Owning a puppy comes with rewarding responsibilities — and significant financial planning. Routine essentials like food, treats, grooming items, toys, pee pads, collars, leashes, and deworming medication can add up quickly. But among the most crucial early investments is the vaccination of dogs to protect against deadly viruses such as rabies, canine distemper, bordetella bronchiseptica, leptospirosis, canine parvovirus, and canine influenza.
These early vaccine doses are vital for strengthening your puppy’s immune system, lowering disease risk, and promoting long-term health. Because many pet owners are concerned with how much puppy shots cost, it’s important to explore accessible care options — whether through a traditional veterinarian, a local pet store, or a walk-in veterinary medicine clinic.
If you’re specifically asking how much do puppy shots cost at PetSmart, we’ve broken it down into a detailed, location-aware guide so you know what to expect — and how to prepare.
The Quick Answer: Yes, But With Some Details
Yes, PetSmart does offer puppy vaccinations through their in-store veterinary clinics called Banfield Pet Hospital, which are located in many PetSmart stores across the country These clinics provide a range of vaccination services for puppies, but there’s more you should know before heading to your local store with your furry bundle of joy.
As a pet parent myself, I’ve gone through the confusion of puppy vaccination schedules and trying to find affordable, convenient options. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about getting your puppy vaccinated at PetSmart.
Why Puppy Vaccinations Matter
Before we talk about where to get your puppy shots, let’s understand why they’re so important Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother, but this protection starts to fade within weeks This leaves them vulnerable to serious diseases that can be fatal if not prevented.
According to PetSmart’s own information, the worst of these diseases are Distemper and Parvo – both of which can be deadly to puppies but are completely preventable with proper vaccination.
Getting your puppy vaccinated isn’t just about protecting them – it’s also about being a responsible pet owner and contributing to the overall health of the dog community in your area.
PetSmart Vaccination Services: What You Need to Know
Banfield Pet Hospital Partnership
PetSmart stores don’t directly administer vaccinations themselves. Instead, they partner with Banfield Pet Hospital, which operates veterinary clinics inside many PetSmart locations. This means when you’re getting “PetSmart puppy shots,” you’re actually visiting a Banfield vet within the PetSmart building.
Available Vaccination Options
Banfield Pet Hospital at PetSmart offers both core and non-core vaccinations for puppies:
Core Vaccines (recommended for ALL puppies):
- DHP/DAP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus)
- Rabies (required by law in most states)
Non-Core Vaccines (based on lifestyle and risk factors):
- Parainfluenza (often combined with DHP)
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Canine Influenza (two strains)
- Lyme Disease
Typical Vaccination Schedule at PetSmart/Banfield
If you choose to get your puppy vaccinated at PetSmart’s Banfield clinic, here’s the typical schedule they follow:
- First vaccination: 6-8 weeks – DHP
- Second vaccination: 9-11 weeks – DHP
- Third vaccination: 12-15 weeks – DHP
- Fourth vaccination: 16-20 weeks – DHP
- Rabies vaccination: Usually at 3-6 months (depending on state law)
- DHP Booster: At 1 year of age or 12 months after the last puppy shot
- Non-core vaccines: Scheduled based on your vet’s recommendation and your puppy’s specific needs
Cost of Puppy Vaccinations at PetSmart/Banfield
One of the things that surprised me when I first looked into puppy shots was the cost variation. At Banfield in PetSmart, you have two main options:
1. Pay-Per-Visit Pricing
You can choose to pay for each vaccination appointment individually. Prices vary by location, but typically:
- Core vaccines: $20-45 each
- Rabies: $15-25
- Non-core vaccines: $20-40 each
Remember that puppies need multiple rounds of the same vaccines, so costs add up quickly.
2. Wellness Plans
Banfield offers Optimum Wellness Plans that include vaccinations along with other preventive care. These plans spread the cost over 12 monthly payments and can include:
- All recommended vaccinations
- Office visits
- Parasite screening
- Deworming
- Basic bloodwork
- Spay/neuter discount
The puppy plans typically range from $30-45 per month depending on your location and the specific plan you choose.
Pros and Cons of Getting Puppy Shots at PetSmart
Pros:
- Convenience: You can shop for pet supplies and get vaccinations in the same trip
- Wellness Plans: Option to spread costs throughout the year
- Availability: Many locations offer weekend and evening hours
- Consistent Care: Same veterinary team at each visit
- Records: Digital records that are accessible if you move or visit another Banfield
Cons:
- Cost: Sometimes more expensive than low-cost vaccination clinics
- Busy Environment: Can be stressful for some puppies
- Wellness Plan Commitment: Plans require a 12-month contract
- Potentially Longer Waits: Popular locations can have extended wait times
Alternatives to PetSmart for Puppy Vaccinations
If PetSmart/Banfield doesn’t seem like the right fit for your needs, you have several other options:
- Private Veterinary Practices: Often provide more personalized care but may be more expensive
- Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics: Many communities have affordable options through humane societies or mobile clinics
- Pet Store Clinics: Some Petco locations offer Vetco vaccination clinics
- Mobile Vets: Services that come to your home (though usually more expensive)
- Animal Shelters: Some offer low-cost vaccination programs to the public
How to Prepare for Your Puppy’s Vaccination Appointment at PetSmart
If you decide to use Banfield at PetSmart for your puppy shots, here’s how to make the experience smoother:
- Call Ahead: Schedule an appointment rather than walking in
- Bring Records: If you’ve already started vaccinations elsewhere, bring those records
- Bring Stool Sample: Often needed for parasite testing
- Consider Timing: Go during less busy hours if possible
- Prepare for Payment: Know your budget and payment options beforehand
- Pack Puppy Supplies: Bring clean-up supplies, treats, and comfort items
FAQs About Puppy Vaccinations at PetSmart
Does PetSmart do walk-in vaccinations?
