How Much Do Puppy Shots Cost At PetSmart?

What Are Puppy Shots?

Puppy shots, also known as vaccinations, are a necessary part of keeping your pup healthy and safe. These shots help protect your pup from a variety of illnesses, including distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and others. Vaccinations are typically given in a series of three shots when your pup is around 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, and then a booster shot is given a year later.

Benefits Of Puppy Shots

Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pup from potentially fatal illnesses. Without vaccinations, your pup is at a much higher risk of developing serious illnesses, such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and others. These illnesses can be difficult to treat and can even be fatal. Vaccinations help to prevent these illnesses and keep your pup safe and healthy.

Vaccinations also help to protect other animals and humans in your community. By vaccinating your pup, you’re helping to reduce the spread of disease and keep your community safe.

How Much Do Puppy Shots Cost At PetSmart?

At PetSmart, the cost of puppy shots varies depending on the type of vaccine and the number of shots needed. Generally, the cost of puppy shots starts at around $25 for the initial visit, which includes a physical exam and the first round of shots. This cost may vary depending on your location and the vaccine selected.

The cost of the three-shot series is typically around $50. This includes the physical exam and the three rounds of shots. The cost of the one-year booster shot is typically around $25.

Banfield Hospitals

Vaccinations done at Banfield Hospitals through the PetSmart partnership work a bit differently as you’ll have them done at the hospital. Prices are comparable to (but somewhat lower in some locations) those of ShotVet. They carry fewer shots than ShotVet, although the majority of those they don’t carry are non-core. Banfield Hospitals also does not differentiate between puppies and dogs on its website, thus costs should be the same regardless of your dog’s age.

Here are estimated costs for the core geographical regions in the United States.

Shotvet Petsmart

ShotVet also offers packages of shots for puppies and dogs that could save you a few bucks. The puppy packages are:

• Puppy A (DA2PP & strategic deworm) for $67
• Puppy B (DA2PP & strategic deworm & Influenza (H3N8)) for $84
• Puppy C (DA2PP & strategic deworm & Influenza (H3N8) & Bordetella & rabies) for $99
• Puppy Club (all 3 series of puppy shots) for $179

How Often Should You Get Your Puppy Vaccinated?

The exact frequency of vaccinations for your puppy will depend on their age, breed, and lifestyle. However, there is a general guideline that most veterinarians follow:

• First vaccination: 6-8 weeks old
• Second vaccination: 10-12 weeks old
• Third vaccination: 14-16 weeks old
• Rabies vaccination: 3-4 months old
• Booster: 1 year after the last puppy shot, then as recommended by your veterinarian (usually every 1-3 years)

What Happens If Your Dog Is Not Vaccinated?

If your dog is not vaccinated, they are exposed to a number of risks, both for themselves and for others. Here’s a breakdown of the potential consequences:

Increased susceptibility to serious diseases:

• Highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases: Unvaccinated dogs are vulnerable to highly contagious and often fatal diseases like rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. These diseases can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, neurological problems, and even death.
• Other infectious diseases: Even if not fatal, unvaccinated dogs can contract other infectious diseases like kennel cough, Lyme disease, and canine influenza, leading to discomfort, illness, and potentially costly vet bills.

Public health risks:

• Transmission of zoonotic diseases: Some of the diseases your dog can contract, like rabies and leptospirosis, are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. By not vaccinating your dog, you put yourself and others at risk.
• Herd immunity weakening: Vaccinations work by creating herd immunity, meaning when enough individuals in a population are vaccinated, it’s difficult for diseases to spread even to unvaccinated individuals. Choosing not to vaccinate your dog weakens this herd immunity, potentially putting other dogs, especially puppies and seniors, at greater risk.

Social limitations:

• Restrictions on travel and boarding: Many boarding facilities and dog daycare centers require dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of disease. Without vaccinations, your dog may be restricted from these opportunities for socialization and care.
• Public health regulations: Some regions have laws or regulations requiring dog vaccinations, particularly for rabies. Failure to comply could result in fines or legal action.

What Are The First Shots For Puppies?

The first shots for puppies are typically a combination of vaccines that protect them against several core diseases. These core vaccines are considered essential for all puppies, regardless of their breed, lifestyle, or location.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common first shots for puppies:

DHPP/DAP: This combined vaccine protects against the following four core diseases:

• Distemper: A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Hepatitis: Caused by canine adenovirus, it can lead to liver damage, fever, and lethargy.
• Parvovirus: Highly contagious and potentially fatal, it causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
• Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus causing mild kennel cough-like symptoms.

