Puppy Vaccination Costs in Australia

Find out about the vaccinations your young puppy will need and how much this could cost with Savvy's useful guide. 

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, updated on September 1st, 2023       

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German shepherd pup at the vet

When adding a puppy to your household, there are a number of costs to take into account – including vaccinations. Vaccinations play a vital role in preventing your dog from falling ill due to a variety of illnesses and diseases, and are a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. However, there are costs involved. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled this handy guide to familiarise you with the most common vaccinations for puppies in Australia along with their associated costs.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?

Your puppy will need a number of vaccinations in its first few months. Being aware of what these vaccinations are, when they are needed and how much they will cost can help you plan and provide your furry friend with the protection they need as they grow. Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with different types of puppy vaccinations at various stages of your pup’s growth:

Age Recommended vaccine type Price range (apprx.)
6–8 weeks
C3
$70 – $130
10–12 weeks
C3 or C5
$90 – $175 (C5)
16 weeks
C3 or C5
$90 – $175 (C5)
1 year +
C5 (every 1 to 3 years)
$90 – $195

Prices are taken from a range of sources and are correct as of August 2023, but these may change over time or vary depending on your vet and location.

What do puppy vaccinations cover?

The primary vaccinations given to puppies are:

  • C3: protects against distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis
  • C4: protects against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and parainfluenza
  • C5: protects against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza and kennel cough
  • C7: protects against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, kennel cough, leptospirosis and coronavirus

The C3 vaccine is a core vaccination that all dogs must receive, protecting them against the following infectious, life-threatening illnesses:

  • Distemper: a viral infection affecting the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems, often leading to high fever, coughing, nasal discharge and even seizures.
  • Parvovirus: a highly contagious virus causing severe vomiting, diarrhea with blood and dehydration, often leading to death, particularly in puppies.
  • Infectious hepatitis (canine adenovirus): a contagious viral infection affecting the liver and other organs, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Diseases covered by the additional vaccinations are:

  • Parainfluenza virus: a highly contagious respiratory virus causing kennel cough, characterised by persistent coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge.
  • Leptospirosis (leptospira interrogans): a bacterial infection that can lead to liver and kidney damage, transmitted through contact with contaminated water or infected animals, causing symptoms like vomiting, fever and jaundice.
  • Kennel cough (bordetella bronchiseptica): a contagious respiratory infection, commonly found in places where dogs gather, causing persistent coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge.
  • Coronavirus: a virus causing gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting, typically mild but potentially problematic in young puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems.

Why is it important to vaccinate your puppy?

Vaccinating your puppy is a crucial step in ensuring their overall health and well-being. Here are some reasons why you should vaccinate your young dog:

  • Prevent serious illnesses: vaccines provide a shield against severe diseases, saving your puppy from pain and costly treatments.
  • Build immunity: vaccines bolster your puppy’s defences, offering protection against various infections.
  • Protect the community: vaccinated dogs help stop the spread of diseases within the dog community.
  • Ensure long-term health: vaccinations grant lasting protection, minimising potential future health issues.
  • Cost-effective: choosing prevention through vaccination is more economical than the cost of treatment.

Does pet insurance cover dog and puppy vaccinations?

Many comprehensive pet insurance policies will cover vaccinations under routine care cover available as an optional extra. However, it is important to check what exactly is covered as part of your plan.

Puppies can generally be insured from around 6 to 8 weeks old. Even if vaccinations are not covered, taking out pet insurance for your puppy can provide financial relief for unexpected accidents and illnesses and can cover a significant portion of the vet bill. Accident-only plans will provide protection against an array of accidental injuries, while accident and illness cover will also help cover the costs of treating illnesses such as gastrointestinal issues and eye and ear conditions.

Frequently asked questions about puppy vaccinations

Can my puppy suffer any side effects from vaccinations?

While vaccinations are generally safe, they can occasionally lead to mild side effects. Commonly observed side effects include mild fever, lethargy and slight soreness at the site of injection. These effects are usually temporary and should resolve on their own within a day or two.

In rare cases, more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, can occur. While these reactions are uncommon, it's essential to keep an eye on your puppy after vaccination. If you notice any signs of a severe reaction, it's crucial to contact your vet for guidance and assistance. Depending on the type of cover, your pet insurance may help to cover the cost of treatment.

Do I need to vaccinate my kitten?

Yes – kittens, like puppies, are vulnerable to various diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. Common vaccinations for kittens include those that protect against:

  • Feline herpes virus
  • Calicivirus
  • Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)

 

Depending on your level of cover, vaccinations may be covered by your kitten’s pet insurance.

What else does routine care on pet insurance cover?

Depending on your particular plan, routine care may include:

  • Dental care

Compare pet insurance

Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget. 

site-logos Fetch Care Plan

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Covers accidental injuries?
$30,000 $100 80%, 90% or 100% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.

More details
site-logos Petsy Most Popular 80% Cover $150 Excess

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details
site-logos Fetch Premium Plan

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$30,000 $0 80% or 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.

More details
site-logos Knose Pet Insurance

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

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$7,500, $12,500 or $25,000 $0 / $100 / $200 70%, 80% or 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Multi-award winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets.

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site-logos Petsy Value Cover 80% Cover $500 Excess

Annual benefits limit

Excess

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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details
site-logos Petsy Top Cover

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$25,000 $0 / $150 / $500 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details

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