Pet Euthanasia Guide – Costs, What to Know and How to Prepare

Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is emotionally difficult - our guide explains all you need to know how to cope with pet euthanasia

Updated 30 January 2023

Summary

The best person to discuss the decision with is your vet as well as your family. Essential questions to ask include whether or not your cat or dog can still:

Eat, drink and sleep?
Move around reasonably comfortably?
Respond to your presence/greet you?

When a cat or dog suffers a persistent inability to eat, signs of pain, vomiting, distress, discomfort and/or problematic breathing, these are all indications that euthanasia is an option to consider.
The best approach is to discuss with your family about the best way forward to safeguard your cat or dog from living a poor quality of life. Talking to your vet will be helpful as they can advise what's best.

To help you know all the options, our guide to Pet Euthanasia covers:

Know this: The reality is few cats and dogs pass peacefully, and living with a dying pet can be exhausting. Dogs, in particular, can deteriorate quickly. Euthanasia puts you in control and gives a chronically ill pet more dignity.

Video Explainer
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains what you need to know about pet euthanasia, the options and must-know facts.

What is Pet Euthanasia and What Can You Expect?

Euthanasia means ‘gentle death.’ You may hear it called other terms, such as put to sleep or put down. They all mean the same thing – a gentle way to end your pet’s life when it’s time.

It’s not an easy decision and is one you need to make as a family and with the help of your vet. If your pet has reached the point where there is no quality of life yet, it’s a loving decision you can make to help end your pet’s pain and misery.

What to Expect:

The process happens quickly. Your pet doesn’t know what’s going on, and as long as you remain calm, the process goes smoothly.
You can choose to stay with your pet until the end or leave beforehand. It depends on your preference and what you can handle. Your pet will go limp as the medicine takes effect, but vets are great at making everyone comfortable, so the process goes as painlessly as possible for everyone.
Vets first administer a pain-relieving medication that calms the pet down and keeps him comfortable. Next, they administer the anaesthetic that helps your pet gently go to sleep. Your vet will make sure you and your pet are comfortable as he/she passes.
If you aren’t comfortable staying for the procedure, you don’t have to – many pet owners do, though.

How Much Does Pet Euthanasia Cost?

The cost of pet euthanasia varies by vet and region, but it helps to know what costs go into it and what decisions you must make:

Will you have the euthanasia done at home or in the vet's clinic? At-home services cost more to cover the vet’s travel costs and time.
The size of the pet. The larger the pet, the more medication that’s required, which costs more. Vets use a combination of a pain reliever and anaesthetic to keep your pet comfortable in the process.
Will you have your pet cremated? Cremation services cost about the same, but then the container you choose to have the ashes returned (if applicable) will change the cost.
If you ask for a private cremation, there are extra costs.
Some vets offer a plaster paw print of your pet.
The vet usually examines a pet before euthanizing, so you’ll pay the cost of an exam, especially if you’re going to a vet who hasn’t seen your pet yet.
There may be fees for additional medications or IV catheters.

What Other Costs will you Incur?

Keep in mind, pet euthanasia is a last resort. Your vet will likely try everything he can to save your pet if it’s within the pet’s best interest. This may include medications, surgeries, and other procedures.

If you seek a second opinion or talk to a specialist, you’ll incur even more charges. We suggest calling around to inquire about prices if you plan to move ahead with major procedures, surgeries, or medications to save the most money.

Will your Pet Insurance Cover the Cost?

Most pet insurance policies do not cover euthanasia. If this is a concern for you, make sure you read the fine print and find a pet insurance company that covers the cost.

Pet Euthanasia - Frequently Asked Questions

Making a decision around pet euthanasia isn't an easy one; it's arguably the upsetting time as a pet owner, many people have questions before they visit the vet. Our list of common queries and answers below outlines what's important. If you have further questions, the best person to ask if your vet.

What burying options do you have for your pet?

After your pet has passed, your vet will give you burying options. You can bury your pet at home if you desire or you can have him/her cremated. If you choose cremation, you may choose to have the ashes returned to you or not. If you choose to have them returned to you, you’ll also choose a carrier, whether cardboard, a ceramic urn, or other memorial pieces.

The cost varies based on how you request for your pet to be returned to you.

Can you have a pet euthanized at home?

Some vets offer euthanizing at home because many clients prefer it. They want their pet’s final resting place to be the place they are the most comfortable. There are usually extra charges for the travel and the vet’s time.

What do vets do after they put the animal to sleep?

Depending on your final wishes for your pet, the vet will do one of the following:

A cremation service may pick the pet up and individually cremate him/her if you want the ashes returned.
A cremation service may pick the pet up and make him/her a part of a group cremation if you don’t want the ashes returned.

How do you know when it’s time?

Your vet will help you decide when it’s time. They know it’s one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. They typically talk to you over the phone before making the decision. They’ll discuss your options and make the appointment if you decide now is the time.

What if you feel bad about euthanasia?

Putting your pet down is one of the hardest decisions you’ll make in your life. But it’s also one of the strongest. To make yourself feel better, know this:

Your pet feels nothing, and in fact, they’ll hurt less when you make the decision. If your pet lives in chronic pain, can’t walk, or can’t function normally, he/she is suffering, but won’t any longer after euthanasia.
Your vet would only recommend/allow it if it was the only option left. They don’t recommend it just because – they do everything they can beforehand.
The process is peaceful and calm. It’s not traumatic or painful for your dog. Yes, you’ll be sad, and heartbroken but your pet will be at peace.

Are there additional fees?

We covered most of the fees above, but always ask about any undisclosed fees. Whether you had any unpaid medical bills from before this event or the vet performed any medical procedures beforehand, there may be more fees. If the vet has to store the pet's remains, they may charge for that too.

Should you have pet euthanasia at home?

There are many reasons you may consider pet euthanasia at home. Besides the pet being comfortable in your home, a few other reasons include:

No car ride – The car ride can be painful for the pet and torture for you. Having someone come to your home eliminates this stress. You also won’t have to worry about transporting your pet if you plan to bury him/her in your yard.
Anyone can be there with you. At the vet, you are limited to the number of people who can be there to support you and/or say goodbye. At home, you can have anyone you want with you.

Keep in mind, though. You must plan a home euthanasia; it can’t be an emergency or spur of the moment decision. It may also leave uncomfortable memories for some family members, so make sure everyone is okay with it.

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