When it comes to vaccine shots, most insurance policies do not cover them. However, you may find some add-on options for an additional cost that can help give you cashback on the cost of core vaccines.
Before we get into the depth of it, here’s a quick introduction to pets and vaccines –
Pets and Vaccines: Introduction
The way vaccines work generally, in both humans and pets, is that they prepare the body to fight off infections before they become serious. Vaccines can protect pets against several contagious and potentially fatal diseases like rabies, canine parvovirus (parvo), canine distemper, feline panleukopenia, and leptospirosis.
They are divided into two categories for both, dogs and cats –
Core Vaccines
Non-Core Vaccines
Dog Vaccine Schedule
Below is the breakdown of core and non-core vaccines for dogs along with their time schedule -
Core Vaccines for Dogs
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
First dose – 6-8 weeks of age
Booster dose – Every 6-8 weeks until the dog is 16 weeks old
Revaccination – Every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine and the dog’s condition
Rabies
First dose – 12-16 weeks of age
Revaccination – After 1 year and then every 1-3 years as mandated by the law
Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
Bordetella (also known as Kennel Cough)
First dose – 8 weeks of age
Booster dose – Every 6 months to a year
Leptospirosis:
First dose - 12 weeks of age
Booster dose - 3–4 weeks later
Revaccination – Every year
Lyme Disease
First dose: 12 weeks
Booster: 3–4 weeks later
Revaccination: Annually
Canine Influenza
First dose: 6–8 weeks
Booster: 3–4 weeks later
Revaccination: Annually
Which Dogs Should Get Vaccines?
Core vaccines should be administered to every dog irrespective of the breed. A strict schedule should be followed for them as per the recommendations. Non-core vaccinations are not mandatory, but dogs that travel, attend dog events, and go to kennels or doggy daycares should receive non-core vaccines like Bordetella and Leptospirosis.
Cat Vaccine Schedule
Below is the recommended vaccination schedule for cats –
Core Vaccines for Cats
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia):
First dose - 6-8 weeks of age
Booster dose - Every 3-4 weeks until the cat is 16 weeks old
Revaccination - Every 1-3 years
Rabies
First dose: 12–16 weeks of age
Revaccination: 1 year later, then every 1–3 years (depending on local laws)
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
First dose - 8 weeks of age
Booster dose - 3–4 weeks later
Revaccination – Annually
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (similar to HIV in humans)
First dose - 8 weeks of age
Boosters - Every 3–4 weeks (total of three doses)
Revaccination – Not commonly recommended due to effectiveness concerns
Are there any Side Effects of Vaccines on Pets?
It is very rare that a vaccine will have a side effect on your pet. In rare circumstances, you may see some of the below symptoms on your pet after administering the vaccine –
Tiredness
Mild fever
Soreness/lump at the site of the injection
In some cases pets can experience –
In severe cases, although very rare, there can be serious side effects like –
Facial swelling
Hives on the body
Difficulty breathing
Shock
If you see any of the above symptoms, severe or not, it is recommended that you consult your vet immediately.
How much do pet vaccines cost?
Below is the average price of dog shots – (1)
Rabies - $20-$70 per dose
DHPP (also known as DA2PPV) - $20-$50 per dose
Bordetella - $20-$50 per dose
Lyme Disease - $30-$60 per dose
Canine Influenza - $30-$65 per dose
Below is the average cost of vaccines for cats – (2)
Rabies - $20-$30 per dose
FVRCP - $20-$45 per dose
FeLV - $25-$45 per dose
Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations?
No. Pet insurance plans usually do not cover the cost of vaccinations. However, many pet insurers provide a wellness add-on, also known as a preventive care add-on, for an additional cost that can help you save on the costs of core vaccines.
While Spot plans do not cover vaccinations under our base plans, we do offer coverage for certain vaccines under our optional preventive care add-ons for an additional cost.
Does that mean you should avoid pet insurance?
A Forbes survey says that half of dog parents say they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about their ability to pay for an unexpected vet bill in the next three months.(3)
More than a quarter of pet parents (28%) said a vet bill of $499 or less would cause them to go into debt, while a bill of $999 or less would cause 42% to go into debt. (3)
With a pet insurance plan, you can get reimbursed up to 90% of all these costs. Learn more about what pet insurance covers.
Spot Facts!*
The average claim cost for vaccines in 2024 was $320.02.
We received 45,262 vaccine claims in 2024 alone.
Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and Goldendoodles were the breeds with the highest number of claims from the year 2019 to 2025.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.
*2025 Spot Pet Insurance Services, LLC. claims data.
Johnson, E. (2024, December 11). Dog vaccines: How much do dog vaccinations cost? BeChewy. https://be.chewy.com/dog-vaccines-how-much-do-dog-vaccinations-cost/
Adams, C. (2025, January 7). How much do CAT vaccines cost? 2025 price guide. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-much-do-cat-vaccines-cost/
Megna, M. (2025, January 2). Pet Ownership Statistics 2025. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/
