How Much Does In-Home Pet Euthanasia Cost?

You may be considering euthanizing your pet to end your furry friend’s suffering. You may also be wondering how much home pet euthanasia costs. We’re explaining the costs of pet euthanasia at home, the factors affecting the fees, and how you can pay for it.

How Much Does In-Home Pet Euthanasia Cost?

Pet euthanasia at-home services cost varies, although it averages from $305 to $515. The final price depends on your location, vet’s assessment, and after-care plan. You may also incur extra fees for transportation and memorial services.Little girl embracing her white dog out in the field

If you want to explore pet euthanasia at home, it’s crucial that you know the typical expenses so you can plan the best way to say goodbye to your beloved pet.

Factors for Cost of Euthanizing Pets at Home

While the average cost of in-home dog euthanasia starts at $300, the final price may depend on different factors. It’s vital that you’re aware of the other services that generally come with euthanization so you can prepare emotionally and financially.

Location

Location is the primary factor that influences the price of pet euthanasia. It’s highly dependent on how far your home is from the facility.

Bringing the procedure to your home can bring more comfort to your pet. This ensures a familiar environment surrounds your cat or dog until its last moments. To give you an idea, Paws Into Grace mainly serves San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, and each area has a corresponding rate.

  • Riverside: Euthanasia services for Riverside start at $355 for pets under 100 pounds. Meanwhile, dogs or cats over 100 pounds may reach around $405.
  • Orange County: Pet euthanasia for Orange County may cost at least $465 for pets weighing under 100 pounds. On the other hand, you may spend up to $515 if your pet weighs more than 100 pounds.
  • San Diego County: Home euthanasia costs for those in San Diego County may pay at least $305 for pets weighing under 100 pounds.

Physical Examination and Assessment

Further testing is necessary before pursuing euthanasia. We can schedule an appointment for you so we can discuss your pet’s diagnosis and prognosis through a quality of life evaluation. It would also help to contact your regular veterinarian for physical examinations and other assessments.Person cradling a sleeping black and white dog

The average pet owner spends around $600 per year on healthcare costs for planned vet visits. While the prices may depend on your vet clinic’s rates, expect to pay a minimum of $100 for emergency tests.

Post-procedure and After-Care Plan

The minimum price of euthanizing pets at home starts at $300. This rate can go higher depending on how you prepare a post-procedure and after-care plan.

  • Cremation: Pet cremation can be either individual or communal. Communal cremation may start at $175, individual cremation may cost $275.  Cremation fees are usually depend on the weight of the animal and your distance from the cremation facility. 
  • Urn: There are several kinds of urns to hold your pet’s ashes. Paws into Grace includes an Urn with the cremation cost, however you can upgrade to a different urn, costing anywhere from $80 for small pets or a pet urn vase costing around $200 for large pets.
  • Memorial items: While they are optional, memorial items help keep your pet’s memory alive. The most cost effective items are custom ornaments or a single-tone necklace holding a pinch of your pet’s cremated remains, costing around $60.

Extra Services

Extra services can make your euthanasia appointment more convenient. These are usually optional and often for emergency purposes. However, payment terms for additional services can be non-refundable.

  • Grief support: End-of-life decision-making can be a heartbreaking matter. Some facilities offer grief support to help you accept the situation and move on while honoring your pet’s memories. We have an hourly rate for our certified pet loss grief support specialist, whereas our retired licensed clinical social worker offers pro bono services.
  • After-hours services: Most euthanasia service providers charge an after-hour fee. For Paws Into Grace, appointments from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM may incur an after-hour fee of $175.
  • Transportation: Our local transport pick-up rate starts at $75. After-hours between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM have an additional fee. Careful transportation is essential in bringing your pet’s body from your home to the crematorium.
  • Cancellation policy: Some facilities require a credit card to reserve an appointment time. Your card will not be charged until the appointment. You must pay the full appointment fee if you cancel your appointment within two hours of our team’s scheduled arrival.

Glass jar with coins and paper billsHow Can I Save Money When I Need to Euthanize My Pet?

The best way to ensure you’re spending within your budget is to request an estimate, so we can accommodate your limitations while still giving your pet the peaceful transition it deserves. You may also get financial assistance through CareCredit, especially if you face out-of-pocket costs.

Thinking about expenses can make it harder to deal with euthanasia. Most at-home pet euthanasia services start at $300. It can go higher depending on other services you need. 

Considering euthanization for your pet can trigger a range of emotions, especially grief, guilt, and fear. Your feelings are highly vulnerable when losing a pet, and the finances accompanying it can cloud your judgment.

Related Questions

Who Can Euthanize Pets at Homes?

Licensed veterinarians will conduct the euthanasia at your home. Paws Into Grace consists of compassionate veterinarians assisted by a support team to ensure the whole process will be respectful for both the pets and the owners.

Is Euthanizing a Pet at Home Better Than in a Clinic?

Home euthanasia would be better than bringing your pet to a clinic if you want more privacy, spending more time with your pet, and letting your furry friend have a familiar environment. However, it’s more expensive than an in-clinic procedure because staff will spend time traveling and bringing equipment.

Conclusion

While in-home pet euthanasia costs vary, Paws Into Grace offers a starting rate of $305. As a responsible pet owner, you must know your options and possible expenses. When the time comes to make the tough decision, you can focus on spending time with your pet’s final moments.

Testimonials

I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who... read more

Renee C.

My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him... read more

Diane C.

I wanted to thank you for sending Dr. Brown to euthanize our beloved Myleigh on March 4, 2021. She was compassionate and accommodating, she explained every step of the procedure, and gave us some alone time with Myleigh after she sedated her, but... read more

Terry A.

Renee C.

I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who came out to the house. She was so understanding and supportive. They were all so helpful, understanding and nice. My girl got to stay at home and say goodbye in the backyard (a hummingbird flew over and it seemed like a good sign too). So glad I didn't have to take her to a cold vet office.

Diane C.

My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him with more medications which would make him even more miserable. I called and spoke to a very kind lady who was patient as I cried through making an appointment. We made an appointment for 1:30pm. Dr. Toni arrived. She was very kind, explained everything to us and gave us the time to be with our boy after the first shot. He wasn't relaxing enough so she gave him a second shot. We stayed with him throughout the entire process and I carried him to her car in the end. It was a very difficult decision but knowing that our boy is not in pain, gives us some peace. We are thankful to Dr. Toni for her kindness and compassion. They will arrange the cremation for us. Since we are in a pandemic, we had our masks on and said goodbye to our boy in our garden.

Terry A.

I wanted to thank you for sending Dr. Brown to euthanize our beloved Myleigh on March 4, 2021. She was compassionate and accommodating, she explained every step of the procedure, and gave us some alone time with Myleigh after she sedated her, but before she attached the IV. We were relieved that we made the decision to let her go to doggy heaven at home. It was a tranquil and serene passing for her, and it very much aids us in the grieving and healing process knowing that she passed away so peacefully. Based on the grace and compassion Dr. Brown demonstrated on one of the most awful days of our lives we would not hesitate to recommend Paws Into Grace for others facing this very painful time.
San Diego Orange County Cremation Office