How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?
Updated 2026-08-15 · Typical US ranges · Prices vary by region and clinic
Core shots — DHPP, rabies, and bordetella — typically run $20 to $70 each, so a full visit with all three plus a vet exam usually lands around $80 to $250. A complete puppy vaccination series (multiple visits) commonly costs $100 to $300 or more in the first year.
What’s included in the range?
Covers the three core shots (DHPP, rabies, bordetella) plus a veterinary exam; national averages are $27-$96 per vaccine, and a first-year puppy series runs $100-$300+.
What affects the price
- Vaccine type: DHPP averages about $42, rabies about $35, and bordetella about $38-$39 at typical US clinics (CareCredit national averages).
- Low-cost vaccine clinics and shelters can charge far less per shot, while full-service hospitals bundle in exam fees.
- Puppies need a series of 3-4 visits for DHPP boosters, which multiplies first-year costs.
- Rabies can be 1-year or 3-year formulations, and 3-year versions may cost more.
- Location and clinic type (private practice vs. mobile/low-cost clinic) cause wide price swings.
Questions to ask your vet
- Is my dog due for 1-year or 3-year rabies, and which non-core vaccines (Lyme, lepto, influenza) do you recommend for their lifestyle?
- Does the quoted vaccine price include the office visit/exam fee, or is that billed separately?
- Can I spread the puppy series across a wellness plan to lower the total cost?
- What is the total for DHPP, rabies, and bordetella together if I do them all in one visit?
Frequently asked questions
How much is just a rabies shot for a dog?
Rabies shots typically cost $20 to $70 depending on the clinic, with national averages around $35 for a 1-year vaccine.
Do dogs really need the bordetella vaccine every year?
Bordetella is recommended annually, especially for dogs that go to daycare, boarding, grooming, or dog parks — it protects against kennel cough.
Are dog vaccinations covered by pet insurance?
Standard accident-and-illness plans usually don't cover vaccines, but many insurers offer wellness/preventive-care add-ons that reimburse them.
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Join the waitlistSources
- CareCredit
The national average cost of a dog vaccine in the United States can vary from $27 to $96, depending on the brand of vaccine, the type of clinic and other factors.
- Chewy
For a complete vaccination series in the first year, pet parents can expect to spend between $100 and $300 or more, as multiple vaccines are required.
- CareCredit Cost Tables
On average, vaccinations for dogs and cats will cost between $22 and $96 and can help protect them from catching serious diseases, like rabies.