In home dog euthanasia near me
Give your dog the final gift of a peaceful passing at home, surrounded by familiarity and love through a compassionate and licensed veterinarian near you.
Navigating the process
Provide your furry companion with a compassionate, end-of-life care in the comfort of your home, surrounded by loved ones with expert care of a certified veterinarian serving your community.
Dog euthanasia is a compassionate choice to end a dog’s suffering from a poor quality of life due to illness, injury, or old age. A veterinarian administers medication that peacefully ends the dog’s life, ensuring the process is quick and painless, allowing the animal to gently pass on.
Consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s condition and quality of life. They will help you better understand the process and make an informed decision. It’s normal to feel grief, guilt, and uncertainty during this challenging time. Our community of veterinarians provides support and guidance through this difficult period.
Deciding when it’s time for end-of-life care for your dog is very difficult. Here are some key indicators to consider:
- Breed-Specific Issues: Some breeds are prone to specific health problems. Larger breeds may face issues like hip dysplasia, while smaller breeds might have different concerns. Understanding these breed-specific issues can help in making an informed decision.
- Existing Health Conditions: Evaluate any chronic or severe illnesses that your dog might have. Conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, or heart disease can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life.
- Symptom Management: Assess whether symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, or seizures can be managed effectively. If symptom management is no longer working, it might be time to consider euthanasia.
- Persistent Pain: Look for signs of persistent pain that cannot be alleviated through medication or other treatments. Pain can significantly reduce your dog’s quality of life.
- Eating and Drinking: Monitor changes in your dog’s eating and drinking habits. A significant decrease in appetite or refusal to drink water can indicate severe health issues.
- Mobility Issues: Observe if your dog has difficulty moving, getting up, or lying down. Mobility issues can cause significant discomfort and affect their ability to enjoy life.
- Behavioral Changes: Notice any changes in your dog’s behavior. If they become withdrawn, aggressive, or show signs of distress, it could indicate they are suffering.
- Response to Activities: Pay attention to how your dog responds to their favorite activities. A lack of interest or inability to participate can be a sign that they are not feeling well.
It’s important to talk to your vet, who can provide guidance based on their health and quality of life. Keeping a health journal can help summarize your dog’s condition and provide valuable information for your vet to assist in making this difficult decision. Remember, you know your pet best, and your love for them will help you make the right choice. Ensuring your pet’s comfort and dignity shows how much you care. Read more about how CodaPet can help you make the right choice.
For many years, the common term for euthanasia was “put to sleep.” It’s also a good description of what actually happens during the procedure.
During at-home pet euthanasia, your veterinarian will perform the same procedure your dog would receive at a veterinary hospital or clinic, but in the comfort of your home.
- Sedation: Your veterinarian relaxes your pet by administering a sedative. The shot will feel like getting a vaccine. Within 5 to 15 minutes, your pet will be deep asleep, relieved of all suffering.
- Anesthesia: Finally, the veterinarian will give a shot of anesthesia to slow down your pet’s respiratory system until the heart stops beating. In most cases, this takes less than a minute to occur.
During this process, your dog may experience some involuntary reactions, such as twitching or urination, but they are not conscious of these actions.
Your veterinarian will arrive wearing regular clothes to better fit the home environment. They will bring a stethoscope and other necessary tools. The at-home appointment typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes based on your needs and preferences.
We aim to make your final moments with your dog as peaceful as possible by providing care with compassion, patience, and understanding.
- Preparation: Show your veterinarian the area in your home you’ve chosen for the procedure. Consider keeping some of your pet’s favorite treats on hand for them to enjoy before the procedure.
- Family Involvement: You may want to invite family members and loved ones, both human and four-legged, to gather close to your pet.
- Calm Atmosphere: Ask everyone gathered around to remain calm through the process.
- Procedure: Once you’re ready, your veterinarian will begin the actual procedure.
Throughout the process, if at any point you’d like more time or have any special requests, please let us know. Our goal is to help your pet’s passing be as dignified and peaceful as possible.
After the procedure, your veterinarian will ask if you need more time with your pet after they have passed. When you’re ready, they will confirm how you want to handle your pet’s body.
You can choose from two cremation services:
- Ashes Returned: Physical barriers keep each pet separate so you get your pet’s ashes back.
- No Ashes Returned: Your pet’s ashes will be scattered respectfully with other pets by the crematorium.
If you leave your pet’s body with us, your veterinarian will treat it with great care, respect, and dignity. We will handle all the aftercare arrangements as you asked, so you can take care of yourself and your loved ones after saying goodbye.
Most pet owners decide on aftercare services the day before the euthanasia appointment. You can choose to handle your pet’s body yourself or opt for cremation services. Learn more about the aftercare options CodaPet provides here.
If you change your mind on how to handle your pet’s remains on the day of the procedure, let your veterinarian know. We are flexible and understand these decisions and are here to support your choice.
