Dog and Cat Vaccines: Where to Find Free and Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
Key takeaways:
Government-funded animal shelters, nonprofit organizations, and vet schools may offer free and low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats.
Dogs typically get vaccinated for rabies, leptospirosis, and receive a combination vaccine that protects against canine distemper and other viruses, like canine parvovirus.
Cats also typically get vaccinated for rabies, as well as feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.
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Getting your pet vaccinated is important for protecting them from diseases that can cause illness, disability, and death. Even though many pet owners keep their animals inside, these furry friends still need to be vaccinated to maintain their immune health.
Like caring for a pet in general, getting them vaccinated can be expensive. But the good news is there are ways to save on dog and cat vaccines.
Where do I find free or low-cost vaccinations near me?
There are locations that provide free and low-cost pet vaccinations across the U.S. Here are some places you may be able to access free or low-cost pet vaccinations:
Government animal shelters: Municipal animal services agencies often offer less-expensive preventive care services, including vaccinations.
Nonprofit organizations: You may be able to find free or low-cost vaccinations through local animal advocacy groups. These organizations sometimes conduct pop-up vaccination events in different neighborhoods to make accessing care easier for pet owners.
Veterinary medicine colleges: Many vet schools run low-cost clinics for pet owners with limited resources. You can find a list of U.S. vet schools and their contact information on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website.
Mobile vet clinics: A growing number of private companies offer roving or pop-up services at retail pet stores and other convenient locations.
Pet stores: Some retail pet stores have in-store clinics that may offer lower-cost vaccinations. Other stores may host events where you can bring your pet in for low-cost cat or dog vaccinations.
Local vets providing charity care: A veterinarian near you may offer charity care services that are underwritten by donors such as the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. You can also ask your regular vet about discounted rates or a payment plan.
Vets in less-expensive areas: Vet services in smaller towns may be less costly than in more populated areas, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
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Keep in mind that the costs of veterinarian services vary by provider. Researching all of your options can help you find the best price for your cat or dog’s vaccinations.
How much do pet vaccinations cost?
According to CareCredit, the cost of vaccinations for cats and dogs in their first year as a pet can range from $10 to $100. You may also need to pay for the cost of a checkup — about $65 — when you have your cat or dog vaccinated. In addition, you may pay about $15 extra for the rabies vaccine.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of vaccinations?
A basic pet insurance plan typically covers accident-related injuries and certain illnesses.
Most pet insurance plans do not cover the cost of vaccinations, because they are considered preventative care. But you may be able to buy a rider, which is an add-on option to your policy, in order to get vaccination coverage. For example, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers preventive coverage as an addition to a pet’s plan for an extra fee.
What vaccines does my pet need?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends core vaccines for dogs and cats. Rabies is a core vaccine for both dogs and cats.
For dogs, there are two additional core vaccines. One is to prevent leptospirosis, a condition caused by bacteria. The other core vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against:
Adenovirus type 2 (infectious canine hepatitis)
Will pet insurance cover vaccines? Most pet insurance plans only pay for treatment related to accidents and illness. For another option, try exploring wellness plans, which cover vaccines and more.
The shots kittens need: Get more information on the essential vaccinations for kittens and the optimal timeline for booster shots.
The shots puppies need: Learn more about the vaccine schedule that vets recommend for puppies.
Parainfluenza protection may not be included in some forms of the combination vaccine. In that case, your dog may be able to get vaccinated against parainfluenza through the bordetella vaccine, which is not considered a core vaccine.
For cats, the core vaccines are:
Feline leukemia virus (for cats younger than 1 year old)
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Additional noncore vaccines are available for both cats and dogs, depending on your pet's lifestyle.
Quiz: What vaccines do dogs need?
At what age does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Puppies can begin getting vaccinated at 6 weeks old. Use this AAHA lifestyle-based vaccine calculator for dogs to see recommended vaccines based on age, activities, and exposures.
Kittens can start receiving vaccinations as early as 6 weeks old. Use this AAHA lifestyle-based vaccine calculator for cats to see recommended vaccines based on age, activities, and exposures.
The bottom line
Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from preventable diseases, and often are required by ordinance or law. Vaccines also can save you money by preventing your pet from getting sick.
If you plan to buy pet insurance, you can add a rider for an additional fee that will cover preventive care services, including vaccinations. If you have limited resources, you may be able to access free or low-cost pet vaccinations through government-funded animal shelters, pet advocacy groups, and clinics run by veterinary medical colleges.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). Top 10 things you need to know about AAHA’s canine vaccination guidelines.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Accredited veterinary colleges.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Canine distemper.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Canine parvovirus.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Vaccinations.
American Veterinary Medical Foundation. (n.d.). AVMF REACH Program.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. (n.d.). Coverage for cats and dogs.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. (n.d.). Preventive care coverage.
Bergmann, M., et al. (2020). Antibody response to canine adenovirus-2 virus vaccination in healthy adult dogs. Viruses.
CareCredit.com. (2023). How much does a vet visit cost?
Stone, A. E. S., et al. (2020). 2020 AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
The Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Are you having trouble affording your pet?
Tizard, I. R. (2021). Canine vaccines. Vaccines for Veterinarians.
Tizard, I. R. (2021). Feline vaccines. Vaccines for Veterinarians.
