In home pet euthanasia near me
Give your pet 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.
Pet euthanasia is a compassionate choice to end an animal companion’s suffering from a poor quality of life due to illness, injury, or old age.
A veterinarian administers medication that peacefully ends the pet’s life. The process is usually quick and painless, allowing the animal to gently pass on.
Consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s condition and quality of life. They will help you better understand the process and make an informed decision.
Feeling grief, guilt, and uncertainty is normal during this challenging time. Our community of veterinarians provide you with support and guidance through this challenging time.
There's rarely a single moment that tells you when it's time to say goodbye. Most families recognize it when their dog or cat's comfort fades across several areas at once (most often pain, breathing, eating, mobility, and engagement with you), and the bad days start to outnumber the good. Reflecting on these changes over time, then talking with your vet, brings the clearest answer.
You may hear this described as knowing when to "put your dog or cat down" or "put them to sleep" — both mean the same painful, loving decision.
Signs of declining comfort to watch over time:
- Pain or discomfort that medication no longer eases
- Labored or difficult breathing
- Eating or drinking noticeably less
- Trouble standing, walking, or climbing stairs — or, for cats, jumping to favorite spots
- Accidents or trouble staying clean, including litter-box changes
- Confusion, restlessness, or anxiety that won't settle
- Hiding or withdrawing from the family
- More bad days than good ones
What matters most is the pattern across several of these areas over time — not any single sign. A few signs that need a vet right away include gasping or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats), blue or pale gums, or repeated seizures.
Our free Quality of Life questionnaire walks through these same areas to help you reflect on your pet's comfort and bring clearer notes to your vet. It's a gentle reflection aid — not a pass-or-fail test, and never a decision-maker.
For a full, vet-developed decision framework, read How Will I Know When It's Time.
For many years, the common term for euthanasia was “put to sleep.” It's also a good description of what happens during the procedure.
- Your veterinarian will perform the same procedure your dog or cat would receive at a veterinary hospital or clinic, in the comfort of your home.
- Your veterinarian relaxes your pet by administering a sedative. The shot will feel like getting a vaccine.
- Once the sedative is in full effect (within 5 to 15 minutes), your pet will be deep asleep, relieved of all suffering.
- 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.
- Whether death is natural or assisted, the following effects may occur:
- Legs and ears may twitch as if the animal is dreaming. At this point, your pet is unconscious and unaware of its body movements.
- Some medications may cause nausea for the pet resulting in vomiting.
- As the body and consequently muscles relax, so do the bladder and the bowels which can lead to urination and or defecation. The loss of muscle tone in the eyelids may result in the pet’s eyes remaining partially open.
Your veterinarian will arrive wearing regular clothes to better fit the home environment. They will bring a stethoscope and other “tools of the trade.” 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 pet as peaceful as possible by providing care with compassion, patience, and understanding.
- 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.
- Your veterinarian will explain as much or as little about what they’re about to do, depending on your comfort level. Feel free to ask questions along the way.
- You may want to invite family members and loved ones, both human and four-legged, to gather close to your pet.
- Keep enough space for the veterinarian to work.
- Ask everyone gathered around to remain calm through the process.
- 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. We will do our best to help and give you the time you need. 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 to take as much time as you need 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 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 and are here to support your decision.
Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and it's natural to feel sad, angry, or confused. You might deeply miss your pet and feel a profound sense of emptiness. It's completely normal to cry or even have trouble sleeping and eating. Sharing memories, talking openly about your pet, or exploring meaningful ways to memorialize your beloved companion can offer comfort.
Remember, everyone grieves differently, so take the time you need. It's perfectly okay to seek support from friends, family, or even a professional counselor. Your feelings are valid, and caring for yourself throughout this process is important. Explore our detailed resources on coping with pet loss and the grieving process for additional guidance.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
What pet parents are saying
Overall service rating from over 6347+ reviews
Dr. Sara Gardhaouse has an amazing aura about her. In such an Emotinal time she radiates warmth and kindness to help ease the situations hardness. I would gladly refer this company to help with the passing of any fur baby in their own home.
Dr. Norman was wonderful in helping our pet pass away peacefully at home. She was professional, compassionate and genuinely kind. We would highly recommend Dr. Norman and CodaPet for those looking for in home euthanasia services.
Dr. Rob was incredibly kind— he came for an urgent appointment because my cat went downhill quickly over the weekend. He was patient, explained the process, gave our family time with her, and made the process as stress free as it could for my cat, which was my first priority. I had never considered in home euthanasia and now I feel I’ll always do it if possible because it minimized the fear in her last hours. She had the peaceful passing that she deserved, surrounded by her loved ones. Thank you Dr. Rob for taking care of my girl on her last day.
