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CostHelper > Pets & Pet Care  > Pet Euthanasia

Pet Euthanasia Cost


How Much Does Pet Euthanasia Cost?

 
low costPerformed at a Veterinarian's Office: $50-$100average costAt-Home Euthanasia: $150-$400high costAftercare, Including Cremation: $400-$800

Pet euthanasia is a planned death, usually by painless injection. Owners may choose euthanasia for pets that have reached the end of a comfortable, happy life, have physical problems for which the treatment is too painful, unmanageable, or too expensive.

Typical costs:

  • Euthanasia performed in a veterinary office costs between $50 and $100.
  • At-home euthanasia, when the veterinarian comes to the home to perform the euthanasia, costs between $150 and $400.
  • Euthanasia that includes aftercare, or transporting the pet's remains to a facility for cremation and with the ashes either scattered or returned in an urn, costs between $400 and $800.
  • Price depends on the size of the pet, what is included and the availability of the service in the region.
Related articles: Pet Cremation, Pet Insurance

What should be included:
  • The veterinarian may first administer a tranquilizer to relax the pet before injecting a death-inducing drug. The dog or cat will then become unconscious as the drug stops its brain function.
  • Euthanasia is a medical procedure and has traditionally been performed at a veterinarian's office. The owner may choose to be present to be present during the procedure.
  • At-home euthanasia is an increasingly popular option. It is considered a more comfortable passing for the pet because the pet's last moments are spent in a familiar place. The procedure may precede or follow a celebration of life ceremony.
  • The MSPCA-Angell provides a guide on euthanasia When Is it Time and How Do You Prepare[1] .
Additional costs:
  • The pet's remains may be buried in the backyard for free or at a pet cemetery for between $500 and $730. Cats and small dogs cost less and burial for large dogs typically costs more. Caskets range from $90 to $145.
  • The pet's remains may be cremated, either by itself of as part of a group. Group cremation, in which the pet's remains are cremated with several other pets costs about $125. Individual cremation costs about $285. For more information, see How Much Does Pet Cremation Cost.
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Shopping for pet euthanasia:
  • Consider the grief involved in putting an animal to sleep, especially for a child. Have a solid reasoning behind why the pet must be put down, and be ready to explain the reasoning to children[2] who are close to the pet.
  • Home burials may be prohibited by the local government, so check city codes before doing so.
  • InHomePetEuthanasia is a directory of in-home pet euthanasia providers[3] .
  • The American Veterinary Medicine Association provides a vet finder[4] tool.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Jada 20 yo Furbaby and Best Friend
Amount: $220.80
Posted by: BethinMich in Battle Creek, MI.Posted: July 6th, 2021 04:07PM
Where performed: Turner Veterinary Clinic, MIAftercare: Ashes available to pick up after 10 days
Jada had been treated for chronic kidney disease and doing well. One day I noticed her abdomen was a bit bloated. I thought she had a UTI or was constipated. I couldn't get in the same day as the vet was out of town but the following morning I got in. Her abdomen was much more bloated. After an x ray he found her abdomen was full of fluid and she wouldn't make it more than a few days. I made the final appointment for the following day because I was in shock and so I could have a few more hours with her. The following day she lost control of her bladder and back legs. The clinic welcomed me right in and were very kind. After it was over I spent some time with her alone and accidentally paid then because I forgot the Dr had told me I could pay when I picked up her ashes. They sent a lovely card with kind messages. I picked up her ashes in a lovely wooden box with a gold nameplate of her name in a small tote. My total was for both euthanasia and cremation.
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Cat Euthanasia
Amount: $175.00
Posted by: DHA in Durham, NC.Posted: October 5th, 2020 08:10AM
Where performed: BanfieldAftercare:
I was charged $175 in Durham NC. I brought the body home to be be buried. I went to Banfield because my regular vet wasn't open. I don't recommend them
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Bamboozeled!
Amount: $179.99
Posted by: Brian 123 in Atlanta, GA.Posted: March 3rd, 2020 08:03AM
Where performed: Atlanta, GAAftercare: Cremation, ashed not returned
The vet charged an additional $70 for me to be in the room with my dog as they put her to sleep. I opted not to be in the room, but will forever feel guilty that I wasn't with her. I've never heard of this fee before. Is this common? The charges I paid were $99.99 for the euthanasia and $80 for the cremation. There was an extra charge of $350 if I wanted the ashes returned to me. If I had been in the room when they performed the euthanasia, and requested to get her ashes returned to me, it would have come to $599.99.
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Cat Euthanasia
Amount: $77.00
Posted by: Julisa in Long Beach, CA.Posted: April 19th, 2019 11:04AM
Where performed: GOLDEN STATE HUMANE SOCIETYAftercare:
