How Much Are Dog Vaccinations?

How Much Are Dog Vaccinations?
Vaccinations are one of the most important—and unavoidable—parts of keeping your dog healthy. But costs can vary depending on your vet, your dog’s age, and where you live. This guide breaks down average vaccine prices in Australia, what affects them, and simple ways to manage the expense.

Current Price Ranges (2025)

• Core/Standard Vaccine (adult dog booster): ~$70 to $120 (vaccine + administration) petcloud.com.au+1
• C5 vaccine (combo including kennel cough etc.): $115 to $170 per dose, usually including health check Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
• Walkerville Vet (SA) examples:
   • 3-year C3 vaccine: ~$154.90 (includes consultation) Walkerville Vet
   • 3-year C5 vaccine: ~$166.40 (includes consult and exam) Walkerville Vet
• Puppy multi-vaccine series (C3 + C5 rounds): $170 to $250 total, depending on location & clinic finder.com.au+1

So, in many metropolitan clinics you’d likely pay $80–$150 for a standard vaccine visit (unless part of a package). Dial A Vet+1

What Impacts the Cost

1. Location & clinic type — city clinics tend to be pricier than rural ones.
2. What vaccines are included — core vs non-core (kennel cough, leptospirosis, etc.).
3. Consultation fees and health checks — some vets roll these into the vaccination cost; others charge separately. Walkerville Vet+1
4. Vaccine protocols / packaging — combination vaccines (C3, C5, C7) may be more cost-efficient per injection.
5. Additional services — if your dog needs extra checks or the clinic finds other issues during vaccination visit.
6. Timing / demand / after-hours surcharges can also push costs up.

Typical Vaccination Schedule & Cost Accumulation

• Puppies (6–16 weeks): Several rounds (e.g. C3, then C5) — total series may cost $170 to $250+ finder.com.au+2Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips+2
• Adult boosters: Every 1–3 years depending on vaccine — expect $70–$120 for core boosters per visit petcloud.com.au+2concordvets.com.au+2
• Non-core add-ons (e.g. Bordetella, Lepto): extra ~$40-$70 each (clinic dependent) finder.com.au+2Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips+2

Can Pet Insurance Help?

Most standard pet insurance policies don’t cover routine vaccinations, because they’re considered predictable, scheduled care. However, many insurers offer “routine care add-ons” that do help cover vaccination costs. finder.com.au

That means if you’re comparing dog insurance plans, check whether they include, exclude or partially cover vaccination / preventative care costs. Use tools like Compare Cover and review the Dog Insurance page for clarity.

Ways to Manage the Cost

• Ask for vaccination package deals (bundled health check + multi-vaccine).
• Choose clinic visit times (not after-hours / weekend) to avoid surcharges.
• Compare local vet clinics for pricing — costs can vary within the same city.
• Use preventive health insurance add-ons if available.
• In some areas, community or council vaccine clinics may offer subsidised services.