weeks later and at 1 year

How Much Do Puppy Shots Cost?

While the price for puppy vaccinations varies widely depending on the geographic location of your veterinarian, pet parents can expect to spend between $300 to $400 on the puppy vaccination series, including boosters. In general, each vaccine your puppy receives will cost around the following: 

• Distemper vaccine: $40-$50
• Leptospirosis vaccine: $30-$50
• Rabies vaccine: $30-$60
• Lyme vaccine: $30-$50
• Bordetella vaccine: $20-$40
• Influenza vaccine: $30-$50

Pet insurance may help offset the costs of vaccinations, if you purchase the policy prior to your puppy’s veterinary visit. If you have a CareCredit credit card, you can use it to pay for puppy vaccinations and other pet care costs, at any provider in the CareCredit network.* It allows you to pay over time with flexible financing options. By being financially prepared, you can ensure your puppy receives the protection they need to stay healthy. 

Additionally, community organizations and shelters may host vaccination clinics to offer low-cost puppy vaccinations for qualifying families. These are generally advertised in local newspapers or through online advertisements.  

Once your pet is no longer a puppy, you can expect to pay annually or every three years for vaccinations, depending on the type of vaccination needed.   

Puppy Shots: Other Tips and Advice

When it comes to the puppy vaccination series, pet parents often have questions about what to expect. Let’s cover some of the most common questions pet parents ask veterinarians: 

Can unvaccinated puppies be around vaccinated dogs?

Unvaccinated puppies are at risk for contracting potentially deadly diseases that are spread between dogs or from contaminated surfaces in the environment. Unvaccinated puppies do not have the immunity that vaccines provide. Pet parents should exercise caution when socializing unvaccinated puppies and only allow them around dogs who are up-to-date with all vaccines. 

Can my puppy meet other dogs after first vaccination?

Puppies are not considered fully vaccinated until they receive all initial vaccines and boosters recommended by their veterinarian. Therefore, pet parents should be cautious about who their puppies are around until they have full protection. 

Can puppies have reactions to vaccines?

Puppies can have reactions to vaccines, but these are generally mild, such as soreness at the injection site, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Serious reactions are rare. 

References

1. 2022 AAHA Core and Noncore Vaccines for Dogs. American Animal Hospital Association. Retrieved from https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/

*Subject to credit approval. See carecredit.com for details.

This information is shared solely for your convenience. Neither Synchrony nor any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, make any representations or warranties regarding the products described, and no endorsement is implied. You are urged to consult with your individual veterinarian with respect to any professional advice presented.