Pet vaccinations at home
Vaccination is the single most common reason Australians book a mobile vet — a two-minute needle that otherwise costs an anxious pet a car trip and a waiting room. Here's what dogs and cats need, when, and what at-home shots cost.
Updated August 2026
What dogs need
The core (C3) vaccination covers parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis; C5 adds the two kennel-cough agents and is required by most boarding kennels, groomers and daycares. Puppies need a course (typically 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks), then a booster at one year; adults need C3 boosters every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine used, with kennel cough yearly. Your vet will map the schedule to the specific vaccines they carry.
What cats need
The core (F3) covers feline enteritis and two cat-flu viruses. Kittens: a course at roughly 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks, booster at one year; adults every 1–3 years. FIV vaccination is worth discussing for cats who go outdoors in fight-prone neighbourhoods.
What it costs at home
| Service | Typical all-in price |
|---|---|
| Dog C3 or cat F3, single pet (incl. visit + check) | $180 – $280 |
| Dog C5, single pet (incl. visit + check) | $200 – $300 |
| Each additional pet, same visit | $70 – $140 |
| Puppy or kitten full course (3 visits) | $450 – $700 |
Clinic vaccination typically runs $90–$150 including consult — the home premium is the call-out, and it shrinks per pet in multi-pet homes.
Every vaccination includes a check-up
Vets examine before they vaccinate — which quietly makes the annual needle the annual health check. For seniors, that once-over on home turf, relaxed, often catches things a stressed clinic exam misses.
Common questions
Are home vaccinations recognised for boarding and daycare?
Fully — a vaccination certificate from a registered mobile vet is identical in standing to a clinic's. Ask the vet to note C5/F3 status clearly for kennel paperwork.
My dog is overdue. Do we start again?
Depends how overdue — a little lapse usually just needs the booster; a long lapse may need a restart of two shots. The vet will check the history and dose accordingly, at home either way.
Can puppies be vaccinated at home before they can go outside?
It's one of the best use-cases — the vet comes to the puppy, no exposure to parvo-risk ground on the way. Socialisation advice comes free with every puppy visit, whether you ask or not.
Book the needle without the car ride
Tell us your suburb and pets — local mobile vets will call back with vaccination pricing, including multi-pet rates.