I unfortunately had to put my beloved cat Comet of 17 yrs down and it was for sure one of the toughest/saddest decisions I have had to make. RIP to my beloved sweet fur baby.
I made the decision to go w/ this fine establishment because they were very generous price wise. The establishment was clean, easy to find, had nice staff and euthanasia takes priority w/them which makes this kind of tough situation "easier". They are first come first serve,but in this kind of situation you will take priority and they will also have you pay in the privacy of the room they place you in when you say your goodbye. They take into consideration your pets weight anywhere you go for price, my fur baby weighed 6.50 and I do know that if your pet is over 10 pounds the price is about $110. Since they are a non-profit charity funded place they didn't have the option for cremation w/them and then get the ashes, but you can make those arrangements elsewhere while they hold your fur baby. Hope this is helpful.
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Sandie, a cocker spaniel mix
Amount: $275.00
Posted by: Marsha Stapleton in Ozark, MO.Posted: December 7th, 2018 12:12PM
Where performed: ClinicAftercare: Cremation and cedar box for ashes
Horrendous experience. Sandie was not given a tranquilizer, and the first dose of beuthanasia was not sufficient, and caused her obvious distress. The vet was impatient and crabby. The experience haunts me to this day.
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My best friends
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: D.Hand in Oklahoma City, OK.Posted: September 21st, 2018 02:09PM
Where performed: Oklahoma City.Aftercare:
Hardest decision one has to make is when you’re companions are suffering because of age. I’m having to put the last living memory of my mother to sleep. He is a 12 year old ShiTzu and my mother has been gone now for 10 years. I guess it’s time for him to go sit in her lap forever now. He’s been very ill and his quality of life has not been good at all lately. He can’t see, hear or hardly eat now. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive to have it done so your sweetheart can Rest In Peace. We are poor and also have another dog who is also suffering. A rescue Doberman who has congested heart failure and is snapping at every one when they walk by. He acts like he’s in pain. So I have two loves to put to sleep. I can’t afford two when just the ShiTzu can cost up to 500.00
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Euthanasia
Amount: $35.00
Posted by: Deborah P in El Paso, TX.Posted: July 8th, 2018 09:07PM
Where performed: Humane Society of EPAftercare: Combined cremation
My cat found me 12 years and 5 months ago and was a constant companion. El Paso Humane Society performed the procedure for $35 and allowed me to remain with her during the relatively quick procedure causing death. They also have cremation available for $30 if you do not keep the ashes and $75 if you do.
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Cat euthanasia
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Hayton in Alameda, CA.Posted: September 24th, 2017 01:09PM
Where performed: Vet\\\\\\\'s OfficeAftercare: Pvt. cremation
We realize that Veterinary care is a for profit business but, since practitioners are 'secretive' and not transparent about their costs, the emotionally involved consuming public quite naturally "think" that there is considerable advantage taken; say "GREED"!
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SICK CAT EUTHANASIA
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: HEARTBROKEN FOR TABBY in JACKSON, NJ.Posted: September 7th, 2017 06:09AM
WHY IS PUTTING A SICK OLD CAT DOWN COSTING 250? OUTRAGEOUS AND A RIPOFF
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Beloved Coolio's Ascension
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: April Wood in Anaheim, CA.Posted: May 16th, 2017 06:05PM
Where performed: GOLDEN STATE HUMANEAftercare: CHOSE to return home, $0
We are the 2nd family generation to highly recommend this clinic, so their reputation contiues to serve our community with sincere love & care. Our 4th "End of Life" assistance visit was today, and they again make it as compassionate as possible. They do NOT allow visitation at the moment of injection, but in the exam room before and back-door exit after, works. I was absent from my beloved 13 yr old kitty's presence for 5 -
10 minutes only, and immediately drove across the street to Walmart parking lot after, to quietly meditate awhile, with a peaceful sense of Coolio's presence. He was now free of cancer and many physical difficulties. Tonight, we'll have a family service, in our home and garden, that he loved so much, where we will lie his lovely body to rest. We are forever grateful to GOLDEN STATE HUMANE's generous staff (Gilbert/Chapman, Garden Grove, CA)forever keeping their focus on real-world CARE, 4the masses, not greed, as so
many vets have succumb. God Bless them,DONATE
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Low Cost Euthanasia at our local Humane Society
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: Consumer in San Diego in San Diego, CA.Posted: May 14th, 2017 11:05PM
Where performed: San Diego Humane SocietyAftercare: Group cremation