Bordetella: This vaccine protects against canine infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough. While not as essential as the core vaccines, it’s recommended for puppies with high exposure risk, like those attending daycare or boarding facilities.

Leptospirosis: This vaccine protects against a bacterial disease transmitted through infected water or contact with urine from infected animals. Its necessity depends on your region’s prevalence and your puppy’s potential exposure.

Timing:

• The first DHPP/DAP vaccination is typically given around 6-8 weeks of age.
• Subsequent booster shots of DHPP/DAP are administered at intervals of 2-4 weeks, with the final one usually given around 14-16 weeks.
• Bordetella and Leptospirosis vaccines can be given alongside DHPP/DAP or at separate visits, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
• Rabies vaccination comes later, usually around 3-4 months of age, depending on local regulations.

Choosing the right vaccines:

It’s crucial to remember that not all puppies require the same set of vaccines. Your veterinarian will determine the best vaccination schedule for your pup based on factors like:

• Age and breed
• Lifestyle and risk factors
• Local disease prevalence
• Individual health

Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on the most appropriate vaccination schedule and additional non-core vaccines your puppy might need.

5-in-1 Vaccine For Puppies Schedule

The 5-in-1 vaccine for puppies, also known as the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) or DHPPi/L (including Leptospirosis) vaccine, is a crucial part of keeping your furry friend healthy and protected from several dangerous diseases. Here’s a breakdown of the typical schedule for this vital vaccination:

Age:

• 6-8 weeks old: First dose of DHPP/DAP or DHPPi/L.
• 10-12 weeks old: Second dose of DHPP/DAP or DHPPi/L.
• 14-16 weeks old: Third and final dose of DHPP/DAP or DHPPi/L.

What Puppy Shots Will PetSmart Administer?

At PetSmart, the veterinarians will typically administer the combination vaccines, which are the most common form of puppy shots. These vaccines protect against several of the most common and deadliest illnesses, such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and others.

The veterinarians will also administer any additional vaccines that may be recommended by your vet, such as the bordetella vaccine or the leptospirosis vaccine, as well as any other vaccines that may be required in your area.

How To Schedule An Appointment For Puppy Shots At PetSmart

Scheduling an appointment for puppy shots at PetSmart is easy. You can schedule an appointment online, by phone, or in person. The appointment will typically last around 30 minutes and will include a physical exam, as well as the vaccinations.

When you schedule an appointment, make sure to let the staff know that your pup will be receiving vaccinations. That way, they can make sure to have the necessary vaccines available.

Alternatives To PetSmart For Puppy Shots

If you’re not comfortable taking your pup to PetSmart for their vaccinations, there are other options available. You can take your pup to a local veterinary clinic for their vaccinations. These clinics typically have lower costs and may also offer additional services that may not be available at PetSmart.

You can also look into low-cost clinics in your area, which offer vaccinations at a lower cost. These clinics are usually run by local animal shelters or rescue organizations, and they often offer discounted vaccinations for those in need.

Cost Of Puppy Shots At Other Veterinary Clinics

The cost of puppy shots at other veterinary clinics may vary depending on the type of vaccine and the number of shots needed. Generally, the cost of the three-shot series is around $50 to $75, and the cost of the one-year booster shot is around $25 to $50.

The cost of additional vaccines may vary depending on the type of vaccine and the clinic. For example, the bordetella vaccine may cost around $15 to $25, and the leptospirosis vaccine may cost around $20 to $40.

What To Bring To PetSmart For Puppy Shots

When you take your pup to PetSmart for their vaccinations, make sure to bring the necessary items. These include your pup’s medical records, including any previous vaccination records, if available. You should also bring a valid form of payment, such as cash, check, or credit card.

Finally, make sure to bring a few treats for your pup. Vaccinations can be stressful for pups, so having a few treats on hand can help to make the experience a little easier.

Conclusion

As you can see, puppy shots are an essential part of keeping your pup healthy and safe. Not only do they help protect your pup from potentially fatal illnesses, but they’re also relatively inexpensive. The cost of puppy shots at PetSmart varies depending on the type of vaccine and the number of shots needed, but typically starts at around $25 for the initial visit.

If you’re not comfortable taking your pup to PetSmart for their vaccinations, there are other options available, such as local veterinary clinics and low-cost clinics. Whichever option you choose, make sure to bring the necessary items, such as your pup’s medical records, payment, and treats.

So now that you know how much puppy shots cost at PetSmart and what to expect, you can make an informed decision about the best way to keep your pup healthy and safe.

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