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Saying goodbye to your beloved dog is incredibly difficult, and no one wants to even think about the possibility of putting their dog down. Unfortunately, this is sometimes a part of pet life, and it should be approached with a full heart, prioritizing the well-being of our pets above all else. Euthanasia can be the kindest way to ease their suffering and give them the best possible farewell. Your vet will guide you through the decision-making process and ensure the procedure is as calm and peaceful as possible. It typically involves sedating your dog first, making the transition smooth.
You might be wondering: how much does dog euthanasia cost? On average, the cost of dog euthanasia ranges between $100 and $300, but the final price will depend on your dog’s size, whether you choose cremation (and which type), your location, and whether a home visit is necessary. Additionally, if you decide to have your dog buried, that could also impact the cost. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know.
How Much Does Dog Euthanasia Cost?
The average price of dog euthanasia ranges between $100 and $300. And in some cases, there may be additional costs that the dog owners should be aware of such as the aftercare, if you opt for cremation or burial.
The typical price for euthanasia is affected by many factors including your dog’s size, your location, the type of cremation, in-home services, and the purchase of aftercare services.
If a veterinarian visits your home to perform the procedure, it will cost you extra to have them travel to your location (consider gas costs to your area). You might find a fixed price for travel to your chosen location as part of a package deal. The cost for a vet to come to your home to perform the procedure can be an additional $75 to $200.
Vets administering euthanasia services may charge extra for medical equipment in certain situations. It’s best to ask the vet about any additional costs for euthanasia to ensure that all costs are stated upfront. The vet should inform you of any additional costs before you use any specialized or extra equipment. This will allow you to approve the added cost before it is done.
Additional Costs to Consider
Cremation
Your pet can be cremated after being euthanized. This is usually the preferred option for most owners. The cost of cremation can vary depending upon the dog’s size, weight, or other factors.
If you choose to have a “communal” cremation, the price will be lower. This is because your dog’s cremation will be conducted with other dogs (or other animals), and you won’t be able to take the ashes in an urn home with you.
Gravestones and Memorials
Some owners choose to bury their dog in their backyard, but this isn’t always possible. Instead, you can have your dog interred in a pet cemetery. The cost for this option can go from $400–600+. Like with humans, there are many options available for dog owners who want memorabilia to remember their dogs. This includes gravestones, monuments, or gardens that can be made specifically for them. Also, you can even find shops that specialize in selling items to remember your dog’s passing.
To honor their dog, many dog owners order framed photos and paw prints to be made into pendants or memorial plaques. These items can cost anywhere from $50 to over $400 depending on the ornament and the level of customization.
When Is Dog Euthanasia Usually Recommended?
Dog euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions pet owners face. For many people, pets become non-human family members over time, and coming to the realization that they may need to be euthanized can be a tough pill to swallow. So how do you decide when it’s time to euthanize your dog?
A quality-of-life assessment is often helpful for taking a good look at all aspects of a dog’s well-being. If a dog’s quality of life is declining, many owners would rather euthanize them instead of having them suffer on a daily basis. In this case, it can be the best option for your pup.
It may seem crazy to some but a “quality of life scales checklist” can help to face the facts and not make an emotional decision. These are the questions you need to ask when considering your dog’s quality of life and whether it is time to euthanize your pet. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help with this decision.
1. Does the Dog Eat and Drink Normally?
Does your dog have an appetite every day? Are they able to consume water without choking or other issues? With certain illnesses, dogs may need to be fed through a feeding tube to ensure they get enough nutrition. If your dog isn’t drinking or eating enough, or if they are unable to keep food or water down, consult your veterinarian first. Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, so intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous fluids may be required. Does your dog need hand feeding? Are they able to stay hydrated? .
2. Is the Dog Physically Hurting?
Is the dog experiencing chronic pain or discomfort from illness, pain medication, or other therapies? Do they have trouble breathing? Chronic pain could be characterized by persistent whining, panting, and inability to get comfortable.
3. Can the Dog Still Enjoy Interactions?
Is your dog happy? Do they want to interact with you, your family, and other pets in the house? Do they still enjoy mental stimulation and active play? Or are they becoming more withdrawn from the world and showing signs of depression, boredom, or anxiety? Dogs are social creatures and will interact with others in normal circumstances. If your dog doesn’t engage in interaction, it’s likely that they are unhappy and may be suffering.
4. Is the Dog’s Mobility Getting Worse?
Are you able to take your dog on walks, or take them outside to relieve themself? Is the dog able to walk and get up on their own? Do you notice your dog stumbles a lot? Are medication and other therapies not helping your dog’s arthritis or chronic joint pain? It’s best to consider how your dog’s daily mobility issues can affect their quality of life.
5. Does the Dog Have Issues Urinating or Having Bowel Movements?
Does your pup regularly urinate and defecate? If not, your vet should be contacted immediately, as it can be a sign of a serious health issue, especially in older pups. Many dog parents consider euthanasia due to incontinence, especially if their dog is older or terminally ill.
6. Are There More Good Days or Bad Days?
Consider whether your dog has more bad days than good days. Your dog’s quality of life will be severely affected if the bad days are more frequent than the good ones, particularly if they have several bad days consecutively. When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life might be too compromised. If your dog is not feeling well on a daily basis, it may be time to consider euthanasia.
Ask Your Vet
Many pet owners find it difficult to decide when to put their dog down; after all, they’re family. Your veterinarian cannot make this decision for your dog, but it can help you to talk through your dog’s current state of health and recent quality of life. So, ask the vet about any additional treatment options and get their opinion on whether alternative procedures or additional therapies would be worthwhile for your dog’s well-being. A vet can help give you an indication of the prognosis for your dog’s health and how it will progress.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Euthanasia?
Yes. In many cases, pet insurance will cover euthanasia if it’s for humane reasons such as terminally ill conditions or old age. However, it depends on the insurance company you use as well as your particular policy. It may be best to double-check before you’re left with unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Although dog euthanasia is not an easy decision for pet owners, it may be necessary to keep your dog from suffering. The costs can range from $100 to over $300, depending on your location, your dog’s size, whether a home visit is required, and cremation, burial, or memorabilia included in the services. It’s crucial to prepare for the costs of the procedure and to consider your dog’s quality of life before making this decision.
- Related Read: Dog Health Care Routines
Featured Image Credit: Claudia Luna Mtz, Shutterstock