I looked into in-home euthanasia services, our personal vet, and the Humane Society (where my last dog was euthanized) for current rates as my 12.5 year old dog can no longer stand or walk, even with arthritis pain medications and supplements. The Humane Society in my town charges only $40 for dogs or cats (but the owner can not be present) and the group cremation rate for a 60 pound dog is $20. They offered the most reasonable rates in my area. I suggest you check your local humane society to see if they offer a similar low cost service. Our personal vet would charge $70 to euthanize and $75 for mass cremation. I might choose to euthanize him at our vet so i can be present then take his body to the Humane Society for their cremation service but haven't decided yet.
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Dog euthanasia and individual cremation
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: a user in Marysville, PA.Posted: May 13th, 2017 06:05PM
Where performed: Animal Hospital of RyeAftercare:
I don't know what the prices were for the individual services. We paid a total of $500 for in office euthanasia. Only one shot was given to our 80 pound chocolate lab. It was very quick and seemingly painless. Our vet was very compassionate. We chose private cremation with the return of his remains. We received a beautiful carved wooden urn with his name engraved on a plaque on the front. We also received a ceramic plaque with his paw print, name, and year. As well as a lovely sympathy note from our vet's office. Many of the staff wrote notes of condolence inside. It was very touching.
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Dog Euthanasia and disposal of the body
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: MayvisBell in Richmond, IL.Posted: April 24th, 2017 02:04PM
Where performed: Richmond veterinary clinicAftercare:
They gave me time with her and gave me a free clay Paw imprint. Its a hard thing to do and they were very respectful and kind.
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Euthanasia
Amount: $255.00
Posted by: J. J. & Rick in Vista, CA.Posted: February 6th, 2017 07:02PM
Where performed: Alta Mira (Dr Val) Animal Hosp Vista, CAAftercare: none per quote
I was quoted $255.00 for the mass gassing of my 20 year old cat who's been with me through thick and thin. I have spent some $10,000 to this on just this one of my animals. He has hyperthyroidism and is in chronic pain and hunger. He has lost 2/3 of his once robust 16 pounds though I feed him as much as I can.
This hurts! I can't afford to pay for Euthanasia and can't do it myself. I have three other elderly pets, also. Please give me some suggestions.
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In home euthansia
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Linda Zabelka in Bloomfield, NJ.Posted: January 1st, 2017 01:01PM
Where performed: At homeAftercare: Brought to crematorium
The vet and her tech who came to our home,were some of the most sensitive, kindest and gentlest people. She didn't rush us, asked us what are favorites memories of our cat were, I'm a vet tech so I knew what would happen. It was so quick, I felt his spirit pass through me, like a gentle puff of air. She had him individually creamated and his ashes in a lovely wooden box. Even sent a card at end of year with a personal note mentioning our favorite memories and his name listed with all the other pets in a paw print. I will use her again, sadly very soon.
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Euthanasia
Amount: $188.00
Posted by: Sylvia Sopkiw in Jacksonville, NC.Posted: November 20th, 2016 12:11PM
Where performed: Onslow pet hospitalAftercare: Card
My dog was 17 years, was blind and deaf. He was a chow/ Germany shepherd mixed had a long life. It was time for him to go he could walk and was peeing and pooping in the sunroom. I call the vet and told him what the dog was doing. He told it was time for him to be put down, my dog Rusty was went very peaceful I miss him daily but I know he is not in pain anymore.RIP Rusty.
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Euthanized Cat
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Emanuel in Springfield, OR.Posted: September 21st, 2016 04:09PM
Where performed: 24 Hour Emergency VetAftercare: None
$100 exam and vitals fee, $100 to Euthanize (+$100 private cremation). Free clay paw print, No charge for immediate pain medication (methadone).
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Pet Eithanasia
Amount: $87.00
Posted by: Army family in Fayetteville, NC.Posted: September 21st, 2016 09:09AM
Where performed: Fayetteville, NCAftercare: 120 for creamation with return of ashes
87.00 for euthanasia and 120.00 for pet cremation with return of ashes!
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Cost for 2 loving chihuahuas
Amount: $135.00
Posted by: a user in Harlan, IA.Posted: September 6th, 2016 11:09AM
Where performed: VetAftercare: Private cremation
2 elderly chihuahuas that were brothers and been with each other for 15+ years. One was 17+ and the other 15+. Not sure exact age as we got them as rescues. Very sad day but we knew we had to as they were both in pain, blind, and could barely eat anymore. Didn't want to drag out their discomfort but at the same time didn't want to let them go.
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euthanasia of a 55lb female canine
Amount: $288.12
Posted by: Caterina in Medford, OR.Posted: August 6th, 2016 06:08PM
Where performed: 24hours pet clinic on Biddle RdAftercare:
