First, we must say how sorry we are that you’re researching this topic. It’s never an easy decision to put an animal down. However, sometimes, ending their suffering means accepting our own. It’s something you must feel is right in your situation. Rest assured, your vet will make it as quick and pain-free as possible. The cost, on the other hand, depends on various factors. On average, you can expect to pay around $145 for euthanasia. Read on for more details.

The Importance of Euthanasia

Euthanasia offers a humane way to end a dog’s suffering. You might consider it if the prognosis for a health condition is poor, with no hope of a full recovery. Sometimes, treating an illness is more difficult and stressful for a pet to endure. You must also consider the animal’s age and quality of life. Medical costs are another factor.

However, putting your pet down must be your decision since you’re the one who must live with it. Your vet can offer advice and support, but the choice is ultimately yours. Your vet may begin by sedating your dog before administering the euthanasia solution.

Death occurs from an overdose injection of a barbiturate anesthetic. The drug responds quickly, slowing brain, respiratory, and heart activity until it finally stops. It takes mere moments. Sometimes, a pet vocalizes or moves, but it’s an automatic response and should not be mistaken for pain.

Your vet will confirm that the animal has passed by checking for a heartbeat. You may choose to be present or not during the procedure, but you’ll likely have the opportunity for some private time with your dog before and afterward.

How Much Does It Cost To Euthanize a Dog?

The cost of euthanasia includes the procedure and the aftercare. Some pet owners leave the animal with their vet, where the clinic will handle the disposal. Others take their dog with them for burial at a pet cemetery or other suitable location. These are the most affordable choices.

You can also opt for a group cremation of the remains or a private cremation, where the remains are returned to you for burial. Some clinics offer boxes or urns for this purpose. Again, the cost varies, depending on your choice. On top of that, the pet’s weight may affect what you pay.

You can have the euthanasia performed at a vet hospital, but some clinics may offer at-home services at an additional cost. Mobile vets will come to your residence and handle the procedure,m and they are the most expensive options. However, they offer convenience and peace of mind if going in the car is too stressful for your pup or if movement is painful. Also, some owners prefer that their pets pass in a familiar environment.

Standard Vet Procedure Cost by Region

A vet clinic will charge you for an in-office visit plus the cost of the euthanasia procedure. The price of the latter varies depending on how you choose to handle the animal post-mortem. The least expensive option is to take your pet home after putting them down. You can also leave the dog with the clinic for a mass burial, or you can opt for mass cremation, but you’ll pay an additional fee. Other charges include ashes being returned to you in the standard container or an urn. Keep in mind that euthanasia at an emergency vet clinic is often more expensive.

To give you a general idea of the costs you can expect, we’ve researched veterinary practices in several states around the country to give you a general range of what the procedure might cost.
However, keep in mind that these prices can vary based on your location specifically, the vet practice, and which options you choose for the burial or cremation. Also, the prices for the in-office procedure in the chart below are for the procedure alone and do not include additional services, like burial or cremation, nor do they include the fee for the office visit itself.

While a home visit by a vet or mobile services is more than a standard office visit, you may find it less expensive with the former if you have a long-standing relationship with the clinic. Independent practices may also be more affordable than a large business, but it’s not a guarantee. It’s also worth noting that some clinics charge more for larger dogs than small ones.

The cost of the euthanasia procedure alone is often less than adding on a burial or cremation service, which means you would take your dog home afterward and handle their remains. Depending on the animal’s size, individual cremation costs $100 to $200. Urns are another additional price.

Many pet insurance companies include end-of-life care costs in their plans. You can also contact your local animal shelter for affordable options if the cost is unaffordable.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

Any additional costs related to putting your dog down depend on the aftercare you choose. We suggest considering your choices before the time of the procedure. Many clinics offer keepsakes, such as a plaster paw print or plaque with your dog’s name on it, to help pet owners through their grief. Some may even provide counseling. Urns vary widely in price, depending on how ornate they are.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia?

Most insurers will cover the cost of in-office euthanasia as part of comprehensive coverage. It may not apply if you have an accident-only policy. Some companies specify that it must be a vet-recommended procedure. Others may not cover cremation or burial since they aren’t technically medical issues. So, we suggest examining your policy and contacting your insurer if you have any questions.

Find out what’s needed on your part before you make a claim to make it easier. If cost is an issue, we recommend contacting your local animal shelter to determine if they provide low-cost options. Many clinics accept CareCredit to help with the financial burden.

Conclusion

Saying goodbye to your furry best friend is probably the hardest decision you’ll ever have to make as a pet owner. However, remember that it’s a humane decision when your pup’s quality of life isn’t as good as it should be. Your dog doesn’t have to suffer through a severe illness, old age, or an injury. Being a responsible pet owner means putting their care first, even if the decision is painful.

Take comfort in knowing your love for your pet allows you to make a selfless decision to relieve their stress and pain.

See also: 

• Euthanized Dog Wakes Up: The Shocking Story
• Pet Aquamation: The Eco-Friendly Alternative to Cremation Explained (Vet-Approved)

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Featured Image Credit: Leka Sergeeva, Shutterstock