The cost of euthanasia and cremation depends on your dog's size, the provider, where the appointment takes place and whether you choose a private cremation. The price ranges below are historical examples, not current quotes; ask your veterinarian and cremation provider for an itemized local estimate.
Know the cost of this difficult decision
No one wants to put their dog to sleep. Nonetheless, certain medical conditions combined with the age of a dog turn this nightmare into a reality for pet owners every single day. Dogs bring so much joy and love to their owners, that the very thought of euthanasia is simply heartbreaking for any loving dog owner.
These are the facts of life. It’s important that you know what to expect in terms of the cost to put your dog down. While you will never be prepared emotionally to learn that your best friend needs to be put to sleep, at least you can be prepared for what this procedure is going to cost financially.
Vet expenses aren’t exactly cheap. While the average cost for euthanization and cremation of a dog ranges between $150 to $300, you can still expect a vet to charge anywhere from $50 to $300 and up for euthanization alone.
We’ve done the research for you and have broken down these costs, so that when this heartbreaking time comes, you will be able to focus on saying goodbye to your beloved pet, rather than worrying about financial details.
How much does it cost to Euthanize your dog?
Similar to the process when a person dies, when a dog dies, there are many variables that come into play that affect the cost of final expenses. For instance, whether you choose to have the dog put to sleep at-home or in-office.
The price to travel to a person’s home and have the dog put to sleep in the owner’s home costs usually between $85 and $125. In-office euthanization ranges anywhere from $60 and up. It’s always wise to consult your local humane society because they often provide these services at a discounted rate compared to local veterinarians.
How much does it cost to have your dog cremated?
For dog owners that must put their dog to sleep and want to preserve their ashes in an urn, rest assured knowing that this service is also viable and affordable. Why are so many pet owners choosing to preserve the cremated ashes in an urn? Simple. The urn serves as an everlasting reminder of their beloved pet.
Dog cremation service prices are also based on the weight of your dog. The average cost is going to start somewhere around $80 and up.
You have the option to choose private or communal cremation. The difference is that a private cremation incinerates the dog individually and the ashes are given to the owner. With communal cremation, more than one dog is incinerated at a time, and the ashes are all combined and disposed of by the crematory. As you would expect, the private cremation costs approximately $50 more than the communal option.
Are there additional costs for putting a dog down and cremated?
Like any other veterinary service, there are additional fees that could add up quickly. It’s important that people are fully aware of these extra charges in order to not be surprised when they receive the final bill.
If the veterinarian has not seen your dog before, ask whether an examination or consultation is required and what it will cost. When a vet is making a house call to put the dog to sleep, there will also be an additional fee for the trip. Other potential items that could be billed to you are the IV catheters and disposal of the needles. Furthermore, if you choose to have the ashes returned to you in an urn, there is often a charge for the urn. Plus, there are additional add-ons you can usually purchase, such as a paw print.
It may feel uncomfortable to speak about these pricing figures for putting a dog down, but it’s an important reality all dog owners should be aware of. An itemized quote can help you compare the available services before you make a decision with your veterinarian.