Dog Euthanasia: How Much Does It Cost, and Where Can You Find Free Services?
Key takeaways:
Veterinarians use the word euthanasia to refer to humanely ending a pet’s life. This can stop or prevent unnecessary suffering due to age or an incurable medical condition.
Costs of euthanasia can vary, depending on who performs the procedure, the location, and the dog’s weight.
Some nonprofit organizations offer discounted services, so check to see what’s available in your area.
Table of contents
Deciding to put down a dog is never easy. Aside from dealing with grief, you may have many questions about the dog euthanasia process. Will it cause your dog any pain? Can you be in the room with your dog as it happens? How much does it cost?
Some of these things are hard to think about, but being aware of what lies ahead can help you get through a difficult time.
How much does it cost to euthanize a dog?
The cost of putting down a dog at a veterinarian’s office or pet hospital typically starts at $100. But some hospitals charge up to $800.
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Several factors, including your location, your dog’s weight, and which materials a veterinarian uses during the procedure, can affect the cost. If your dog needs an IV catheter or medications before euthanasia, your cost could be higher.
For the most accurate estimate, ask your veterinarian for a list of charges you’ll be expected to pay. You can get a feel for pricing in different areas by consulting the chart below. It includes pricing information for several veterinary providers who offer in-home pet euthanasia packages.
Name of practice | Location | Euthanasia cost | Private cremation cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Network of close to 400 veterinarians in 40 states | Varies by location, but $325 is typical | Varies by location, but $315-$445 (by weight) is typical | |
32 states | $300-$450 | $300-$400, plus $50 for giant breeds (urn not offered) | |
Multiple locations in Florida and Colorado | $0 (this nonprofit is supported by donations) | $0 | |
Asheville, North Carolina | $330 | $253-$418 by weight, with possible additional fees for larger dogs | |
Merrimack, New Hampshire | $415-$640 by weight and type of payment | $235-$545 by weight, up to 224 lbs | |
Mesa, Arizona | $375-$475 by weight | $200 | |
13 locations in 9 states | $410 | $260-$290 by weight | |
Los Angeles | $450 | $300 and up by weight | |
9 locations in 6 states | $397-$503 by location | $299-$426 by location | |
New York City | $499 | $349-$489 | |
Atlanta | $400 up to 90 lbs | $350-$450 by weight |
If you have pet health insurance, it may cover euthanasia. Check with your insurance company to find out.
Cost of in-home euthanasia
You can have a veterinarian perform dog euthanasia in your home. It is generally more expensive than going to a veterinary clinic or pet hospital. The price depends on where you live and how far the veterinarian has to travel. In some states, you can request that a veterinary technician come to your house to perform dog euthanasia instead of a veterinarian. This may lower the cost.
Lap of Love is a provider that offers in-home euthanasia nationwide. You can also search for other veterinarians who offer in-home euthanasia services near you using In Home Pet Euthanasia’s mobile vet directory or Coda Pet’s online search tool.
Cost of cremating a dog
If you choose to cremate your dog, that’s another charge to factor into the euthanasia procedure’s cost.
A private cremation — meaning your dog is cremated alone so their ashes can be returned to you — costs more than a communal cremation. With a communal cremation, you won’t be able to collect your dog’s ashes.
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Pricing for cremation services varies depending on location. But cremation can cost less than $200 at certain locations, like the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
Private companies and specialized hospice and euthanasia veterinary practices may offer packages that include euthanasia along with communal or private cremation. These organizations often also offer memorial options, such as an engraved urn for your dog’s ashes.
Where can you find free or low-cost euthanasia services for your dog?
One of the best ways to find free or low-cost dog euthanasia services is to search online. You can start by looking for nonprofit organizations that cover the full cost of euthanasia or offer discounted rates.
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For example, here are three nonprofit organizations and what they offer:
Animal Humane Society: This Minnesota animal welfare organization performs dog euthanasia for $97. Some postprocedure services are also available at a discounted cost, including cremation. Pet owners can call the Animal Humane Society’s pet helpline at 1-952-435-7738 for more information.
Anti-Cruelty Society: This Chicago-based organization requests a $50 donation for pet euthanasia. It also offers free communal cremation. For private cremation, pet owners can make advance arrangements with an affiliated crematory. Pet owners can contact the Anti-Cruelty Society at 1-312-644-8338 to discuss options.
NOCO Humane: This Colorado nonprofit charges $80 for dog euthanasia, plus additional fees for other services. You can contact NOCO Humane for additional information at 1-970-226-3647.
