Pet Euthanasia In Washington, D.C.

At-home pet euthanasia with CodaPet’s network of veterinarians provides loving, end-of-life care when you need it most. Once you schedule a visit online, you will receive a confirmation, and your vet will make sure everything is arranged with care and clarity.

When your vet arrives, they’ll begin with a gentle assessment to reassure you of your decision and answer any questions you may have. Your vet will always move at your pace, giving you the time and space you need to say goodbye in your own way.

When you are ready, your vet will gently administer a sedative so your pet can relax and drift into a deep, peaceful sleep. After the sedation has fully taken effect, a final, humane medication is given, allowing for a calm and painless passing surrounded by love.

If you choose aftercare, your vet will respectfully care for your pet and transport them for cremation, handling every step with dignity and compassion.

At-home euthanasia with CodaPet’s network of veterinarians in Washington, DC, begins at $350. Your final cost may vary based on your pet’s size, your location, and any additional services you choose—such as private or communal cremation, ashes returned in an urn, or personalized keepsakes.

When scheduling a vet visit to your home, you’ll first receive a detailed, upfront price estimate according to your specific needs before confirming a visit. If you have questions or need support at any point, you can call (833) 263-2738.

Yes. Dr. Kate White serves Washington, DC exclusively, providing compassionate, reliable veterinary care to pets and families throughout all DC neighborhoods—from Capitol Hill and Georgetown to Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, Navy Yard, and Anacostia.

You can use our website to determine which areas our local vet serves, view pricing, and see her availability. If your pet’s situation feels more time-sensitive, you can submit an urgent appointment request for immediate support.

If you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can always reach out to our Care Team at (833) 263-2738.

Signs your pet may be suffering include chronic pain, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, inability to stand or walk, or a loss of interest in daily activities. These symptoms could indicate a decline in their quality of life. You know your pet better than anyone, but speaking to a veterinarian can help you assess whether euthanasia is the most compassionate option. If you feel you need more help, you can read our guide on ‘How will I know it’s time’, take a quality of life assessment, or call customer care at 833-263-2738.

The key difference is the setting. In home euthanasia allows your pet to pass peacefully in the comfort of their familiar surroundings, reducing stress and anxiety. This option especially benefits pets who may feel scared or uncomfortable traveling to a clinic. It also offers your family a private, intimate experience during this emotional time. While some urgent situations don’t allow for time to schedule in-home euthanasia, many pet owners in Washington, D.C. choose in-home services for the peaceful atmosphere and compassionate care their pets receive right where they feel safest. You can find flexible availability for our local vets here, or look for same-day euthanasia appointments.

No, pet euthanasia at home is designed to be completely painless. After an initial end-of-life assessment, your veterinarian will first administer a sedative to ensure your pet is relaxed and comfortable. The euthanasia medication then gently stops the heart without causing pain. The process is peaceful and allows your pet to pass without distress.

Yes, there is typically an additional fee for after-hours or emergency appointments. You can view the estimate when you request a same-day or urgent appointment.

Most providers in Washington, D.C. area charge a flat fee for euthanasia, although some providers do charge based on the size of your pet, so small dogs and cats can be the same price; however, medium or large-sized dogs (such as Bulldogs, Australian Shepherds, Labradors, or German Shepherds) will likely carry a higher price. At CodaPet, most vets charge a flat fee for both dogs and cats; however, if there is a large pet fee, it will be applied automatically for you to review in the price estimate when you reserve an appointment. You can view the detailed pricing and availability here or call us at (833) 263 - 2738.

The notice for every veterinarian differs; however, most veterinarians require at least a 2-hour notice from the time you need them to arrive at your home. This allows them time to prepare and ensure they can provide the highest level of care and compassion for your pet. It also accounts for their travel time, as your veterinarian may be traveling from many different locations around Washington, D.C.
While you can request a same-day and emergency services, it's always best to contact us as early as possible to ensure availability and to give both you and your veterinarian time to prepare for this important moment.

During the euthanasia process, your pet will be gently guided to a state of peace and comfort. After a sedative is administered, you can expect them to become calm and relaxed, free from any pain or distress. When the final injection is given, your pet will slowly drift off into a deep sleep before passing away peacefully. Your compassionate veterinarian will ensure the process is as gentle and serene as possible, allowing you to be present with your beloved companion in their final moments of love and care.

Yes, during the in-home euthanasia process, you are encouraged to be with your pet throughout the entire process. Being there provides comfort and reassurance to your pet as they pass peacefully.

Every pet is different, and you know yours better than anyone; however, it may be time to consider euthanasia when you notice more ‘bad days than good’. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s quality of life and try to understand when it has declined, such as no longer enjoying activities or suffering from unmanageable pain. To help you understand their quality of life, you take a Quality of Life Assessment, which helps you get a clear picture of your pet’s well-being at this point in time.

Remember, if you are unsure, speaking with your primary care veterinarian can help you better understand your pet’s quality of life. It’s important to speak with your primary care veterinarian if you haven’t yet to understand your pet’s health. If you do not have a primary care veterinarian, consider visiting an urgent care or emergency hospital in your area.

