In-Home Pet Euthanasia: Everything You Need To Know

Saying goodbye to a pet is a dreaded part of pet parenthood. When faced with such a painful goodbye, finding comfort in any way you can is important. For many pet parents, this means putting their pet to sleep in the comfort of their home. 

In-home pet euthanasia can relieve stress for pets, offer comfort and familiarity in those final moments, and allow the family to have a bit more control over this impactful moment. 

Let's break down everything you need to know about the in-home pet euthanasia process so you can determine if this is the best option for your family. 

What Is In-Home Pet Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is derived from two Greek words, 'eu' meaning good and 'thanatos' meaning death. Together, these terms form the phrase 'good death', precisely what a veterinary team offers when a pet is put to sleep. 

Your veterinary team will combine the use of sedatives and euthanasia solutions to make sure your pet has a comfortable and peaceful passing. The medical process is exactly the same for pet euthanasia at home as it is in a clinical setting. Still, your veterinary team will come directly to your home to provide the service. 

They will bring all the tools needed to ensure the pet's peaceful and pain-free passing and arrange the pet's aftercare once it has passed. Many at-home pet euthanasia services work with a local pet crematorium so they can help families through each step of the euthanasia process. 

Benefits Of In-Home Pet Euthanasia

There are many reasons why people choose in-home pet euthanasia over going to a vet clinic, so let's break down some of the most noted benefits of in-home pet euthanasia. 

Stress Relief For The Pet And Family

At-home pet euthanasia can relieve stress for the pet in a variety of ways. It allows them to stay in a familiar and comfortable setting, it prevents a stressful car ride, and it caters to the needs of the individual pet. For example, if your pet is in pain and cannot be comfortably moved, the veterinary team can come directly to them. 

"Unless your pet is reactive to new people in the home, it is almost certainly easier for them to stay in familiar surroundings. Riding in a vehicle requires a lot of strength and balance, typically dwindling at the end of life. Even pets that may have enjoyed a trip to the vet's office in the past may find it stressful and uncomfortable." - Dr. Sunday Cozzi, Hospice Veterinarian.

1-on-1 Care From The Vet

An at-home euthanasia allows your veterinary team to be much more present than they could be in a clinic setting. The average vet cares for several patients a day in a typical clinic setting, so this greatly limits the time they can spend with each patient. In-home pet euthanasia ensures that your pet is the only focus.

Gives The Family More Control

Putting a pet to sleep at home allows the pet parent to control the situation from start to finish. They can determine the spot in the home where it will occur, comfort the pet with their favourite toys and treats, and make sure their favourite people are right by their side. Being in control of the situation often comforts pet parents during such a difficult moment.

Privacy During Such A Difficult Moment

Even if a pet parent knows that saying goodbye is the best decision for their pet, it will be an emotional moment. Some pet parents find it daunting to be in a public setting during such a painful experience, whereas at-home euthanasia allows you more privacy. 

What To Expect During An In-Home Pet Euthanasia

As we mentioned above, the pet euthanasia process is typically the same in-home as it is in the veterinary clinic setting. Let's walk through each step to ensure you are prepared for it.

First, the in-home euthanasia vet team will likely give a briefing on what to expect and allow the pet parent to ask any questions beforehand. We always encourage pet parents to ask anything on their minds, as it is important to move forward with clarity during such a critical moment. 

If the pet is anxious or nervous, the vet may offer a sedative to help calm its nerves before placing an IV catheter in its arm. This sedative should not put the pet to sleep completely, but it will help ease its nerves around the veterinary team. They want this to be as stress-free and comfortable as possible. 

The IV catheter offers the vet a direct portal to their vein, and the vet can even attach a fluid line to the catheter to give them more distance. This will allow the pet parent to comfortably hold their pet during the euthanasia process.

Once the IV catheter is placed in the pet's arm, the vet can administer the deep sedative to help the pet fall asleep. Once the pet is asleep, the vet will administer the medication that stops the pet's heart. The pet will not feel anything and will simply drift away into a peaceful sleep.

The veterinary team will walk the family through this process and answer any questions they may have. Each in-home pet euthanasia service may have its own procedure, but it is likely similar to the one we laid out above. 

How Much Does In-Home Pet Euthanasia Cost?

In-home pet euthanasia costs will range from company to company, but we can offer you a few averages to expect. 

An at-home euthanasia will cost more than it would at a vet's office in most cases, but this is due to the additional service they are providing. This cost includes the vet's travel to the home, time dedicated to each client, supplies needed, and more. 

The average in-home euthanasia cost is anywhere from $250 to $450, and the cost of cremation services can be added on. Most companies will complete the payment over the phone before the appointment date, allowing the family to be fully present and make the moment as peaceful as possible.

To best determine in-home euthanasia prices near you, we suggest speaking with your primary care veterinarian. They may offer an in-home pet euthanasia service themselves or have information on companies they recommend.

Is In-Home Pet Euthanasia Right For My Family?

Though many pet parents have trusted at-home euthanasia services for their beloved companions, it's not the right choice for everyone. For example, some pet parents do not want their pet's final moments to be in their home. Many say they would struggle with the memory of their pet passing in the home, and it would make it more challenging for them to heal and move forward. 

There is no correct answer in this situation, so it's essential to consider your needs as you navigate this decision. We hope this article helped you to understand the in-home pet euthanasia process better, and we are sending you love as you move forward.