Losing a pet is very hard, and it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. You might miss your pet a lot and feel empty inside. It’s normal to cry or even have trouble sleeping and eating. Talking about your pet and sharing memories can help. Remember, everyone grieves differently, so take the time you need. It’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or even a counselor. Your feelings are valid, and it’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Read more about pet loss and the grieving process here.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
What pet parents are saying
Overall service rating from over 5110+ reviews
Dr Sarah was incredibly compassionate and tender with our 20+ year old cat, Meadow. This was our second time with at-home pet euthanasia. The experience was very peaceful for Meadow; she was home and on her favorite couch blanket in her final moments, surrounded by love and care. Dr Sarah took the time to ask about Meadow's story, how long we had her, and really connect with us before helping us say goodbye. We'll call CodaPet when our next senior is ready to cross the rainbow bridge.
We are so grateful that Dr. Courtney White was available to us, last minute nonetheless. We were able to say goodbye to our precious boy Radar in his favorite spot in our backyard. Dr. White was so kind and compassionate, explaining the process as it progressed, allowing us to make the decisions we could. She truly understood the bond we had with our boy. We will cherish the memory of him forever ❤️
Dr. Schmalz was very kind and caring towards us and our dog Toby. She made sure we understood the process and gave us time after to be with Toby. She suggested that we have our other two dogs come up and see him after, which we did, and we feel that was such a good thing for them. They know what happened and they aren't looking for him in the house. Dr. Schmalz clearly loves animals and she made sure that Toby was very relaxed and could not feel any pain before she gave him the final meds. She was careful with him when we put him in her car to go to to be cremated and I have no doubt that she was very careful with him once he was out of our care. While this is always the most difficult and heartbreaking decision, it was comforting to know that Dr. Schmalz was there and we knew she cared about us and our Toby. Thank you for providing a wonderful service.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr Kristi Thompson’s kindness and compassion both before, during, and after this process. 10/10 would recommend. She thoroughly and professionally explained the process. She listened carefully to the long list of ailments our senior dog was experiencing. She then examined our dog and explained what was potentially treatable, and what the prognosis was. This allowed us the chance to make a fully informed decision before proceeding. I appreciated that, especially since it was a lethal one for a very loved family member. We never felt rushed or pressured one way or the other. I just wish there were people doctors who were as attentive, kind, compassionate, and laid out the various options to their patients.
Dr Keri Wasmoen was a light in such a dark situation. I was so confident and comfortable going though this process with her. She is so caring and calming I cant put in to words. It would be such a hard job walking families through this process but the comfort she gives our beloved pets and families, I cant say enough good things about her. What a caring and compassionate vet!!!
Again I would like to say that this Dr. Murray is a real doctor that cares, for our feelings and our pets. I would like him to know that I am writing him a letter, it’s just so hard to get over Taurus and am still having a hard time, I appreciate your loving care, thank you Dr Murray
Quality-of-life survey
Gauge your pet’s well-being by answering questions to examine various aspects of your pet’s daily life such as mobility, happiness, and appetite.
Questions you may have
We allow cancellations at no fee to you for appointments canceled more than 4 hours before your start time. If you cancel your appointment less than 4 hours before your appointment time you will be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.
Your vet reserves time in their schedule exclusively for you, so we ask you to cancel as soon as you are able so that your vet may help another family in need.
Note: You can cancel or reschedule your appointment on your booking confirmation page or find a link to it in your booking confirmation email.
You have the option to have your vet respectfully transport your pet to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, your pet’s ashes can either be lovingly returned to you or respectfully spread with other pets.
Note: If you choose to have your pet’s ashes returned to you, your vet will coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes at the time of your appointment.
The total cost includes the in-home pet euthanasia service fee, any applicable travel fees, and a platform fee. Depending on your preferences, additional fees may apply for cremation services or memorial keepsakes.
Yes, your vet will offer a variety of meaningful memorabilia you can purchase if you choose to request the return of your pet's ashes. After selecting your vet and preferred cremation option, you'll have the opportunity to review and choose from available keepsake options. You may also find comfort in exploring our suggestions for pet memorial ideas.
Note: You may also choose to add the memorabilia or change your mind about your choice at the time of your appointment.
During your appointment, your vet will carefully confirm your preferred aftercare option with you. If you choose cremation, your vet will manage your pet’s gentle transportation to a local crematorium. If your selected cremation service includes receiving your pet’s ashes, your vet will clearly explain the process for returning your pet's ashes and provide an estimated timeline for their return.
In the case of wanting a private burial, if your city/county regulations allow, you can choose to bury your pet. Please check local regulations to see if this is legal in your area.
If you want to bury your pet in a cemetery, you will need to choose and make arrangements with a local pet cemetery before the euthanasia appointment. Please be sure to let your CodaPet vet know if you have planned for such a burial.
Note: Your vet can only assist with cremation options, and does not handle burials of any type.
