How Much Does It Cost To Put a Dog Down? Dog Euthanasia and Cremation

How Much Does It Cost To Put A Dog Down? On average, dog euthanization costs $150-$300 or more. As well as the cost, there are some other things to consider throughout the process, and this article will help guide you through this difficult time.

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• When Is The Right Time To Put My Dog Down?How Much Does It Cost To Put A Dog Down?Euthanazia At Home vs At The VetsWhat Is The Process For My Dog To Be Put To Sleep?FAQs

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PUT MY DOG DOWN?

It is tough letting go of your beloved pet and having them put down. Therefore some owners make the mistake of allowing their dog to live too long. As a general rule, it is better to have your dog put down sooner rather than later, as this prevents any unnecessary suffering. Deciding when to put your dog down is solely down to you as owners and your family, but you should take note of how your dog is behaving. 

If your dog is old and you’re noticing a loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, confusion, muscle twitching, and vomiting, you need to consider going to your vets and seeking expert advice about what to do next. Being well informed about the current health of your dog will help you to make a decision regarding euthanasia and stop any long-term suffering from your dog’s behalf. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PUT DOWN A DOG?

As with all vet visits, there are usually fees for the vets time and prescribed drugs needed. The prices for euthanasia will vary across the different veterinarian practices. Your dog size and breed may also impact the cost. It is important to note that some practices may not include cremation in their euthanasia pricing, so it’s a good idea to ask them what is included in their price. 

Also, prices may increase if you want your dog put down in your own home or outside of the veterinarians opening hours. At this moment on time, to put down a large dog in a veterinarian practice with a communal cremation will cost around $100-$200. 

EUTHANAZIA AT HOME VS. AT THE VETS

Most veterinarians offer dog euthanazia at home, as well as the practice. There are pros and cons to both. Having this procedure take place at home allows your dog to feel comfortable, know their surroundings, and it is a less stressful environment. However, some potential disadvantages are:

> The process may be more difficult from a practical point of view

> The vets are busy and therefore finding a date to visit your house may be longer than expected

> A euthanazia at home costs more and, therefore, may not be an option. 

> Home euthanazia may make it difficult for the family to overcome as the process will take place where they live. 

If you decide to euthanize your dog at home, the vet will generally take the dog’s body with them after the procedure takes place. Alternatively, if you decide the process to take place at the vet’s, it is a good idea to take your dog’s bed or a favorite blanket to make them feel more at home. 

As previously mentioned, the cost of a dog euthanazia in a veterinarian practice ranges from $150-$300. If you consider a home euthanazia, it will cost you slightly more and range from $300-$600.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS AFTER MY DOG IS PUT TO SLEEP? 

Once your dog has been put to sleep, there are several options to follow. It is a good idea to sit down and discuss the options with your family or even reach a decision before your dog being put down. 

Ideally, your decision should be based on what makes you feel best when remembering your dog. It is important to note that you and your family’s final decision has no right or wrong answer; there may be a few differences in opinion.

Cremation

There are a wide variety of dog crematoriums that offer helpful services as well as memorial gardens. Most vets will use a specific crematorium and will recommend this to you, but by all means, you can research and visit some to find the most suitable/best one for your service. 

If you do decide to have your dog cremated, the next step in the procedure is to determine whether you’ll have a communal or individual cremation. Below is a detailed explanation of both and provides some benefits of both. 

Communal Cremation 

Communal cremation is the process in which your dog’s body is cremated along with other dogs that have sadly passed away. Following the cremation, it may be possible to have some ashes given back to you for remembrance, but it is essential to remember that the ashes may not be all from your dog. Communal cremation is usually a lot less expensive than that of an individual one. 

Individual Cremation

This is most pet owners preferred option of cremation, as your dog will be cremated on its own. The ashes are returned to you afterward (solely your dog’s ashes). The pet crematoriums will offer a range of different services and urns, caskets, or scatter boxes to present the ashes. 

Depending on what you want to do with the ashes i.e., keep them at home or scatter them in a favorite place will determine what type of item the ashes are returned to you. If you’re going to keep them at your home or chosen location, the ashes will tend to be returned in a beautiful vase, which can also be custom made. 

People do often query whether your dog has been cremated individually, as most crematoriums do not allow pet owners to view the service (different to that of humans). However, some places do allow you to enter the view of the cremation; this is very rare, though.

Burial

The second option to having a cremation is a burial. If you decide to choose this option (burial), you will then have to decide whether your dog is buried at home (garden) or in a pet cemetery.

Burial at Home 

Rather than scattering ashes or burying your dog elsewhere, a lot of owners prefer to bury their dog at home, more than likely in the back yard. It is possible to order headstones or other ornament type objects to mark the burial site of your dog. It is recommended to research measurements of dog burials as they may be dug up by other animals, making sure the burial grounds are dug deep enough is of high importance. 

This is the preferred option for most owners as it is close to home and can be remembered at any time, any day. Although, this can have the reverse effect and make it harder to ‘get over’ the death as you’ll be reminded every time you see the headstone or grave. 

Burial In a Public Place

Some owners prefer to bury their dogs outside of their own home. This will tend to be a garden or local park, usually, the one where you walked your dog the most. Unfortunately, you can’t just turn up and begin digging. You will have to receive approval from the local authority. It is also important to note that burying your dog away from your home takes something out of your hand i.e., something being built over it, other animals digging it up, etc.

FAQS 

How much does a vet charge to put down a dog?
On average, $80-$350.

What are signs of your dog dying?
Some signs of your dog passing away are; rapid increase of fatigue, no appetite, vomiting, slow to respond, change of sleep pattern. 

Is putting a dog down painful?
This is a very pain-free and peaceful procedure. The process doesn’t take long and ensures your dog shouldn’t suffer any pain. 

Is it legal to put your own dog down?
There is some controversy surrounding this topic. The current laws state that if your dog is severely injured or very sick & near death, you’re entitled to put your dog to sleep, however this must be done in a humane and proficient manner. 

SaveDog Euthanasia and Cremation When Is The Right Time To Put My Dog Down? How Much Does It Cost To Put A Dog Down? Euthanazia At Home vs At The Vets What Is The Process For My Dog To Be Put To Sleep?Published byWild Barkers

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Disclaimer: Each dog is different, and every circumstance is different. All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. However, it is not provided by a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinarian Surgeon, or Behaviorist. The information provided is purely educational. The information should not be used as an alternative or substitute for medical care. If you have any health or medical concerns, contact a qualified Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinarian immediately.