Cat and Dog Vaccinations Cost and Financing

Prevention is the best medicine. Vaccinating your pet can help protect it from future illness. Vaccinations help prepare the body’s immune system to fight off disease-causing organisms. For pets, there are core vaccinations that are recommended for ever animal and non-core which are based on lifestyle needs². Vaccinations such as parvovirus should be administered when the pet is between 6 to 16 weeks of age². Other types of vaccinations include rabies, distemper and Lyme disease. Each state has mandatory vaccinations, such as rabies, which can be required yearly or every three years¹. Your veterinarian will discuss the ideal vaccination schedule for your dog, cat or small animal. Below we dive into cat and dog vaccination cost, if insurance covers pet vaccinations and how veterinary financing can help.

How much are vaccinations for dogs and cats?

The cost for annual exams and vaccinations for a dog ranges from $210 to $265 a year; a cat’s annual vaccination cost is $160³ and will vary on the pet’s needs, the veterinary fees, the medicine and geographic location.

Does pet insurance cover shots?

Many pet insurance companies offer optional wellness coverage that can cover pet’s vaccination needs. If your pet insurance doesn’t cover the cost or you do not have pet insurance, you can expect to pay the full amount which, again, can range between $160 to $265 a year or more.

How can I finance and pay for cat and dog vaccinations?

Most veterinarians expect payment on the day the pet is vaccinated. Few veterinarians extend credit to clients through their practice where clients would receive bills from their veterinarian and pay them directly on a monthly basis. But almost all accept general purpose credit cards and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for the procedure.

Can I use my CareCredit credit card to pay for cat and dog vaccinations?

Yes. If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network to finance vaccinations for your pet and to pay for wellness, injury, illness and critical care needs. The benefit of using a CareCredit credit card for vet bills is the opportunity to use promotional financing* and pay with convenient monthly payments. With CareCredit, you can get your pet care immediately. You can also use your CareCredit card again and again to pay for a Lifetime of Care™. To find a veterinarian near you that accepts the CareCredit credit card go to Acceptance Locator or Mobile App.

Pet insurance is administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC and is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company. Please visit www.americanpetinsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products. Pets Best is a CareCredit solution.