What Does It Cost To Euthanize A Dog Or Cat?
If you have a senior pet in your life, you are likely aware that they can’t stay here with us forever.
While we can’t always know when our pet’s time will come to an end, we can be as prepared as possible for that ultimate goodbye.
Letting go of a pet is never an easy process, but understanding what to expect in terms of procedure and pricing can help to ease your mind when the day comes.
It is usually anywhere from $75 to $300 to euthanize a dog or cat, but there are quite a few factors you will need to consider when determining the average price for your pet.
To help you best prepare financially for saying goodbye to your pet, let’s discuss the details below.
The Euthanasia Process In Pets
If you have never had to euthanize a beloved pet, the unknowns of the process may cause you anxiety.
Not only is it important to be prepared financially for this heartbreaking decision, but it’s helpful to be aware of the entire process as well.
To ease any worries about the unknowns, let’s break down the process for you.
First, your vet will likely ask you if you would like to be present for the euthanasia.
This means you will be with your pet in their last moments, and hold them as they pass.
If you choose to be present, your pet will likely have an IV catheter placed in their arm.
This allows you to hold your pet comfortably throughout the process, and the vet can simply administer the euthanasia solution from a short distance.
If you are not present, the process is the same, but your pup may not have a caterer placed.
Every clinic is different.
When it is time to say goodbye to your pet, your vet will likely administer two different medications (in most cases).
The first medication to be injected will be some form of sedation, allowing your pup to drift off to sleep before the euthanasia solution is administered.
They won’t feel a thing.
Once your pup has drifted off to sleep within seconds of receiving the sedation, your vet will then inject the euthanasia solution.
This is painless and smooth, and your pet will simply stay asleep.
After about 10-15 seconds of administering the euthanasia solution, your vet will check your pet’s chest for a heartbeat.
If there is no heartbeat, this means your pet is gone.
You can spend as much time with your pet as you would like after this process is complete.
Many choose to say a final goodbye when they are left alone with their pet, but the choice is up to you.
If you have any questions throughout the process, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinary team.
They want you to feel as comfortable with this process as possible, so they will always be happy to guide you.
How Much Does It Cost To Euthanize A Dog?
When putting a dog to sleep, the prices can vary significantly.
This is mainly due to the fact that there are many shapes and sizes of canine friends, each of which will require a different dose of euthanasia solution.
The standard prices can also range from clinic to clinic, but there is a typical range you can expect.
The average range of costs to euthanize a dog based on size includes:
- 0-10 pounds: Anywhere from $50-$100
- 11-30 pounds: Anywhere from $100-$150
- 31-50 pounds: Anywhere from $100-$200
- 51-70 pounds: Anywhere from $150-$250
- Above 70 pounds: Typically $250 or more
It’s important to keep in mind that this does not include cremation, so you will need to speak with your vet about the cremation company they work with and their pricing.
Also be aware that some veterinarians will provide a better rate if you have used them as your primary vet for your furry friend.
Our friends recently lost their Lab (Maximus) to lung cancer. He was euthanize surrounded by the ones who loved him and cared for him since he was a little puppy. The cost to euthanize him at a Florida veterinarian was $80. Maximus was down to 56 pounds when he was put down. He was also taken back home and buried under an old Oak Tree.
The cost to euthanize your dog can vary depending on location, your veterinarian and other factors. If you have questions, your best option is to call and speak to them about costs.
What does the price include?
The average prices listed above typically include the visit with your veterinarian, the IV catheter, and the solution needed to put your dog to sleep.
This does not include any cremation fees, as this will vary with each company.
How Much Does It Cost To Euthanize A Cat
The average cost of euthanasia for a cat does not vary as much as our canine friends, as cats typically do not weigh more than 20 pounds.
Cats will receive the same sedation and euthanasia solution as dogs, so you can typically expect the process to cost no more than $150.
This price only includes the euthanasia itself, and does not include the aftercare.
What does the price include?
The price listed above typically includes the visit with your veterinarian, the IV catheter, and the solution needed to put your cat to sleep.
This does not include any cremation fees, and this will vary with each company.
Cost Of Cremation For Cats & Dogs
There are a few different aftercare options available to your pet when it’s time to make that tough decision.
The options range from having your pet cremated privately and getting their ashes back, having them cremated with other pets and not getting their ashes back, and even having them buried in a public pet cemetery.
This is a personal decision that we always suggest thinking about before the time comes.
To help you best determine the best aftercare option for your pet, let’s list some general prices below.
Communal cremation
Communal cremation in pets involves cremating your pet with other pets, and not getting the ashes back.
Most cremation services spread the ashes in their own garden area, meaning their ashes will still be spread.
This typically costs anywhere from $50-$200, with the price ranging based on how much your pet weighs.
Private cremation
Private cremation in pets involves your pet being cremated separately and having the ashes returned to you.
This can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 for smaller pets, with larger pets costing anywhere from $250 to $450.
This will also range based on which urn you choose for your pet’s ashes, so it’s best to get the pricing from your vet directly.
Final Thoughts
Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, but being aware of every step can help to ease any unnecessary worries.
A quick call to your vet can inform you of the prices to expect when the time comes, allowing you to prepare in every way.
My name is Amber. I am a dedicated animal lover that turned my passion into my career. I am a Licensed Vet Tech with 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, but I recently took my career online to help spread accurate information on animal care. With how vast the online world is, I have a strong desire to ensure that the reader always walks away with helpful pet advice. With the experience I’ve gained from my time in this field, I have been able to travel the world, offering my services to as many animal rescues as I can find. If I am not at my laptop, or back home visiting family, you can find me somewhere in the world, cuddling every furry friend that I can find! More About Us
My cat was euthanized today. She was being put in a communal grave for a cost of $140 which seemed high to me but nothing was said about cremation costs. Possibly they were included.