Dr Mills was incredible. Compassionate, caring, patient, loving.... all the things you'd hope for in the situation. We've had other in-home euthanasia experiences, but this was the absolute best. We felt supported throughout, the communication was amazing. She explained the process and what she was doing when and why. I hope not to have to use her services again, but if we do, I'll be using Dr Mills. 15/5 would recommend
Unfortunately, my elder dog Patience took a turn for the worse and I had to make the call that I dreaded. I had previously decided to have a vet come to the home for her passing. I didn’t want Patience trembling in fear at the vet’s office. Karen Whala arrived and she was wonderful. She took her time quietly explaining the process to me and my daughter as we cried. Patience passed peacefully in her favorite chair and I’m confident that she felt no pain thanks to Karen. Karen was the only good thing in a terrible day and I’m grateful.
Thank you for the kindness and compassion you showed during Rosie’s passing. It was one of the hardest days of our lives, but your calm and gentle presence brought us comfort and peace. Thank you for helping Rosie leave this world surrounded by love and dignity. We will always be grateful for the care you gave her and our family. With heartfelt thanks, Milane
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.
Your pet cremation options fall into three paths: cremation with your pet's ashes returned to you (private, individual, or aquamation), communal cremation where ashes aren't returned, or handling your pet's remains yourself. Available options vary by your local veterinarian. Regardless of your choice, your vet coordinates all aftercare with their local crematorium or aquamation partner.
Options where ashes are returned to you
- Private cremation — your pet is cremated alone, so the ashes returned are solely your pet's
- Individual cremation — pets are cremated in a large chamber but kept separated by physical barriers, so your pet's ashes stay identifiable and are returned in an urn
- Individual aquamation (select vets) — a gentle, water-based alternative to flame cremation where your pet’s ashes are returned in an urn
- The most common optional keepsakes when ashes are returned are paw prints, fur clippings, ink prints, and custom urns — availability varies by vet
Options where ashes are not returned
- Communal (group) cremation — your pet is cremated respectfully alongside other pets, and the crematorium scatters their ashes in their local grounds. Typically, this is the lower-cost option.
- Group aquamation (select vets) — a communal water-based process where your pet’s ashes are respectfully scattered by the aquamation partner locally
Handling your pet yourself
- Your vet leaves your pet with you to arrange aftercare, such as a home burial. Please review your local laws and regulations when choosing a final resting place.
Your vet coordinates respectful transportation and return of your pet’s ashes whenever an "ashes returned" option is chosen. The exact options and pricing are shown when you schedule a visit with a local veterinarian.
Your total at-home pet euthanasia cost includes three core fees: the in-home euthanasia service fee, a platform fee, and any travel fee for your location. Optional add-ons (cremation and memorial keepsakes) are priced separately. You'll see the full breakdown before you confirm your home visit.
The three core fees are always included:
- Euthanasia service fee — the in-home visit and the procedure itself (sedation, euthanasia, and time to say goodbye)
- Platform fee — covers booking, vet coordination, and support
- Travel fee — applies based on your distance from the attending vet. Some locations have none
Optional, priced separately:
- Cremation — private/individual (ashes returned) or communal (not returned)
- Memorial keepsakes — paw prints, fur clippings, urns
- Urgent or after-hours appointments may carry a surcharge
Since pricing varies by location, your exact total is shown on the booking page before you confirm — there's no obligation to proceed.
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.
Yes. If you’ve chosen cremation, your vet will respectfully transport your pet from your home to a partner crematorium after the appointment. You don’t need to do anything. Your vet will coordinate the transport, cremation, and return of your pet’s ashes.
What to expect:
• Your vet brings everything needed for a safe and dignified transport
• You decide how much time you want before they leave. There is never a rush
• If you've chosen private or individual cremation, ashes are typically returned within 2-3 weeks. This varies by vet
• For larger pets (greater than 100lbs), your vet may ask for help to move your pet with dignity — they will let you know if they need your help prior to the process
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.
During in-home pet euthanasia, your veterinarian will first ensure your pet is comfortable by administering a gentle sedative, allowing your pet to relax peacefully. Once fully sedated, the veterinarian will give the euthanasia solution, which painlessly stops your pet's heart within moments. You'll have as much time as needed to say goodbye, and afterward, your veterinarian will discuss aftercare options with you, such as cremation or burial arrangements. Learn more with our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.
No one can give you a “one-size-fits-all” answer—because you, your pet, your situation are all unique. Give yourself space to consider how much quality of life your dog or cat has, and how that affects everyone concerned—you, your pet, and other members of your family. We can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life, and help you think through some of the other factors that may affect your decision. Read more
