How Much Does the Canine Influenza Vaccine Cost in 2026?

If your dog spends time around other dogs, the canine influenza vaccine is worth knowing about. Based on real vet bills from Lemonade-insured pets, the national average cost is $74 per dose, with prices ranging from $46 to $142 depending on where you live. While it’s considered a non-core vaccine, the rise of doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and dog parks makes it increasingly relevant for social pups.

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza, sometimes referred to as “dog flu” or “canine flu”, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza A virus strains H3N8 and H3N2. Dogs in social settings like boarding facilities, dog parks, or daycare centers face a higher risk of exposure to the canine influenza virus. 

Typical signs of canine influenza include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Runny eyes
• Fever
• Lethargy

The dog flu can also lead to severe respiratory illness in dogs, such as pneumonia. If your pet is showing symptoms of canine influenza, you should contact your vet for the best course of treatment. 

Typically, treatment for dog flu consists of supportive care such as keeping your pet hydrated and making sure that they get lots of rest. Although no specific medication exists to treat the dog flu, vets might suggest options to alleviate symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections or severe illness from developing. According to the AVMA, the fatality rate for dogs with canine influenza is low, as only one to five percent of dogs end up dying of the virus. 

Vaccination with the canine influenza vaccine is essential to help reduce the risk of dog flu outbreaks and support animal health. According to Lemonade’s vet expert Dr. Liff “If a vaccinated pet contracts canine influenza, they should experience a much milder illness, however, they still may exhibit mild clinical symptoms.” 

How does the canine influenza vaccine work?

Just like other dog vaccinations, (and human vaccinations for that matter) the canine influenza vaccine, or CIV, is an injection that stimulates your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies help your dog’s body recognize and fight the virus if exposed. 

While the vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity and duration of the illness. 

Other non-core vaccines, given based on the risk factors of the dog-like their lifestyle-could include Lyme vaccine, and Bordetella (kennel cough). The essential, or “core” vaccines your pup will need include Rabies, Leptospirosis, and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza). 

How much does the canine influenza vaccine cost?

Based on real vet bills submitted by Lemonade-insured pet parents, the national average cost of the canine influenza vaccine is $74 per dose. That’s a bit higher than some other non-core vaccines, but 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	$46
AR	$48
AZ	$55
CA	$81
CO	$142
CT	$68
DC	$79
FL	$61
GA	$61
IA	$57
IL	$68
IN	$52
LA	$50
MA	$66
MD	$124
MI	$53
MN	$58
MO	$72
MS	$53
MT	$49
NC	$103
NE	$50
NH	$61
NJ	$67
NM	$54
NV	$47
NY	$76
OH	$52
OK	$48
OR	$67
PA	$57
RI	$62
SC	$56
TN	$56
TX	$94
UT	$53
VA	$66
WA	$61
WI	$63

Your location matters more than you might think. A few states run significantly above the national average, while the South and parts of the Midwest tend to be the most affordable.

Northeast

New York ($76) and DC ($79) come in above the national average, while Connecticut ($68), New Jersey ($67), Massachusetts ($66), and Virginia ($66) all land a bit below it. Maryland ($124) is a notable exception, likely reflecting higher vet overhead in certain markets within the DC metro area.

South

The South is generally the most wallet-friendly region for this vaccine. Alabama ($46), Oklahoma ($48), Arkansas ($48), and Louisiana ($50) are among the lowest in the data. North Carolina ($103) is a notable outlier in the region, coming in well above neighboring South Carolina ($56) and Tennessee ($56).

West Coast

California ($81) runs above the national average, while Oregon ($67) and Washington ($61) are more moderate. Colorado ($142) is the highest figure in the entire dataset, well above neighboring Utah ($53) and Arizona ($55).

Midwest

The Midwest is consistently affordable. Ohio ($52), Indiana ($52), Michigan ($53), and Nebraska ($50) are all well below the national average, making it one of the more predictable regions for this vaccine.

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
• If the canine influenza vaccine is bundled into a combo shot or wellness package
• Your specific vet practice and local market rates

Here’s the bottom line: if your dog is social, this vaccine is worth it. Even if a vaccinated dog does catch the flu, they’ll likely bounce back faster and with a much milder case than an unvaccinated dog.

How often does the canine influenza vaccine get administered?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all puppy vaccination schedule, and you should always consult your vet to come up with the best vaccination schedule for your canine companion. As this vaccine is considered a “non-core” vaccine, discussing your pup’s lifestyle with your vet will help determine if this vaccine is necessary to keep them happy and healthy. 

If your vet does recommend the canine influenza vaccine, the initial vaccination protocol for CIV involves two doses, given two to four weeks apart. If you have a puppy, the earliest they can receive the initial dose of the vaccine is six to eight weeks old. 

After completing the initial series, your dog will need an annual booster to maintain immunity. 

Does pet insurance cover the cost of the canine influenza vaccine?

Yes, pet insurance can include wellness coverage for vaccinations, including the canine influenza 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 canine influenza 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 the canine influenza vaccines your dog needs throughout their life as part of ongoing prevention.

What are the potential side effects of the canine influenza vaccine?

Like any vaccine, the canine influenza vaccine can have side effects, though they are generally mild. Common side effects may include:

• Mild fever
• Lethargy 
• Soreness at the injection site

In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur such as: 

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea 
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Facial swelling

Always monitor your pet after vaccinations and immediately contact your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms. If your vet is not available, bring your pet to the closest emergency vet. 

Keep in mind the benefits of protecting your dog from the canine flu 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? 

Click below to get your quote started today.

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.