Seems like a lot of money for something so easy to perform. The only other time I did this it costs only $10 about 22years ago in Medford. Oregon
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Bailey\'s Euthanasia
Amount: $222.00
Posted by: Brookie1980 in Arlington, TX.Posted: July 19th, 2016 10:07AM
Where performed: Vets officeAftercare: Individual Cremation including urn
Bailey was a 16 yr old chihuahua and my baby. When we got to the vet they took us immediately to a private room as we were clearly upset. They took Bailey back to give her a sedative because she was howling. She had cancer, was blind and had dementia. I believe 100% that she was dying but would never prolong it to let it happen naturally as she was clearly upset and deserved better. After they gave her the sedative we all hugged her, held her and kissed her. They then took her back again to put in a catheter in her back leg. She was dopey and we loved on her until we were ready to say goodbye. At that point the vet came in and gave her the final dose then listened to her heart until it stopped beating. They were so kind and sweet. They treated us with kindles and were so gentle with her. I can't thank them enough for making the hardest day of my life more comforting. Included in the price was an urn with engraving and a paw print plaque with her tiny paw print. Plus, they sent flowers💜
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cat
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Clover in Cleveland, OH.Posted: May 23rd, 2016 06:05PM
Where performed: homeAftercare: burial
Our cat, Sugar, walked up our driveway and made herself at home as part of our family. We discovered mammorary tumors which vet removed. The tumors returned the next yr. Although she has been with us only a little over three yrs., we are lovingly letting her go on her home. The tears will not stop.
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Pet Euthinasia/Private cremation
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: Durrae in Sumner, WA.Posted: April 7th, 2016 04:04PM
Where performed: Sumner WaAftercare:
My cat Kinky suffered from severe heart disease and it was made clear that any treatment might've prolonged her life,but she would've have suffered every minute. We know she was ready to die the year before when she stopped eating for no diagnosable cause. She only stuck around as long as she did because I begged her not to leave. The vet was very kind and compassionate, and I was with her as she died. The only shock was how quickly it happened. The first shot, the sedation, killed her. The second drug wasn't needed. But that is only more indication that she was ready to go.Paid just under $400 for the emergency exam, euthinasia, private cremation, and having her returned in an urn where she is kept in a memorial built for her. I just had to tell the vet what i wanted for her and they took care of everything with caring understanding that I was losing my soulmate. I miss you, Kinky. And I will honor your memory by giving every precious feline I meet all the love I wish I could give you
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Cat euthanasia
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: Kayyla in Kennesaw, GA.Posted: February 10th, 2016 01:02PM
Where performed: Shiloh Veterinarian ClinicAftercare: None
My cat had been having trouble breathing and her heart was failing and her lungs were filled with fluid So We put her down. This was in 2016 But this website only listed 2014 as the latest date. The 60 was just for the euthanasia. I took her home and buried her myself
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Euthanasia after exam earlier that day
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: FES in Irving, TX.Posted: January 30th, 2016 01:01AM
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Pet Euthanasia
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: Debra Barron in Charlotte, NC.Posted: December 31st, 2015 10:12AM
Where performed: Davis Lake Animal HospitalAftercare: None
My cat of 14 years was having kidney failure. In vet/hospital office sedative and then the euthanasia. I buried my cat in the backyard. Prices seem to really vary depending on where you live.
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Was going to be In-Office by the Veterinary
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: O D in Cocoa, FL.Posted: November 4th, 2015 12:11PM
Where performed: Cocoa, FLAftercare: None
I had called the veterinary's office to make an appointment for the next day for my almost 10 year old Scottish Terrier, when the girl on the phone stated how much the cost would be of $84.32, I thought I had heard wrong, so I asked her if I heard correctly and she said yes. I couldn't believe how much it was. What happened when it used to be free and then they started charging but it was like 20.00. At the end my poor little angel pass the day I called for an appointed. He didn't suffer he went in his sleep. I'm going to miss him always.... and forever until we meet again. RIP Georgie
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External Resources:
  1.  www.mspca.org/angell_services/euthanasia/
  2.  www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/euthanizing-your-dog-what-to-tell-the-children/
  3.  www.inhomepeteuthanasia.com
  4.  www.avma.org/about/state-vmas
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