Free or Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from preventable diseases and are often required by ordinance or law.  Vaccines can also help you save money by preventing your pet from being sick.

​If you plan to buy pet insurance, you can add a rider for an additional preventive care fee, including vaccines.  If you have limited resources, you may be able to access free or low-cost pet vaccinations through government animal shelters, pet advocacy groups, and clinics run by veterinary medical colleges.

Where Can I Find Free or Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

All pets need vaccines to protect them against diseases.  Dogs and cats need different series of vaccinations, where core vaccines are essential, and non-core vaccines are optional based on the animal's lifestyle and exposures.  Pet vaccines are designed to prepare and help their immune system to fight viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that cause disease.  Most pet vaccines are administered by injection, and the balance delivered through the mouth (orally), the nose (intranasal), or another route.
 
What vaccinations does my pet need?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends several core vaccines for dogs and cats, with rabies being a core vaccine.
 
For dogs, the other core vaccine is a combination vaccine protecting against:

• Distemper
• Adenovirus-2 (Canine infectious hepatitis)
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza (may or may not be included in the combination vaccine; if not, protection may be included in the bordetella vaccine, which is considered non-core)

For cats, the core vaccines are:

• Feline herpesvirus
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline panleukopenia
• Feline leukemia virus (for cats younger than one year old)

 
Does pet insurance cover the cost of vaccines?
A basic pet insurance plan typically covers accident-related injuries and certain illnesses.  Most pet insurance plans do not cover the cost of vaccinations unless you purchase a rider, an add-on option to the policy.  That is because vaccinations are preventive care.  For example, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers preventive coverage as an addition to your pet's plan for an extra fee.
 
Are there free or low-cost vaccinations near me?
Free and low-cost pet vaccines are available across the U.S.  Government-run animal shelters, pet advocacy groups and veterinary medicine colleges may offer free or low-cost vaccinations in your area.

• Charity care from your local vet - A veterinarian near you may offer charity care underwritten by donors such as the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.  
• Government animal shelters - Municipal animal services agencies sometimes provide low-cost preventive care, including vaccinations.
• Mobile vet clinics - Many private companies offer roving or pop-up services at retail pet stores and other convenient locations.
• Nonprofit organizations - You may obtain free or low-cost vaccines from local animal advocacy groups.  These organizations sometimes conduct pop-up vaccination events in different neighborhoods to make accessing care easier for pet owners.
• Use a vet in a less-expensive area - Services in smaller towns may be less costly than in more populated areas, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
• Veterinary medicine colleges - Many vet schools run low-cost clinics for pet owners with limited resources.  

 
At what age does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Puppies can begin getting vaccinated at 4 to 5 weeks old.  Kittens can receive vaccinations as early as four weeks old.  
 
If I do not have my pet vaccinated, what happens?
Your pet will be at greater risk for contagious diseases, illnesses, and even death if they do not receive vaccines for preventable conditions.  Vaccination can also reduce the severity of illness if your pet gets sick.  Additionally, there are local and state laws regarding pet vaccinations.  Proof of current vaccination is often required to get a license for your animal.  
 
Is pet insurance worth the cost?
Pet health insurance can save thousands of dollars if your pet has an accident or injury.  Your plan also may cover alternative treatments, inherited conditions, and congenital disabilities, but that coverage is usually offered for an additional cost.
 
Pet health insurance typically does not cover routine care, such as vaccines or wellness visits,  But this, too, can be added to your plan for an additional fee.