How much do puppy vaccinations cost?
Bills can sting more than the needle: puppy vaccinations can add up quickly, and costs vary by vet and location.
Key takeaways
- Puppies generally start vaccinations from around 6–8 weeks, with follow-up doses given at 2–4 week intervals and a final dose no earlier than 16 weeks (your vet will tailor the schedule to your puppy).
- Vaccinations are not usually covered by regular pet insurance unless you have added cover for routine care.
- Vaccinations and boosters are needed throughout your dog's life so you will need to budget for this.
How much do puppy and dog vaccinations cost in Australia?
The cost to vaccinate your puppy or dog will differ depending on the vet you attend and their fees. We got costs from a popular Sydney-based vet and a regional vet to see what the range could look like.
Puppies need a course of vaccinations in the first few months of their life. The below costs should be used as a guide only as your own vet can charge above or below this.
| Age | Vaccine | Cost guide |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | C3 | Varies by vet |
| 10-12 weeks | C5 | $170-$250 |
| 16 weeks or older | C3 or C5 (final puppy dose) | Varies by vet |
| From 6 months (your vet will advise) | Booster (C3 or C5) | Varies by vet |
Are vaccinations covered by pet insurance?
Vaccinations are not covered by a regular pet insurance policy, unless it includes routine care or you've added routine care as an optional extra. A lot of providers have routine care as an optional extra with their pet insurance policies and it can increase your premium. Compare policies with routine care.
What vaccines does your dog need?
Puppies need a course of vaccines in the first few months of their life. Dogs need ongoing standard vaccines to keep them safe.
Vaccines for your puppy:
- C3: This protects your puppy against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. It's usually given as the first dose at 6-8 weeks old.
- C5: This protects your puppy against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella. It's usually given as a follow-up dose at 10-12 weeks old.
- Final puppy dose: your puppy will usually have another round of the C3 or C5 so that the final dose is given at 16 weeks of age or older, in line with Australian Veterinary Association and WSAVA guidance.
- Non-core vaccines (often discussed alongside "C5") can include protection for things like parainfluenza and Bordetella (kennel cough). Whether your puppy needs these, and when, depends on their individual risk factors and your vet's advice.
Ongoing vaccines for your dog:
- Canine cough vaccine: annually
- First adult booster: traditionally given about 12 months after the last puppy dose, although current WSAVA guidelines say it can be given from around 6 months of age.
- Core vaccine (C3) boosters after that: WSAVA recommends these no more often than every 3 years, and the Australian Veterinary Association supports 3-yearly core vaccines for adult dogs, although some vets still recommend yearly boosters depending on the vaccine and your dog's risk. Your vet will advise.
Core vaccines and non-core vaccines
The Australian Veterinary Association has identified two categories of vaccines dogs will typically need. These are core vaccines and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines protect your dog against 3 life-threatening diseases. Your vet will give these vaccines in a single combination called the C3 vaccination and your pup will need 2 or 3 rounds of the C3 and/or C5 from 6 weeks of age, with the final dose given at 16 weeks of age or older. These are necessary for all dogs no matter how they are raised or where they live.
Non-core vaccines aren't necessary for all dogs all the time. However, they are necessary for certain dogs whose location, environment and lifestyle make them prone to certain diseases such as Leptospira interrogans and Parainfluenza virus.
FAQs
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
4 Responses
More guides on Finder
-
Desexing your cat & dog in Australia
If you've got a furry friend in your life, it's important that you consider desexing them. Desexing animals has a range of benefits and best of all, pet insurance covers it. Read on to learn more.
-
Pet insurance including dental cover
Find out whether or not you can get pet insurance for dental care and what options there are.
Hi I recently bought a staffy X pup into my home he’s now 4 months and a week and hasn’t had any vaccinations.. I have given him the allwormer frontal dose as instructed.. however I want to have him vaccinated within the next 2 weeks… How much would it cost me I’m in Spearwood western Australia
Hi Kerry,
Vaccination costs differ across vets so it’s a bit tricky to send you an estimate. It’s based on how old your puppy is, his weight and what vaccines he needs. You’re best to call your local vet and ask them to share prices with you based on what vaccinations they recommend – they’re usually pretty happy to share that sort of stuff!
Can you do deliver to remote areas? (I need 8 C3 vaccines)
Hi Rachael,
We’re a review and comparison site, we don’t sell vaccinations directly. You’ll need to contact a vet. Best of luck!