How Much Does the Bordetella Vaccine Cost for Dogs in 2026?
Keep your pup safe from the canine cold.
Reviewed by Dr. Stephanie LiffLast Updated:
If your dog spends time around other dogs, the Bordetella vaccine is worth knowing about. Based on real vet bills from Lemonade-insured pets, the national average cost is $50 per dose, with prices ranging from $29 to $81 depending on where you live. It’s a non-core vaccine, but for social pups who frequent doggy daycare, boarding facilities, or training classes, it’s one of the more practical investments you can make in their health.
TL;DR
- Bordetella is the bacteria responsible for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly in social settings like doggy daycare, boarding facilities, and dog parks.
- The Bordetella vaccine is non-core, but strongly recommended for social dogs who spend time around other pups. It’s available as an injectable, intranasal, or oral vaccine.
- Based on real vet bills submitted by Lemonade pet parents, the national average cost of the Bordetella vaccine is $50 per dose, though prices vary quite a bit by state.
- Lemonade’s preventative care packages can help cover the cost of the Bordetella vaccine and its boosters throughout your dog’s life.
What is Bordetella?
Bordetella, also known as Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a bacterium responsible for causing kennel cough in dogs. Kennel cough is a highly infectious respiratory disease that spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or airborne droplets. According to Lemonade’s vet expert, Dr. Liff, “Kennel cough can be caused by Bordetella, but not every kennel cough is caused by Bordetella.”
Dogs at higher risk include those frequently visiting dog parks, boarding facilities, or animal shelters.
Symptoms of Bordetella infection are similar to a cold in humans and can include:
- A persistent cough
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
In severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, especially in puppies, older dogs, and those with weakened immune systems. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and rest, but prevention through vaccination is the best approach.
How does the Bordetella vaccine work?
Similar to other dog vaccinations, the Bordetella vaccine works by stimulating your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight off the Bordetella bacteria. The vaccine is available in three forms:
- Injectable vaccine: Administered via a shot, this method is often combined with other vaccines.
- Intranasal vaccine: Given as a nasal spray, this method provides local immunity in the respiratory tract.
- Oral vaccine: Administered by mouth, this form is convenient and less stressful for dogs who dislike shots.
The decision on which administration method is best for your pup should be made by you and your vet. According to Lemonade’s vet expert Dr. Liff “Some vets may choose to use an intranasal vaccine because it often has more broad spectrum coverage for preventing illness, however, this may only be relevant in specific situations, like the pet’s lifestyle. Additionally, some pets will not tolerate oral or nasal vaccination and would benefit from injectable vaccination.”
Regardless of the method, the vaccine prepares your dog’s immune system to combat the bacteria effectively, reducing the risk of kennel cough.
Each method introduces a small amount of the bacteria into your dog’s system, prompting an immune response without causing the disease.
Other non-core vaccines, given based on the risk factors of the dog-like their lifestyle-could include Lyme vaccine, and Canine influenza. The essential, or “core” vaccines your pup will need include Rabies, Leptospirosis, and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza).
How much does the Bordetella vaccine cost?
Based on real vet bills submitted by Lemonade pet parents, the national average cost of the Bordetella vaccine is $50 per dose. It’s one of the more affordable non-core vaccines available for dogs, and what you actually pay depends a lot on where you live.
Here’s what Lemonade-insured pet parents paid on average, by state:
| State | Average cost |
|---|---|
| AL | $29 |
| AR | $29 |
| AZ | $41 |
| CA | $49 |
| CO | $44 |
| CT | $55 |
| DC | $59 |
| DE | $39 |
| FL | $40 |
| GA | $39 |
| HI | $47 |
| IA | $34 |
| IL | $59 |
| IN | $39 |
| LA | $30 |
| MA | $53 |
| MD | $46 |
| ME | $41 |
| MI | $41 |
| MO | $51 |
| MS | $29 |
| MT | $33 |
| NC | $41 |
| ND | $38 |
| NE | $33 |
| NH | $45 |
| NJ | $81 |
| NM | $40 |
| NV | $29 |
| NY | $62 |
| OH | $38 |
| OK | $31 |
| OR | $48 |
| PA | $49 |
| RI | $49 |
| SC | $40 |
| TN | $37 |
| TX | $44 |
| UT | $78 |
| VA | $49 |
| WA | $54 |
| WI | $45 |
Your location can make a real difference in what you pay. The Northeast tends to run the highest, the South is consistently the most affordable, and the West Coast lands close to the national average.
Northeast
New Jersey ($81) and New York ($62) are the priciest states in the dataset, with DC ($59) and Illinois ($59) not far behind. Connecticut ($55) and Massachusetts ($53) are elevated but closer to the national average. For a region where boarding and daycare culture is common, it’s worth factoring this into your budget.
