Dog Euthanasia: How Much Does It Cost and Where Can You Find Free Services

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Deciding to put down a dog is never easy. Aside from dealing with grief, you may have many questions about the 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?

Although some of these things are hard to think about, 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 $50. Buffy Martin Tarbox - communications manager of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA in San Mateo, California - told GoodRx Health that some hospitals may charge $150 to $400 or more.

But several factors, including your location, your dog's weight, and what materials your vet uses during the procedure can affect the cost. If your dog needs an IV catheter or medications before euthanasia, that can cost more, as well.

For the most accurate estimate, make sure to ask your veterinarian for a list of charges you'll be expected to pay. You can also get a feel for pricing in different metro areas by consulting the chart below. It includes pricing information for several veterinary providers who offer in-home pet euthanasia packages.

If you have pet health insurance, it may cover euthanasia. Check with your insurance company to find out.

Cost of in-home euthanasia

While you can have a veterinarian perform dog euthanasia in your home, it is generally more expensive than going to a vet 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 one provider that offers in-home euthanasia nationwide. You can also search for vets who offer in-home euthanasia services near you using House Call Vets' online directory.

Cost of cremating a dog

If you choose to cremate your dog, that's another charge to factor in on top of the euthanasia procedure. 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. Pricing for cremation services ranges depending on location. However, cremation can cost less than $200 at certain Humane Society locations.

Private companies, as well as veterinary practices specializing in hospice and euthanasia, may offer packages that include euthanasia along with communal or private cremation. These organizations may 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 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.

For example, here are three nonprofit organizations and what they offer:

• Animal Humane Society: This Minnesota animal welfare organization performs dog euthanasia for $90. Some post-procedure 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.

• The 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 with other services available for additional fees. You can contact NOCO Humane for additional information at 1-970-226-3647.

You can also ask local veterinarians, animal hospitals, or 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 that no longer have a good quality of life, or the ability to enjoy their lives, due to an illness or their age. If your older dog is in pain and can't stand or walk on their own, for example, it may be time to consider euthanasia. While you and your vet will make that decision together, you can also use a quality of life calculator to help you better understand whether or not it may be time to start considering euthanasia.

"If any animal is suffering and there are no options to treat or heal that animal, then euthanasia [may be] the best option," Tarbox said.

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

• Cushing's disease

• Tracheal collapse

While it can be a difficult thing to accept, sometimes euthanasia is the most peaceful option for a dog who won't recover from illness. That's not a decision you'll have to make alone, however. 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. First, the veterinarian performing the procedure 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, as well.

To keep your dog as comfortable as possible, the veterinarian will likely first give your dog a sedative injection that causes them to lose consciousness. The 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 vet 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, in almost all states, law forbids you from euthanizing your dog yourself.

Co-contributor:Caren Weiner

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