Vaccine cost
Core vaccines are usually priced per shot, and puppies and kittens need a series.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 5 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Core vaccine, per shot (530 practices) | $38 (most $30–$48) | [1] |
| Dog vaccination bills | $140–$350 | [2] |
| Cat vaccination bills | $60–$225 | [2] |
| Vaccines per shot (Pawlicy) | Dog $15–$50 / Cat $25–$50 | [3] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- Which vaccines are given Each one is $15–$50. [4]
- Where you go Vaccine clinics charge $15–$25 a vaccine. Full-service vets charge $25–$50. [4]
- Puppy or adult Puppy visits cost more because several vaccines are given at once. [4]
- How many visits Every visit carries its own $40–$80 exam fee. [4]
- Kitten or adult Kitten visits cost more because several vaccines are given at once. [5]
- The kind of practice Cat-only practices charge more. [5]
📍 Regional note
- Where you live City practices charge more. [4]
Ways to save
- Look at vaccine clinics Clinics at Petco, PetSmart and local shelters charge $15–$25 a vaccine. A full-service vet charges $25–$50. [4]
- Ask whether the vaccines due can go in one visit Each visit has its own $40–$80 exam fee. Your vet decides the timing. [4]
- Ask about a puppy package Many vets price the whole puppy series, with the microchip and deworming, below the separate prices. [4]
- Ask which vaccines are due this visit Ask for the price of each one before the visit starts. [4]
- Ask whether the rabies vaccine is the 1-year or the 3-year They cost the same. Ask your vet which one your dog is getting and when the next is due. [4]
- Check for a county rabies clinic Some counties and cities run free or reduced-price rabies clinics. Your local animal control website lists them. [4]
- Bring adoption records A shelter adoption fee often includes the first vaccines. The records show your vet what has been given. [5]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
How much is a rabies shot?
A single core vaccine such as rabies, DHPP or FVRCP had a median published price of $38 (PawsRx).
Are low-cost vaccine clinics available?
Yes. Many shelters and nonprofit clinics run them; low-cost clinics had a median of $24 per shot (PawsRx).
How much do dog vaccinations cost?
Based on 44 real invoices, dog vaccination visits typically cost between $140 and $350. Individual vaccines cost $20–$50 each. The total depends on how many vaccines are given at one visit. A single booster visit: $75–$150. A full puppy visit with multiple vaccines + exam: $150–$350. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does each vaccine cost individually?
Rabies: $15–$30 per shot. DHPP (distemper combo): $25–$45 per shot. Bordetella (kennel cough): $20–$40. Leptospirosis: $20–$35. Canine influenza: $30–$50 per dose (requires 2 initial doses). Lyme disease: $25–$40 per dose. Exam fee ($40–$80) is charged on top, regardless of which vaccines are given. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does the full puppy vaccine series cost?
The full puppy series involves 3–4 visits over 8–16 weeks. Each visit: $75–$150 (exam + 1–3 vaccines). Total for the complete series: $200–$500 depending on which non-core vaccines are included. Low-cost clinics run the same series for $100–$250 total. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much do cat vaccinations cost?
Based on 16 real invoices, cat vaccination visits typically cost between $60 and $225. Individual cat vaccines cost $15–$40 each. Cats generally need fewer vaccines than dogs, making the total cost lower. A single booster visit: $50–$120. A full kitten visit with multiple vaccines + exam: $100–$250. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does each cat vaccine cost individually?
Rabies: $15–$25 per shot (required by law in most states). FVRCP (feline distemper combo): $20–$40 per shot. FeLV (feline leukemia): $25–$40 per dose. FIV test: $30–$60 (usually done once for kittens). Exam fee ($40–$70) is charged on top, regardless of which vaccines are given. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does the full kitten vaccine series cost?
The kitten series involves 2–3 visits over 8–16 weeks. Each visit: $50–$120 (exam + 1–2 vaccines). Total for the complete series: $150–$350 depending on which vaccines are included. Many shelters include the first round of vaccines in the adoption fee — ask before paying again at your vet. (Source: VetReceipt)
Related guides
Sources
- PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet cost guides from 2,900+ owner bills
- Pawlicy Advisor – Vet visit cost 2026 (cites AVMA)
- VetReceipt – Dog Vaccination Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Vaccination Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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