South
The South is the most wallet-friendly region for the Bordetella vaccine. Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Nevada all come in at $29, the lowest in the dataset. Louisiana ($30) and Oklahoma ($31) round out the most affordable end of the spectrum. Florida ($40) and Georgia ($39) are more moderate, landing below the national average.
West Coast
California ($49), Oregon ($48), and Washington ($54) all land close to the national average, consistent with what we’ve seen across other vaccine articles. Utah ($78) is a notable exception, coming in well above neighboring Colorado ($44) and Arizona ($41).
Midwest
The Midwest is consistently affordable for this vaccine. Iowa ($34), Nebraska ($33), and Montana ($33) are among the most affordable in the dataset. Ohio ($38) and North Dakota ($38) are also well below the national average, while Missouri ($51) is slightly above it.
A few other things that can nudge the price up or down:
- Whether you go to a full-service vet clinic or a low-cost vaccination clinic
- Which form of the vaccine your vet administers — injectable, intranasal, or oral
- If the Bordetella vaccine is bundled into a wellness package
- Your specific vet practice and local market rates
Here’s the bottom line: if your dog is social, the Bordetella vaccine is a smart and affordable investment. At a national average of $50 per dose, it’s one of the easier preventive care costs to plan for, and a lot less stressful than dealing with a dog down with kennel cough.
How often do dogs need the Bordetella vaccine?
The frequency of Bordetella vaccination depends on your dog’s lifestyle, risk level, and recommendations from the Department of Health for your state. Generally, the vaccine is recommended annually for most dogs. However, dogs at higher risk, such as those frequently boarding or attending doggy daycare, may benefit from more frequent boosters every six months.
Puppies can receive their first Bordetella vaccine as early as six to eight weeks of age. After the initial dose, they will need boosters to maintain immunity. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your dog’s specific needs.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of the Bordetella vaccine?
Yes, pet insurance can include wellness coverage for vaccinations, including the Bordetella vaccine, when administered by a licensed vet. Coverage specifics depend on your plan selection, deductibles, and co-insurance.
Lemonade’s preventative care options can help cover vaccination costs, including the initial Bordetella vaccine and boosters. Coverage varies by plan-from basic vaccination coverage to unlimited vaccines in enhanced packages available in select states.
Enhanced preventative care may also help with microchipping, spay/neuter procedures, heartworm prevention, and other routine care, depending on your package.
Our preventative care packages can also help cover booster vaccines your dog needs throughout their life as part of ongoing bordetella prevention.
What are the potential side effects of the Bordetella vaccine?
The Bordetella vaccine is generally safe, but like any medical treatment, it can have side effects. Most dogs experience mild and temporary reactions, such as:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Mild fever
- Drooling
- Nausea
In rare cases, dogs may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Symptoms of a severe reaction include:
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
If you notice any of these symptoms after your pup received the Bordetella vaccine, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your pet to the closest emergency vet. Remember that the benefits of protecting your dog from kennel cough via vaccination far outweigh the potential risk of side effects.
Before we go…
Investing in pet insurance early in your pup’s life can help provide your fur fam with extensive coverage-from core vaccines, to unforeseen accidents and illnesses as they grow up into adult dogs.
Did you know that at Lemonade Pet you can cover your pooch with dog insurance from the time they’re two months old?
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FAQs
Can my dog still get kennel cough if vaccinated?
Yes, while the Bordetella vaccine significantly reduces the risk, no vaccine is 100% effective. Vaccinated dogs may still contract a milder form of kennel cough.
Is the Bordetella vaccine necessary for all dogs?
It’s highly recommended for dogs that interact with other dogs frequently, such as those in doggy daycare, boarding, or parks. Depending on the daycare or boarding facility you choose for your pup, the Bordetella vaccine may be required.For dogs with low exposure, it can still be beneficial for the rare occasions where your pup may come into contact with another infected dog. Always consult your vet to determine if the vaccine is right for your pooch.
How long does the Bordetella vaccine take to become effective?
The intranasal Bordetella vaccine typically takes about 48 to 72 hours to become effective, making this method of administration the quickest to take effect. If the vaccine is administered by an injection or orally, it can take up to two weeks to become fully effective.
Can the Bordetella vaccine be administered with other vaccines?
Yes, the Bordetella vaccine is often administered at the same time as other vaccines, such as the DHPP, during routine vet visits to ensure comprehensive protection.
Is there an age limit for the Bordetella vaccine?
Puppies can receive the vaccine as early as ten to twelve weeks of age. There is no upper age limit, but older dogs should be assessed individually by a vet.
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