How to Find Free Dog and Cat Vaccinations Near You - GoodRx (2024)

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.

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, the other core vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against:

• Distemper

• Adenovirus type 2 (infectious canine hepatitis)

• Parvovirus

• Parainfluenza

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 herpesvirus

• Feline calicivirus

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline leukemia virus (for cats younger than 1 year old)

At what age does my pet need to be vaccinated?

Puppies can begin getting vaccinated at 4 to 5 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 4 weeks old. Use this AAHA lifestyle-based vaccine calculator for cats to see recommended vaccines based on age, activities, and exposures.