How Much Do Rabies Shots Cost for Dogs & Cats?

Whether you have a puppy, kitten, or an adult dog or cat, the rabies vaccine is perhaps one of the most important immunizations your pet can receive. Of course, the thought of your furry companion contracting rabies is scary. However, the rabies vaccine is generally very effective at preventing the disease and protecting your pet’s health. Keep reading to learn more about the rabies vaccine cost, the disease itself, and the immunization schedule for dogs and cats.  

With the Preventive Care add-on, MetLife Pet Insurance can help cover the cost of yearly rabies vaccines.

How Much Is a Rabies Vaccine?

The rabies vaccine cost may depend on factors like the area you live in.¹ However, the average rabies vaccine price for dogs typically falls around $15 – $20, while vaccinating a cat generally costs $25 – $50.^1,2 Still, if you have a Preventive Care add-on as part of your dog insurance or cat insurance from MetLife Pet, your policy can often help you cover the cost of the vaccine.

Covering Ruby’s vaccine costs

When Ruby — a Pomeranian from Pennsylvania — was just a puppy, her pet vaccinations were going to cost her owner more than $100. However, because she had a MetLife Pet policy that included a Preventive Care add-on, her policy paid the full cost of these immunizations.³

Ensuring your dog receives their core vaccines — including the rabies vaccine — can help better ensure they have lifelong protection against serious conditions.¹ Given that the condition is almost always fatal once animals begin to show signs of illness, rabies is something you likely want to protect your furry friend against.⁴

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a generally fatal virus that attacks the central nervous systems — the brains and spines — of mammals. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most rabies infections occur in wild animals (e.g., bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes), any mammal — including pets and humans — can contract the condition.⁵

Transmission of rabies typically occurs via a mammal’s direct contact — such as through a bite wound or broken skin — with the saliva, brain, or nervous system tissue of an infected animal.⁶ For example, if an infected feral cat or stray dog bites your pet, the risk of rabies transmission is certainly present.⁷ Given the incurable, usually fatal prognosis of rabies, treatment typically takes a supportive form, rather than being a cure.⁴

Symptoms of rabies

The rabies virus tends to be dormant during its incubation period, which may last weeks or months.^4,8 Once rabies begins to multiply within the brain, however, almost all animals will start to exhibit symptoms,⁸ which may include:⁹

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Aggression
• Self-mutilation
• Abnormal behavior

To help reduce the transmission of this dangerous condition, many states and local jurisdictions have enacted regulations requiring vaccinations, quarantines, or other safeguards for pets.¹⁰ Having your pet vaccinated against this potentially fatal illness will help give you peace of mind that your furry family member can live the fun and carefree life they deserve.

Scheduling Rabies Vaccines for Your Pet

The rabies vaccine typically involves a series of shots, although the timing of doses can vary for dogs and cats. Your vet can help you determine which schedule is most appropriate for your pet.¹¹

Rabies vaccine schedule for dogs

Dogs have two options for rabies vaccines: a 1-year rabies vaccine or a 3-year rabies vaccine. They can usually receive the initial dose for both options as early as 3 months old, although some states regulate when pets can receive the first shot. Dogs who receive the 1-year vaccine generally require annual booster shots. Those who get the 3-year vaccine typically receive a booster after one year, then every three years after that.¹¹

Rabies vaccine schedule for cats

Cats can receive their first rabies vaccine as early as 8 weeks old, depending on the type of vaccine used. They may need to receive boosters either at 1-year or 3-year intervals, again depending on the type of vaccine. State regulations may also impact the frequency and type of vaccines required.¹¹

MetLife Pet Can Cover Your Pet’s Preventive Care

When your pet needs standard wellness care, like a rabies vaccine, a MetLife Pet Insurance policy can often cover the costs. Our optional Preventive Care add-on is a great way to get reimbursed¹² for many of your pet’s everyday care needs — from shots and dental care to heartworm prevention — and reduce the overall cost. Plus, MetLife Pet policies come with short waiting periods, customizable deductibles, and other benefits that help you get the right protection for your furry friends.^12,13 Get your free quote today.