How much does it cost to put a dog down?
How much does it cost to put a dog down?
$150 – $400+ cost for euthanasia & cremation (vet's office)
$320 – $700 cost for euthanasia & cremation (in-home)
Making the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize a dog is something many pet owners must face. Your vet may recommend euthanasia if your dog is suffering and there's no hope for improvement. In this situation, you likely have questions: What happens during euthanasia? Will it hurt my dog? Can I stay with my dog while it happens?
In this guide, we'll explain what euthanasia is, how to tell when it's time to put your dog down, what your options are and how much they cost, and what to expect during the process.
Cost of dog euthanasia
The cost to put a dog down ranges from $150 to $400 for euthanasia at a vet's office or $320 to $700 for in-home euthanasia, including communal cremation. Prices vary based on your dog's weight and the euthanasia provider, with most providers charging $170 to $250+ extra for private cremation.
| Location | Euthanasia only | Euthanasia & communal cremation | Euthanasia & private cremation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your vet’s office | $80 – $250 | $150 – $400 | $250 – $500 |
| In-home visit | $250 – $450 | $320 – $700 | $550 – $850 |
| Humane Society | $70 – $145 | $70 – $145 | $160 – $275 |
| Large-chain animal clinic | $100 – $150 | $130 – $250 | $250 – $450+ |
Quick facts:
Euthanasia is a humane way of ending your dog's suffering through sedation and an injection of sodium pentobarbital, allowing your dog to pass peacefully and painlessly.
With communal cremation, your dog is cremated with a group and you won't receive the ashes. With private cremation, your dog is cremated individually and the ashes are returned to you.
Some animal shelters and non-profit organizations offer discounted pet euthanasia services.
Dog euthanasia at your vet's office
The cost to euthanize a dog at a vet's office or animal hospital ranges from $80 to $250 for euthanasia alone. If you plan to bury your dog at home, the staff at your vet's office will put your dog's body in a transport container and help you place it in your car.
If your dog will be cremated instead, the vet will arrange for the service through a local cremation company. Veterinarians charge $150 to $400 for euthanasia with communal creation or $250 to $500 for euthanasia with private cremation.
In-home dog euthanasia
The cost of in-home dog euthanasia ranges from $250 to $450, depending on your dog's weight and if you book the service through your local vet or a nationwide provider like Lap of Love or Pet Loss at Home. Added costs include $70 to $275 for communal cremation or $300 to $450 for private cremation.
In-home euthanasia reduces the stress for both you and your dog. You can create a more comfortable environment, surrounding your beloved pet with the toys and things they love most. This service also allows you to grieve privately in your own home rather than in a vet's office or animal clinic.
| Provider | Euthanasia cost | Communal cremation cost | Private cremation cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your veterinarian | $250 – $450 | $70 – $250 | $300 – $450 |
| Lap of Love | $300 – $400 | $150 – $275 | $300 – $450 |
| Pet Loss at Home | $300 – $450 | $100 – $150 | $300 – $400 |
You can also search the In-Home Pet Directory for pet hospice and euthanasia providers in your area.
Only a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or a veterinary technician under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian is legally allowed to perform pet euthanasia. In-home euthanasia services have licensed vets on staff.
Humane Society or animal shelter
The Humane Society provides End of Life services at a lower cost than most veterinarians or in-home euthanasia providers, with fees ranging from $70 to $145 for euthanasia and communal cremation. However, you are not allowed to be present with your dog during the procedure.
If your dog passes away at home, you can bring your deceased pet to the Humane Society for cremation. Group cremation costs $25 to $80 while individual cremation costs $115 to $208, with prices depending on your dog's weight. For individual cremation, your pet's ashes will be ready within one week.
Large-chain animal clinic
Large chains like PetSmart's Banfield animal clinic and Petco offer euthanasia packages with group cremation for $130 to $250, depending on your dog's weight. Most clinics offer private cremation services for an extra fee of $120 to $200 if you would like the ashes returned to you.
Dog cremation & burial costs
Aftercare services include cremation, cemetery burial, or home burial. If you choose communal cremation, your dog will be cremated with others and the ashes won't be returned to you. If you choose private cremation instead, your dog will be cremated individually and the ashes can be returned to you.
Communal cremation – The cost for group cremation varies based on your dog's weight, with prices starting at $70 for small dogs and reaching $200 for giant breeds. Some pet euthanasia providers will spread your dog's ashes in a memorial garden as part of this service.
Private cremation – Private cremation for dogs costs $100 to $450, depending on the provider and your dog's weight. Many providers include an engraved urn or wooden box to hold your dog's ashes.
Pet cemetery burial – Some local cemeteries offer a pet burial option or a dedicated section for pets. Packages range from $300 to several thousand dollars, depending on the burial plot, memorial stone, and casket you choose.
Home burial – Home burial is the least costly option. However, it's important to consider the emotional cost of having to dig a burial plot in your yard and bury your beloved dog yourself.
When is it time to put a dog down?
Your veterinarian will typically recommend euthanasia to prevent further suffering when your dog's quality of life is severely diminished due to illness, injury, or age and there is no possibility of improvement. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it may be time to discuss euthanasia with your vet:
Pain that can't be controlled with medicine
Difficulty standing or walking on their own
Not eating, or eating only when forced
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Loss of control over bodily functions
Lack of response to medical treatment
Terminal illness, such as cancer or heart failure
More bad days than good days
What happens during the euthanasia process?
During the euthanasia process, your veterinarian will take steps to ensure your dog's passing is peaceful and painless. Your vet will first explain the procedure to you and discuss your wishes for aftercare of your dog's remains, such as cremation or burial.
Most vets allow you to stay with your dog throughout the procedure. Regardless of whether you opt for euthanasia at the vet's office or in-home, be sure to let the vet know ahead of time if you would like time alone with your dog after the procedure.
Your vet will begin by giving your dog a sedative via injection to keep them as comfortable as possible. Within moments, the sedative will make your dog completely relaxed and sleepy, causing them to lose consciousness.
After sedation, the vet will administer a drug called sodium pentobarbital intravenously, which will quickly and painlessly stop your dog's heart. Your dog will pass away peacefully while experiencing no discomfort or distress.
Frequently asked questions
Is it humane to put a dog down?
Euthanasia is a difficult decision but is the humane option for dogs experiencing a severely diminished quality of life. If your dog is suffering from an incurable illness or injury with no hope of recovery, euthanasia is often the most compassionate choice to end your dog's pain and prevent further suffering.
Does putting a dog down hurt them?
Euthanasia is completely painless for your dog. The first stage of the process involves sedation, which will make your dog feel extremely relaxed and sleepy. The euthanasia drug is injected after sedation, and your dog's breathing and heart will slow down and stop within seconds, followed by a peaceful death.
Does pet insurance cover dog euthanasia?
Most pet insurance companies cover euthanasia if a veterinarian recommends the process for humane reasons, such as illness or injury. However, many pet insurance policies do not cover the cost of related end-of-life services such as cremation or burial.