Do animal shelters give free shots? It’s a question that has many pet owners wondering as they search for the best way to keep their furry friends healthy.
The answer is yes, most animal shelters offer free or low-cost vaccinations and other preventive care services.
So, if you are looking for an affordable way to keep your pet healthy, check with your local animal shelter.
They may have just what you need!
What Services Do Animal Shelters Provide?

Most animal shelters offer a wide variety of services to the public.
These services may include:
- Free or low-cost vaccinations for dogs, cats, and other animals
- Low-cost spay/neuter services
- Free or low-cost microchipping
- Licensing for dogs
- Lost and found services
- Adoption counseling and support
Some offer education programs on responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals, and the importance of spaying/neutering pets.
Spaying or Neutering
If you plan to adopt a dog or cat, most animal shelters also require that all animals be spayed or neutered before being adopted to help reduce pet overpopulation and homeless animals.
Read More: How Much Does a Dog Cost in a Shelter? If you’re thinking of adopting, here are the fees you could be looking at!
Do Animal Shelters Give Free Shots?
If you’re considering getting a pet, one of the first things you’ll need to do is to take them to the vet for a check-up.
This will usually involve getting them vaccinated against common diseases.
Do Animal Shelters Offer Vaccinations?
Many animal shelters offer low-cost or even free vaccinations for adoptable animals.
So, if you want to add a furry friend to your family, ask about vaccines at your local shelter.
Read More: Do Dog Shelters Do House Calls? See if shelters will come to your home for vet checkups and more!
Vaccines Animal Shelters Typically Offer

Most animal shelters will offer some shots for your new pet. They usually list the different shots they offer and what each shot does.
The most common types of shots offered are:
Bordetella: used to prevent Bordetella bronchiseptica, a highly contagious respiratory disease that can infect dogs and humans.
Canine parvovirus: used to prevent Canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in puppies.
Distemper: used to prevent Canine Distemper, a viral disease that affects multiple systems in puppies and young dogs.
Hepatitis: used to prevent Canine adenovirus, a virus that causes respiratory disease, enteritis, and liver disease in dogs.
Leptospirosis: used to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can infect animals and humans and be deadly if left untreated.
Lyme: used to prevent Lyme disease, a tick-borne bacterial infection that causes arthritis, fever, and fatigue in dogs.
Parainfluenza: used to prevent Parainfluenza virus, a virus that causes respiratory illness in dogs.
Rabies: used to prevent rabies, a viral disease that is fatal to animals and humans.
NOTE: Every shelter is different, so be sure to ask what shots they provide before you adopt.
Watch this video on how important vaccinations for your dog are:
Read More: Where Can I Surrender My Dog for Free? Learn all about pet surrenders in this informative guide.
Conclusion
Animal shelters provide several services to the public, from dog adoptions to providing animal control.
One service that is often overlooked is free shots. Many people don’t realize that their local animal shelter offers this valuable service.
If you have a pet, it’s essential to keep up with their vaccinations and rabies shots.
Not only are these shots important for your pet’s health, but they’re also required by law in some states.
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