It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by all the information available about pet vaccines. Which shots do you need? Which are optional? When is the best time to get them? Why do they seem to cost so much? Are there low-cost pet vaccinations?

Fortunately, the answer is yes! It’s also possible to prioritize core vaccines if you cannot afford all your pet’s shots. Let’s look at some FAQs about vaccines and discover how to keep your pet happy and healthy – within your budget.

Should You Get Your Pet Vaccinated?

Are vaccinations really necessary for your dog or cat? The answer, in short, is yes. There are some vaccines that are even mandated by law, but the vaccines your pet needs are dependent on a handful of factors such as:

  • Your pet’s overall health
  • Their age
  • Where you live
  • Your dog or cat’s lifestyle
  • Their exposure to other animals

Additionally, vaccines are considered great preventative care, that means that they help protect your pet from disease-causing viruses. They can even boost their immune system! Plus, they are far more affordable than the expensive treatments your pet would need if they contracted a severe illness.

Which Affordable Pet Vaccinations Should You Get?

The best way to determine the ideal vaccination plan for your pet is to consult your veterinarian. The doctor will consider the above factors and can devise a vaccination schedule that meets your pet’s needs. 

The price of vaccines administered at a veterinarian’s office can be pretty steep. Moreover, they add up quickly. If you are on a budget, consider focusing on just the “core” vaccines below. Remember, when it comes to vaccinations, some protection is better than no protection at all. 

Core Vaccines for Dogs

  • Rabies (legally mandated in most states)
  • Parvovirus
  • Distemper
  • Adenovirus
  • Leptospirosis

Do you kennel your dog or take them to doggy parks or daycare? If so, you will probably be required to have an up-to-date Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines.

Core Vaccines for Cats

  • Rabies 
  • Feline calicivirus
  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis
  • Panleukopenia (also called “feline distemper”)

Note that there is a combination vaccine (FVRCP) available for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. This vaccine is sometimes referred to as the “core shot.” 

Your veterinarian might recommend the feline leukemia vaccine based on your cat’s lifestyle. 

Where to Find Affordable Pet Vaccinations

Now that you know which shots are a priority, it’s time to get them administered. Where can you find affordable pet vaccinations that won’t break the bank?

At Essentials PetCare, we understand the need for preventative pet care that is both convenient and affordable. That’s why we offer a range of vaccination packages for your dog or cat based on their needs and your budget. Essentials PetCare is conveniently located inside your nearby Walmart, making mobile low-cost pet vaccinations quick and easy. 

How Much Do Vaccines at Essentials PetCare Cost?

Depending on where you get your pet vaccinated, the cost can range quite a bit. At a full-service veterinarian practice, each canine vaccine can cost up to $75, and up to $80 for felines, just for one single vaccine! Most will also charge a separate visit fee.

When you bundle your pet’s vaccinations at Essentials PetCare, you can help lower the cost considerably. Our individual vaccines for dogs and cats start at just $30, and our affordable pet vaccination packages range from $90-$180 for dogs and $60-$165 for cats. 

Choose from the Essential Package, which offers the essentials, all the way up to the Guardian Complete Package, which provides comprehensive care for your pet. 

Vaccines for Puppies and Kittens

Welcoming a cuddly new puppy or kitten into your home? Congratulations! One of the best decisions you can make as a new pet owner is to protect them with routine vaccinations.

Puppies and kittens should receive immunization at:

  • 8 weeks for puppies and 9 weeks for kittens
  • 12 weeks
  • 16 weeks 

You might be thinking “that’s a lot!” After the first year, however,  you only need boosters every 1-3 years to maintain your pet’s protection. Essentials PetCare offers several affordable vaccine packages for puppies to help you keep down the costs of pet ownership.

What about your kitten? Cats are most susceptible to disease under six months of age, that’s why it’s important to start a kitten vaccination series early. 

A Final Word on Boosters

Initial vaccines kick-start your pet’s immune system to fight bacteria and viruses, and boosters help them maintain immunity, so it’s important to finish each course of vaccination you start. Otherwise, you risk your pet getting sick. 

Remember: some protection is always better than none. Getting the basics is a great place to start when it comes to protecting your pet’s health. Come in and see us today!

Essential Tip: Ready to determine which of our bundled vaccine packages is right for your dog or cat and explore our other comprehensive care options? Head on over to our services page! 

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*Prices subject to change. See current prices: https://essentialspetcare.com/services