How Much Do Pet Vaccines Cost
By |Last Updated: February 16, 2026|
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Key Takeaways:

  • Pet vaccine costs in Murrieta depend on vaccine type and pet age.
  • Core vaccines are generally more affordable than lifestyle vaccines.
  • Puppies and kittens need multiple booster shots, increasing overall cost.
  • Wellness plans often reduce the per-visit vaccination expense.
  • Exam fees may be charged separately from vaccine costs.
  • Vaccinating on schedule prevents costly illnesses later.

In Murrieta, most individual pet vaccines run $20 to $35 per dose.

In this guide, you’ll see a quick cost table, the factors that change pricing, what’s typically included in a visit to a Pet vaccines Services, simple ways to save and much more.

Let’s directly jump into the pet vaccine costs across the US.

Pet Vaccine Cost (USA)

Vaccine typeAverage U.S. price rangeCommon use
Rabies (dog/cat)$20–$60Required for dogs in CA; protects against a fatal virus.
DHPP/DAPP (dog core)$20–$60 per doseDistemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvo, Parainfluenza.
FVRCP (cat core)$25–$70 per doseRhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia.
Bordetella (dog)~$20–$60 per doseOften required for daycare/boarding.
Leptospirosis (dog)~$25–$50 per doseBacteria in water/wildlife; lifestyle-based.
Lyme (dog)~$25–$60 per doseTick-borne disease; lifestyle/geography.
Canine Influenza (dog)~$20–$40 per doseRespiratory virus; social/boarding dogs. (Newer bivalent options exist.)
Puppy starter series (first-year total)~$160–$410Multiple DHPP + rabies; add-ons by lifestyle.
Kitten starter series (first-year total)~$150–$350Multiple FVRCP + rabies; ± FeLV by risk.

As a rule of thumb, the average cost of pet vaccines lands in the ranges above, with lifestyle add-ons nudging the bill up. If you’re comparing veterinary vaccine prices, remember exam fees, certificates, and records can affect totals.

Note: In Riverside County, dogs must have a current rabies shot to get a license, and your license can’t outlast your rabies vaccine. Keep that certificate handy.

Read more: The Importance of Vaccinating Your Pets

Why Vaccine Prices Vary

  • Clinic type
    Pop-up/low-cost events (shelters, retail clinics) keep per-shot prices low; full-service hospitals charge more but include doctor oversight, records, and broader care. Package pricing at vaccine clinics shows how bundles drop the per-shot cost.
  • Where you live
    Cost-of-living matters. Southern California clinics often sit at the higher end of national ranges.
  • Pet factors
    Puppies/kittens need a series, not just one shot. Seniors or pets with medical issues may need a different plan. In general, the dog vaccination cost can run higher than cat vaccination cost for social/boarding dogs because of lifestyle add-ons.
  • What’s included
    A “vaccine-only” price may not include a vet exam, rabies certificate/tag, or short observation. Add-ons like microchips and tests (heartworm for dogs, FeLV for cats) change totals. When budgeting, set aside a little for rabies vaccine cost if your pet is due.
  • Brand/type
    Some products (e.g., bivalent canine flu) cost more but cover more strains and are relevant for social dogs in SoCal.
  • Bundles vs. single shots
    Puppy/kitten packages typically beat à-la-carte pricing by a lot.

What’s Usually Included in a Vaccine Visit (transparency = trust)

  • Brief wellness check (heart/lungs, temperature, quick exam)
  • Correct dose/route and a clear vaccine schedule
  • Paperwork: updated shot record; rabies certificate/tag when applicable
  • Short observation period for rare reactions
  • Optional add-ons: microchip; parasite prevention; tests (heartworm, FeLV) if bundled

How to Save on Pet Vaccines in Murrieta (without cutting corners)

  • Bring previous records so we don’t repeat something you already paid for.
  • Match vaccines to lifestyle (daycare = Bordetella; hiking/camping = Lepto/Lyme; social dogs = Influenza).
  • Prefer licensed veterinarians and documented vaccines since boarding/daycare will ask for proof.

Read more: How Often Should You Visit a Veterinarian?

Murrieta-Specific Nuggets You’ll Want to Know

  • Rabies + license go together in Riverside County; your dog’s license expires when the rabies vaccine does.
  • California requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies starting around 3 months; counties hold vaccine events to help residents stay current.
  • The first rabies shot counts for 1 year, then boosters can be 1–3 years depending on vaccine and records.

Conclusion

If you’re budgeting in Murrieta, plan on $20–$35 per vaccine and a bit more when an exam, certificate, or tests are involved.

Puppies and kittens cost more the first year because of the series. The easiest way to keep costs predictable is to bundle, bring records, and tailor to lifestyle (not every pet needs every optional shot).

Hot Springs Animal Hospital proudly serves Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Menifee, and nearby communities. Bring your pet’s records, and we’ll map a simple plan that fits your budget and your pet’s actual lifestyle. Either book an appointment or call us at (951) 600-0830

FAQs

Yes. In many veterinary practices, including those in Murrieta, the wellness examination fee is charged separately from the vaccine cost. The exam covers a full health check, while vaccines are billed per dose or package.

Booster shots are often scheduled separately and may be priced independently of initial vaccine costs. Some clinics include boosters in vaccine packages for puppies or kittens, but adult boosters are usually billed based on the vaccine type and timing.

Yes. Bundling multiple vaccines into a package (especially for puppies and kittens) often reduces the per-shot cost and can make preventive care more affordable. Wellness plans or preventive bundles in Murrieta may offer the best value for regular vaccinations.

Puppies/kittens: a series every 3-4 weeks until ~16 weeks (core vaccines), then boosters. Rabies is 1 year after the first shot; after that, every 1 to 3 years per label and local rules.

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Written by : Hot Springs Animal Hospital

Hot Springs Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care in Murrieta, CA. Our experienced team is passionate about keeping pets healthy through preventive care, advanced treatments, and compassionate service. We proudly serve pet parents with a full range of veterinary services to ensure every pet lives a long, happy life.