Everyone’s experience in saying goodbye to their beloved companion is different and very personal. It’s important to consider that you know your pet best. Some considerations, however, are choosing a comfortable space where your pet feels safe, sometimes their favorite spot in your home. Another consideration can be to gather any family members who wish to be present, and feel free to bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toys, etc, that make them feel comfortable. When your veterinarian arrives, they will guide you through each step in the process and help you move at your own pace to ensure the process is as peaceful as possible.

After the euthanasia, you are welcome to spend as much time as you need with your pet to say goodbye. If you’ve chosen any cremation services to handle your pet’s body, your veterinarian will reconfirm your choices and gently transport your pet when you are ready. If you’ve chosen any keepsakes offered by the crematorium, like Claw Paw Prints, Ink nose prints, or other memorabilia, your veterinarian will reconfirm your choices before leaving your home. If you have any questions or want to change your mind about any of your choices, you can discuss your options with your veterinarian before they leave your home.

After the in-home euthanasia procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with time to say goodbye to your pet. Once you're ready, they will reconfirm the preferred aftercare option that you chose when reserving your time with your veterinarian. In Washington, D.C., you can select three types of cremation services:

• Ashes Returned (Individual Cremation): An individual cremation is a process where your pet will be cremated, separated by physical barriers in the chamber. This ensures the separation from other pets in the chamber so you may reunite with your pet’s ashes. Your pet’s ashes will be returned to you in an urn of your choice. If you choose an additional urn, then your pet’s ashes will be returned in the urn of your choice.
  
• No Ashes Returned(Communal Cremation): A communal cremation is a process where your pet is cremated in a chamber with other pets. Once the process is complete, the crematorium will respectfully scatter your pet’s remains among other pets. It’s important to note, you pet’s ashes will not be returned to you.

Some of our veterinarians offer an additional option known as Ashes Returned (Private Cremation). In this option, only your pet is in the cremation chamber, ensuring that the recovered ashes are solely your pet's. These ashes can be returned in an urn of your choice, with additional urn options available. To see if private cremation is available with your provider, please refer to our booking page.

Note: If you choose to leave your pet's body with your veterinarian, rest assured it will be handled with the utmost care, respect, and dignity. Your veterinarian will coordinate all aftercare arrangements as requested, allowing you to focus on yourself and your family after this difficult goodbye.

Your veterinarian will coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes before they leave your home. Your options include having your pet’s remains delivered by your veterinarian (for an additional fee), shipping them to you (for an additional fee), or picking them up from your primary clinic or the crematorium.

In Washington, DC, you typically do not need to notify authorities after an in-home euthanasia; however, if you decide to bury your pet at home, you must follow local regulations on where you are allowed to find a resting place for your pet due to the medication in their body.

If your pet's health is declining rapidly, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

• Consult Your Veterinarian: Schedule an appointment to discuss your observations and any scoring from a quality-of-life scale. This information can help guide the conversation about your pet's condition and options moving forward. Your vet may suggest palliative care, hospice, or, if necessary, euthanasia.
• Ensure Comfort: Create a quiet, cozy space with soft bedding and easy access to food, water, and a litter box (if applicable).
• Minimize Stress: Keep routines simple and familiar, and limit loud noises or disruptions.
• Offer Gentle Care: Provide soothing touch through gentle petting and offer favorite treats if they can still eat.
• Consider At-Home Euthanasia: If appropriate, discuss the option of at-home euthanasia with your vet for a peaceful and familiar passing.
• Reach Out for Support: It's okay to lean on loved ones, pet-loss support groups, or counselors to help navigate this difficult time.

If you're noticing signs of declining health, we encourage you to use our quality of life scale assessment to evaluate your pet's condition before your vet visit.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and we understand that cost can be a concern for many pet parents. While we specialize in premium in-home euthanasia services, we also want to acknowledge that cost may be a concern. If you're looking for low-cost or no-cost pet euthanasia options in DMV area, consider reaching out to the following:

• Local Animal Shelters & Humane Societies – Many provide low-cost or donation-based euthanasia services, often with cremation options.
• Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics & Nonprofits – Some vet clinics and nonprofits offer reduced-cost euthanasia, sometimes supported by grants or donations.
• Animal Control Services – In certain cases, local animal control agencies may offer euthanasia services for terminally ill or suffering pets at a lower cost.

Note: When considering a low-cost pet euthanasia option, it's important to call ahead to check availability, as some providers may require an appointment or have eligibility criteria, such as income-based assistance. Be sure to ask about additional costs, including cremation or aftercare services, which may not be included in the base price. Additionally, verify service details, as some options may have restrictions based on your pet’s size, health condition, or location.

While low-cost options are available, many pet parents choose in-home euthanasia to ensure a peaceful, stress-free farewell in the comfort of their home. If you're looking for a private, compassionate experience, we’re here to help.

Yes, we offer deceased pet pick-up services in Washington, DC. If your pet has passed away at home and you need assistance, our local vet can come to your residence to gently and respectfully transport them for aftercare.

Should you wish to proceed with cremation, we offer both communal and private options, along with a selection of urns and memorial keepsakes to help you honor your beloved companion in a way that feels right for you. Cremation services start at $100, depending on your preferences and your pet’s size.

If you're unsure about the next steps or need support, our Care Team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (833) 263-2738 — we’re here to guide you with empathy and clarity during this difficult time.