While some Banfield locations accept walk-ins, appointments are strongly recommended and typically given priority. Walk-ins may experience significant wait times, especially on weekends.
How much do puppy shots cost at PetSmart?
Individual vaccines typically range from $15-45 each. A complete puppy vaccination series can cost $100-300+ depending on which vaccines are given. Wellness Plans offer a way to spread this cost over monthly payments.
Can I get just one vaccine at a time at PetSmart?
Yes, you can request specific vaccines, but the veterinarian may recommend following the standard protocol for your puppy’s age and risk factors.
Do I need an appointment for puppy shots at PetSmart?
Yes, it’s best to schedule an appointment with Banfield Pet Hospital inside PetSmart. This reduces wait time and ensures they can accommodate you.
Are PetSmart puppy vaccinations the same quality as regular vet offices?
Yes, Banfield uses the same quality vaccines as traditional veterinary practices. Their veterinarians are licensed professionals who follow standard medical protocols.
Can I get a rabies certificate from PetSmart for my puppy?
Yes, Banfield will provide official documentation of the rabies vaccination, which is important for licensing your dog in most areas.
My Personal Experience With Puppy Vaccinations
When I got my Labrador puppy, Buddy, I was overwhelmed by all the vaccination information. I decided to use Banfield at PetSmart because there was one close to my home, and I liked the idea of being able to pick up supplies while we were there.
I signed up for their Wellness Plan, which worked great for us because we knew exactly what we were paying each month. However, I did notice that appointments could sometimes run behind schedule, especially on weekends.
The biggest pro for me was having all his records in one place and getting reminder emails when his next shots were due. This helped me stay on track with his vaccination schedule during those busy puppy months when I was also dealing with house training and obedience classes!
Making the Right Choice for Your Puppy
Ultimately, the decision about where to get your puppy vaccinated should be based on your specific situation:
- Budget concerns? Compare PetSmart’s Wellness Plans with local low-cost options
- Super busy schedule? PetSmart’s evening and weekend hours might be ideal
- Anxious puppy? A quieter private practice might be better
- Planning on using Banfield long-term? The Wellness Plan could save money over time
The most important thing isn’t WHERE your puppy gets vaccinated, but THAT they get vaccinated on the appropriate schedule. Missing or delaying critical vaccines can leave your puppy vulnerable to serious diseases.
Conclusion: PetSmart Puppy Shots Are a Convenient Option
Yes, PetSmart does offer puppy vaccinations through their partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital. It’s a convenient one-stop option that many pet parents appreciate, especially those with busy schedules or those who want the structure of a wellness plan.
Remember that puppy vaccinations are one of the most important investments you’ll make in your new family member’s health. They protect against devastating diseases and help ensure your puppy grows into a healthy adult dog.
Whether you choose PetSmart/Banfield or another provider, the key is following through with the complete vaccination schedule as recommended by veterinary professionals. Your puppy is counting on you to make the right healthcare decisions, and proper vaccination is at the top of that list!
Have you had experience with puppy vaccinations at PetSmart? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Puppy Shots & Services Cost- Banfield Hospital
If you opt for Banfield Hospital for your puppy’s vaccinations, the cost will vary depending on the location. To get a rough estimate, you can use their online Price Estimator, which provides a breakdown of the cost of each shot.
If you are in Illinois, estimated individual price costs are as follows:
On the other hand, you also have the option to get their Optimum Wellness Plan, which is a package plan for preventive pet care services. You have the option to pay these on a monthly or yearly basis with no interest charge:
Getting Puppy Vaccine Shots at PetSmart
PetSmart is a popular choice among pet owners concerned about the cost of vaccines. While PetSmart stores do not administer vaccinations themselves, many locations host in-store veterinary partners like Banfield Pet Hospital, ShotVet, and other independent veterinary medicine providers. These providers offer convenient access to puppy vaccine packages that include the core set of immunizations.
Key vaccines commonly administered through these providers include:
- Rabies vaccine – A legally required dose in most states to protect both pets and humans from this deadly virus
- Canine distemper – An essential vaccine against a highly contagious viral disease
- Bordetella – Recommended to prevent kennel cough, especially for puppies that may be boarded or groomed
- Leptospirosis – Guards against a bacterial disease that affects the kidneys and liver
- Canine parvovirus – A critical vaccine to prevent life-threatening gastrointestinal illness in puppies
Similarly, you can find on the PetSmart website that they list Banfield Pet Hospital, ShotVet, and independent vet operators, as available veterinarians in their PetSmart locations, offering packages at competitive prices. This way, you can ensure your puppy receives the necessary vaccines from any location near you.