How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost in Calgary?
The price range for dog vaccinations in Calgary typically varies from $30 to $130 per shot. These costs depend on the veterinary clinic you choose and the specific vaccine your dog needs. For a puppy in their first year, the total expense for all required vaccinations averages between $200 and $400.
That total includes a series of visits — puppies need multiple rounds of shots starting at 6–8 weeks old, with boosters through 16–18 weeks. Each visit includes an exam fee ($70–$170 depending on the clinic) plus the cost of individual vaccines.
Core Vaccines Every Dog Needs
Four vaccines are considered core for dogs in Calgary:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) — A combination vaccine that protects against four serious diseases. Sometimes listed as DHLPP when Leptospirosis is included. This is the most critical vaccine for puppies.
- Rabies — Required by the City of Calgary. After the initial shot, your dog needs a booster at one year, then every three years.
- Bordetella (kennel cough) — Highly recommended for any dog that interacts with other dogs — at parks, daycare, grooming, or boarding. Required by most Calgary daycares including PAWS.
- Leptospirosis — Protects against a bacterial infection that can spread through contaminated water. Increasingly recommended in Alberta due to wildlife exposure.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
| Age | Recommended Vaccinations |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis |
| 16–18 weeks | DHPP, Rabies |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster, Rabies booster |
Calgary Vet Clinic Vaccination Prices
| Clinic | Area | Exam | DHPP | Rabies | Bordetella |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaparral Veterinary Clinic | SE | $70 | $40.10 | $40.10 | $40.10 |
| Healthy PAWS Vet Hospital | NW | $73 | $28 | $28 | $28 |
| Sunridge Veterinary Clinic | NE | $98 | $20 | $36 | $35 |
| Aspen Animal Hospital | SW | $104 | $39 | $39 | $36 |
| Britannia Kingsland Vet Clinic | SW | $115 | $40 | $38 | $44 |
| Downtown Animal Clinic | SW | $115 | $33 | $51 | $51 |
| Midlake Veterinary Clinic | SE | $127 | $38 | $38 | $38 |
| Southpointe Pet Hospital | SE | $170 | $38 | $38 | $35 |
The biggest cost difference between clinics is the exam fee, which ranges from $70 to $170. Individual vaccine costs are more consistent — DHPP runs $20–$40, Rabies $28–$51, and Bordetella $28–$51 across the clinics we surveyed.
Calgary Vet Clinic Profiles
Healthy PAWS Veterinary Hospital
Address: 2024 – 2060 Symons Valley Pkwy NW, Calgary, AB T3P 0M9
Phone: (403) 475-7297
Website: healthypawsvet.ca
Lowest per-vaccine cost in our survey at $28 each for DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella. Exam fee is also among the lowest at $73. Puppies can start at 8 weeks. Both 1-year and 3-year rabies intervals are available.
Midlake Veterinary Clinic
Address: 704 – 22 Midlake Blvd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 2X7
Phone: (403) 217-0460
Website: midlakevet.com
Consistent pricing at $38 per vaccine across the board, but the $127 exam fee brings the per-visit total higher. Puppies can start at 6–8 weeks.
Aspen Animal Hospital
Address: 103 – 333 Aspen Glen Landing SW, Calgary, AB T3H 0N6
Phone: (403) 256-0079
Website: aspenanimalhospital.ca
Mid-range pricing with a $104 exam fee. DHPP and Rabies are $39 each, Bordetella slightly lower at $36. Puppies start at 8 weeks.
Chaparral Veterinary Clinic
Address: 220 – 803 Chaparral Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2X 0E5
Phone: (403) 769-1442
Website: chaparralvet.com
The lowest exam fee in our survey at $70, with consistent vaccine pricing at $40.10 each. Good option for SE Calgary dog owners looking for affordable first-year costs.
Britannia Kingsland Veterinary Clinic
Address: 7738 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1K2
Phone: (403) 253-7044
Website: calgaryvet.com
Established SW Calgary clinic with a $115 exam fee. Vaccine prices range from $38–$44. Accepts puppies from 8–16 weeks. Both 1-year and 3-year rabies intervals available.
Southpointe Pet Hospital
Address: 210 – 4600 130 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 0C2
Phone: (403) 532-0085
Website: southpointepethospital.ca
The highest exam fee in our survey at $170, though individual vaccine costs are competitive ($35–$38 each). Puppies start at 8 weeks.
Downtown Animal Clinic
Address: 1 – 820 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2X1
Phone: (403) 262-3237
Website: animalcliniccalgary.com
Our vet partner, conveniently located near PAWS in SW Calgary. Exam fee is $115. DHPP is affordable at $33, but Rabies and Bordetella are higher at $51 each. Puppies start at 8 weeks.
Sunridge Veterinary Clinic
Address: 3660 20 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6E8
Phone: (403) 285-8777
Website: sunridgeveterinaryclinic.com
The lowest DHPP price in our survey at just $20. Exam fee is a reasonable $98 and other vaccines are $35–$36. Strong option for NE Calgary dog owners.
What Vaccinations Does PAWS Require for Daycare?
Every dog attending PAWS must have current proof of the following vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian:
- Rabies
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Leptospirosis
These requirements protect every dog in our facility. Vaccination records are verified during registration before your dog's first visit. If your puppy hasn't completed their full vaccine series yet, talk to your vet about timing — most puppies can start daycare after their second round of shots (around 12 weeks), with boosters completed on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to vaccinate a puppy in the first year?
Expect to spend $200–$400 in your puppy's first year on vaccinations. This covers 3–4 vet visits with exam fees plus the core vaccine series (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella, Leptospirosis).
Do I need to vaccinate my dog every year?
Core vaccines like DHPP and Rabies need boosters, but not always annually. After the initial puppy series and first-year booster, Rabies is typically every 3 years. Bordetella is usually annual, especially for dogs attending daycare or interacting with other dogs regularly. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your dog's lifestyle.
Can I take my puppy outside before vaccinations are complete?
Yes, but carefully. Stick to your own yard or clean areas where unvaccinated dogs haven't been. Avoid dog parks, pet stores, and high-traffic areas until your puppy has completed their series (around 16–18 weeks). The socialization window is critical though — controlled exposure to new people, sounds, and environments is important even before vaccines are complete.
What happens if my dog's vaccinations lapse?
If your dog's vaccinations expire, they'll need booster shots to restore protection. Most vets can get your dog caught up in one or two visits. Until they're current, your dog won't be able to attend daycare, boarding, or grooming at most Calgary facilities — including PAWS.
Why do exam fees vary so much between clinics?
Exam fees reflect the clinic's overhead (location, equipment, staff), the length of the appointment, and what's included. Some clinics bundle a more thorough wellness check into their exam fee, while others keep the exam brief and charge separately for additional assessments. The cheapest exam isn't always the worst value, but it's worth asking what's included.
Keep Your Dog Protected and Social
Vaccinations aren't just a medical requirement — they're what allows your dog to safely socialize, attend daycare, visit groomers, and enjoy Calgary's dog parks. Staying current protects your dog and every dog they interact with.
Ready to get your vaccinated pup into daycare? Register for a free Intro Day or call us at (403) 984-9247.