You can also ask veterinarians, animal hospitals, and clinics if they offer free or low-cost dog euthanasia services. Local services may offer discounted rates on a case-by-case basis.
When should a dog be euthanized?
Veterinarians typically recommend euthanasia for dogs who no longer have a good quality of life, or the ability to enjoy their lives, because of an illness or their age. If your older dog is in pain and can’t stand or walk, for example, it may be time to consider euthanasia. You and your vet will make that decision together. But the Journeys Home quality-of-life calculator may also help you.
Signs that it may be time to consider euthanasia for your dog include:
Ongoing pain that medication can’t control
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea followed by dehydration or weight loss
Eating only when force-fed or not at all
Ongoing labored breathing or coughing
Loss of control over peeing or pooping
A veterinarian may also suggest euthanasia if your dog is in the late stages of a serious medical condition, such as:
Congestive heart failure
Untreatable or highly malignant cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma
Tracheal collapse
It can be a difficult thing to accept and cause you grief. But euthanasia is sometimes the most peaceful option for a dog who won’t recover from illness. That’s not a decision you’ll have to make alone. Your veterinarian will guide you through all the considerations.
Quiz: When should you put down your dog?
What happens during the euthanasia procedure?
Your dog can be euthanized at your veterinarian’s office, a pet hospital, or your home. The procedure is relatively short, and your vet will tell you what to expect before they get started.
Often, these are the steps to expect during a dog euthanasia procedure.
Your veterinarian will explain to you what will happen during the euthanasia process. If you have any requests, such as wanting to spend some time alone with your dog afterward, this is a good time to ask. You usually have the option of staying with your dog during the procedure.
To keep your dog as comfortable as possible, your veterinarian will likely first give your dog a sedative injection that causes them to lose consciousness.
Your vet will then inject a high and fatal dose of a substance called sodium pentobarbital. It takes effect quickly, usually in 30 seconds or less, which will cause your dog’s heart to stop beating. Your dog will fall asleep peacefully and feel nothing.
If you intend to bury your dog, their body will be put into a container for transport. (If needed, the veterinarian or their staff will help you take it to your car.) If you are planning to have your dog cremated, their body will stay with the vet (or be transported to the vet’s office). The vet’s staff will make the final arrangements with a cremation service company.
Note that unless you have been properly trained and certified, laws in almost all states forbid you from euthanizing your dog yourself.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on what feels right to you. You can stay with your pet to hold and comfort them as they transition. But it’s important to know that your dog may release bodily fluids as they pass. They might also have muscle spasms and make gasping noises. The process may be peaceful to some dog owners but a little scary to others.
Dogs typically don’t feel anything when they’re put to sleep. They will start out by being sedated. This helps prevent them from feeling any pain. Euthanasia itself takes only about 30 seconds and is a pain-free process.
After a veterinarian puts a dog to sleep, they will help you with any arrangements you’ve made. If, for example, you’re burying your pet at home, your veterinarian will place your dog in a casket or burial bag.
If you’re sending your dog to be cremated, your vet will wrap your pet in a blanket and load them into their vehicle. Make sure you discuss your arrangements before euthanasia. If you decide to do a private cremation, your veterinarian will tell you when your dog’s ashes are ready to be returned.
The bottom line
The cost of dog euthanasia typically starts at $100. That cost may rise to over $300 if a veterinarian performs the procedure at your home. Other costs, such as cremation fees, can increase the total. But nonprofit agencies and humane societies also offer euthanization services, and they tend to charge less than private-practice veterinarians. Pet insurance may cover euthanasia services, so be sure to check with your plan.
Dog euthanasia for a beloved pet is never an easy decision. If your dog is suffering, though, it can be the most compassionate thing to do. But you don’t have to make that decision alone. Your veterinarian can help you determine when the time is right.
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References
American Humane Society. (2016). Euthanasia: Making the decision.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (2020). AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals.
Animal Humane Society. (n.d.). End-of-life services.
Anti-Cruelty Society. (n.d.). End of life services.
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. (n.d.) In-home pet hospice.
Dechra. (n.d.). Pentobarsol (pentobarbital sodium) euthanasia injection.
4 Paws Farewell. (n.d.). Pricing and fees.
Home With Dignity. (n.d.). Services & pricing.
Humane Society of Southern Arizona. (n. d.). End of life services / euthanasia.
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Lap of Love. (n.d.). In-home pet euthanasia.
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Pet Loss at Home. (n.d.). What does home pet euthanasia cost?
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