Key takeaways
- Puppies require 3 sets of vaccines between their first 6-16 weeks and this expense can add up to over $300.
- 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 3 different vaccines 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 | $100-$200 |
10-12 weeks | C5 | $170-$250 |
14-16 | C7 or C5 booster | $170-$250 |
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'll typically add $50-$100 to your premium annually. Compare policies with routine care.
What vaccines does your dog need?
Puppies need 3 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. They need to get this at 6-8 weeks old.
- C5: This protects your puppy against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella. They need to get this at 10-12 weeks old.
- C5 booster: They need to get this at 14-16 weeks.
Ongoing vaccines for your dog:
- Canine cough vaccine: annually
- C3 vaccine: every 3 years
- An annual C3 booster (sometimes, not always - your vet will advise you)
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 between 6 and 16 weeks of age. 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.
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