Cost of Puppy Vaccinations: An Insight by Veterinarian Brittany Kleszynski, Published on March 6, 2025. (Facebook, Twitter, Email, Print Options Available)

Let's Get Those Puppy Shots, Shall We?

Puppy vaccinations are crucial for keeping our furry friends safe from deadly diseases that spread like wildfire among canines. Not only do they guard against fatal diseases, but they also help pet parents avoid hefty bills for curable illnesses.

But what shots exactly do pups need and how much do they cost? Luckily, options like pet insurance and the CareCredit credit card can give peace of mind to pet parents, ensuring they’re financially prepared for their pup's healthcare needs.

So, What Vaccines Does a Pup Need?

Puppies may receive both core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are crucial for all dogs to shield them against deadly diseases, whereas non-core vaccines are specifically recommended for at-risk pups. Let’s dive in and understand why these are vital for your pup's health.

Core Vaccines for Pups

Core vaccines for puppies, as recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association, include the following [1]:

Distemper Vaccines: Typically shortened as DHPP, DAPP, or DA2PP, these vaccines protect against multiple viruses, including distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Distemper and parvovirus could be fatal for puppies, while adenovirus can wreak havoc on several organs in a dog's body. Parainfluenza causes the highly contagious kennel cough disease in dogs. These vaccines should start promptly, but a pup should be at least 6 weeks old [2]. Your puppy will require multiple vaccines to build a robust immunity until they reach 16 weeks of age.

Leptospirosis Vaccines: These vaccines protect against bacterial infections picked up from infected urine of wildlife or other dogs. Leptospirosis can lead to massive liver and kidney damage. Recommended for all dogs, these vaccines should be given from 12 weeks of age [2].

Rabies Vaccines: Required by law in most places, rabies vaccines safeguard pups from the deadly rabies disease, spread through bites from infected animals and transmitted through the saliva of these animals into the wound. These vaccines are given between 12 and 16 weeks old [2].

Non-Core Vaccines for Pups

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

Lyme Vaccines: Recommended for dogs who spend extended periods in wooded areas, hiking, or with tall grass and weeds where ticks are common. Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites and causes painful, swollen joints and fevers in dogs.

Bordetella: These vaccines protect against a highly contagious respiratory disease called kennel cough. Kennel cough vaccines are given to dogs who frequently come into contact with other dogs, such as those in boarding facilities, grooming offices, or dog parks.

Influenza Vaccines: Non-core vaccines given to dogs with regular contact with other dogs. Influenza is a respiratory disease that spreads quickly in boarding and daycare facilities and shelters.

Vaccination Schedule for Pups

How Much Do Puppy Shots Cost?

The cost of puppy vaccinations varies according to the location of your vet, but typically, pet parents can expect to part with around $300 to $400 for the puppy vaccination series, including boosters. In general, each vaccine your puppy receives will cost around [2]:

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 can help offset these costs, especially if you purchase the policy prior to your pup's first vet 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 [3]. Plus, you can spread the costs over time with flexible financing options.

Community organizations and shelters may host discounted vaccination clinics for eligible families. Such clinics are usually advertised in local newspapers or online.

Once your pet is no longer a pup, you'll need to get annual or every three-year vaccinations, depending on the specific vaccine needed.

Learn More About CareCredit## Additional Tips for Those Puppy Shots

When it comes to the vaccination series for puppies, pet parents often have questions. Let's cover the most common ones:

Can unvaccinated pups mingle with vaccinated dogs?

Unvaccinated pups are at risk of contracting deadly diseases spread between dogs or from contaminated surfaces in the environment. Their lack of immunity from vaccines puts them at risk. To play it safe, avoid socializing unvaccinated pups around other dogs who haven't been vaccinated.

Can my puppy meet other dogs after their first shot?

Although much depends on the specific recommendations of your veterinarian, generally, pups aren't considered fully vaccinated until they receive all recommended vaccines and boosters. So, exercise caution around who your puppy interacts with until they are fully protected.

Can pups have reactions to vaccines?

Pups can have reactions to vaccines, but these are usually mild, like soreness at the injection site, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Serious reactions are rare. However, in case of any concerns, consult your vet immediately.

References

2022 AAHA Core and Noncore Vaccines for Dogs. American Animal Hospital Association. Retrieved from https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/
Puppy Vaccines: Cost, Schedule, and Everything Parents Need to Know. Vetstreet. Retrieved from https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/puppy-vaccines-cost-schedule-and-everything-parents-need-to-know
CareCredit. CareCredit. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/

1. Understanding the Importance of Science in Pet Health: Science plays a crucial role in the development of pet vaccines, ensuring they provide maximum protection against deadly diseases like distemper and parvovirus, as well as lesser-known threats such as Lyme disease.

2. Integrating Pet Vaccinations into a Health-and-Wellness Lifestyle: Regularly administering core and non-core vaccines to pets is an essential part of maintaining their overall health and wellness, in much the same way that human vaccinations are an integral component of a healthy lifestyle.