Do-it-Yourself Vaccinations

Yes, it IS possible to vaccinate your dog in the comfort of your own home.  Though it's not an option I've ever tried, proponents say that in addition to saving on vet office costs, this offers a less stressful experience for your dog.  The RABIES vaccine is not one that is available for at-home injection, as it is required by law, and therefore regulated accordingly by state/county.  The rabies vaccine MUST be given by your local veterinarian.  The vaccines you CAN purchase online for use at home include: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, coronavirus, bordetella, and lyme.  Fortunately they are available in combination form - often as "5-way" or "7-way" vaccines, so you don't have to inject your dog over and over and over!   And bordetella is given intranasally, so no injection is required at all.  Vaccines can be available as both "modified live" and "killed".  The benefits of MODIFIED LIVE include: less frequent adverse responses and ease of administration.  The disadvantages include: higher potential for vaccine-induced disease, your dog will "shed" the virus for an amount of time after being vaccinated, and there is a greater risk for pregnant and immunocompromised animals.  The benefits of KILLED include: the active component in the vaccine will NOT revert to being virulent, your dog will not "shed" any virus after vaccination, and these are considered safe for pregnant and immunocompromised animals.  The disadvantage in using a killed vaccine is that TWO DOSES are often needed for an appropriate immune response.
If you do choose to vaccinate your dog at home, be sure to purchase the vaccines from a reputable source that guarantees fresh product.  You will also need to learn how to give a SUBCUTANEOUS shot to your dog - it is a somewhat straightforward process, and there are good resources online to guide you through the process (giving an INTRAMUSCULAR shot is not recommended, unless you have been taught by a professional).  And remember: needles and syringes must be used only ONCE.  Also, in some states, you WILL NEED A PRESCRIPTION to purchase the syringes (you do not need a prescription to purchase vaccines) - these states include: CT, DE, IL, NJ, and  NY.  While vaccinating at home may be convenient and a time/money saving option, you will still need to bring your dog in for his/her yearly check-up to your local vet.
~Happy, Healthy Hounding  :)