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Pet Euthanasia In Chicago, IL

Schedule a compassionate veterinarian to support you through this difficult time by providing a peaceful goodbye for your beloved pet in the comfort of your home. At home pet euthanasia appointments start at $350 with optional cremation ranging from $200 - $460, depending on your pet's weight and cremation type

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Verified vets serving greater Chicagoland

Showing local verified vets who specialize in at home pet euthanasia serving dogs & cats for the next available appointment in Chicago, IL.

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1 Vet Found Near Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering
Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified

Chicago, IL

2 hours notice required

From $350

4 years of vet experience

Recent Pet Parent Review
(41) reviews
The decision is never easy and all we wanted was our Calypso to pass peacefully and as stress free as possible. That is exactly what we got with Dr. Ann. 10/10 for her services. It was my husband's first time and I was so glad he didn't have to experience Calypso being so nervous as she would be anywhere other than home.
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Pet euthanasia and cremation pricing in Chicago, IL

Your credit card is required to reserve your appointment. However, no payment is required until the appointment and nothing is due until the appointment is completed

We charge cancellation fee of $100 if an appointment is cancelled less than 4 hours before the start time. If your pet passes away before your appointment you would not be charged a cancellation fee. If the vet you scheduled is able, and you would like their assistance with cremation, then pickup fee would apply instead of euthanasia fee

Other Consideration

If you have a larger pet, your vet may need the help of one friend or family member. Talk to your vet about options and limitations when they reach out to you prior to your appointment, and they will inform you of any extra cost for your situation. 

Options for your pets return home and memorabilia depend on your local provider. Your vet coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes and let you know if there are additional fees for urn delivery. 

Extra time or medications needed can affect the total price. Other factors can be if it is decided that it’s not time to euthanize your pet after the vet has arrive. In that case, only the travel fee, platform fee, and a quality of life consult would apply. 

FAQs

The total cost includes the in-home pet euthanasia service fee, any travel fee (if any apply), and a platform fee. Additionally, depending on your choice, fees may apply for cremation services or keepsakes.

During your appointment, your vet will confirm your aftercare selection with you. If you choose to arrange cremation services, your vet will oversee your pet’s transportation to a local facility for cremation. If your preferred cremation option includes the return of your pet’s ashes to you, your vet will discuss the process to reunite you with your pet's ashes and the anticipated time frame during your appointment

Yes, upon arrival the veterinarian will assess your pet. This can look different than an “nose to tail” examination in a clinic setting and will focus more on the pet’s history and quality of life.

It is not uncommon to have doubts about whether the time is right. If you’ve taken the Quality of Life Questionnaire and are still unsure, we recommend consulting with your family veterinarian before scheduling an appointment.

Rest assured, if you book an appointment, your in-home euthanasia veterinarian will let you know if they do not believe that euthanasia is appropriate at this time.

You can expect your veterinarian to be in your home from 20-60 minutes, depending on how much of that time you need or want throughout the process.

At home pet euthanasia allows your pet to pass away peacefully in the comfort of your home surrounded by love. A compassionate veterinarian will provide end-of-life care for your pet starting with an initial end-of-life exam followed by sedation to ensure your pet is comfortable. Your vet will always move at your pace so you have the time you need to say your goodbyes. Once you are ready, your vet will administer medication to help them gently and painlessly say goodbye surrounded by comfort and love.

Signs your pet may be suffering include chronic pain, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, inability to stand or walk, or a loss of interest in daily activities. These symptoms could indicate a decline in their quality of life. You know your pet better than anyone, but speaking to a veterinarian can help you assess whether euthanasia is the most compassionate option. If you feel you need more help, you can read our guide on ‘How will I know it’s time’, take a quality of life assessment, or call customer care at 833-263-2738.

If your pet's health is declining rapidly, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

  • Consult Your Veterinarian: Schedule an appointment to discuss your observations and any scoring from a quality-of-life scale. This information can help guide the conversation about your pet's condition and options moving forward. Your vet may suggest palliative care, hospice, or, if necessary, euthanasia.

  • Ensure Comfort: Create a quiet, cozy space with soft bedding and easy access to food, water, and a litter box (if applicable).
  • Minimize Stress: Keep routines simple and familiar, and limit loud noises or disruptions.
  • Offer Gentle Care: Provide soothing touch through gentle petting and offer favorite treats if they can still eat.
  • Consider At-Home Euthanasia: If appropriate, discuss the option of at-home euthanasia with your vet for a peaceful and familiar passing.
  • Reach Out for Support: It's okay to lean on loved ones, pet-loss support groups, or counselors to help navigate this difficult time.


If you're noticing signs of declining health, we encourage you to use our quality of life scale resource tool to evaluate your pet's condition before your vet visit.

The key difference is the setting. In home euthanasia allows your pet to pass peacefully in the comfort of their familiar surroundings, reducing stress and anxiety. This option especially benefits pets who may feel scared or uncomfortable traveling to a clinic. It also offers your family a private, intimate experience during this emotional time. While some urgent situations don’t allow for time to schedule in-home euthanasia, many pet owners in Chicago choose in-home services for the peaceful atmosphere and compassionate care their pets receive right where they feel safest. You can find flexible availability for our local vets here, or look for same-day euthanasia appointments.


No, pet euthanasia at home is designed to be completely painless. After an initial end-of-life assessment, your veterinarian will first administer a sedative to ensure your pet is relaxed and comfortable. The euthanasia medication then gently stops the heart without causing pain. The process is peaceful and allows your pet to pass without distress.

We have a network of compassionate veterinarians serving many cities across the US who provide pet euthanasia at home for your beloved dog, cat, or other pets. You can find a local vet near you in the next 7 days or call 833-263-2738 to get help from our customer care team.

While we do not offer 24 hour pet euthanasia services, we do provide after-hours and emergency care in the greater Chicagoland. You can request same-day and urgent appointments to ensure your pet receives the compassionate care they need during critical moments.

Yes, there is typically an additional fee for after-hours or emergency appointments. You can view the estimate when you request a same-day or urgent appointment.

The cost of at home pet euthanasia can vary in Chicagoland and the surrounding areas. Once you have picked your provider, the cost will usuallydepend on your pet’s size and any additional services you may choose, such as cremation, keepsakes, or other services. Our services start with a base fee of $350 for in home euthanasia. If your vet is traveling further than their local area, there is a travel fee applied based on how far you are from them. At CodaPet, we believe in giving you complete transparency and control over what you are choosing for your pet’s end-of-life care. This is why you can view a detailed price estimate before you complete reserving a time with your local vet. You can view flexible availability and detailed pricing or request a same-day appointment if this is more urgent. If you have any further questions, you can view our FAQs or reach us (833) 263 - 2738.

Most providers in Chicagoland charge a flat fee for euthanasia, although some providers do charge based on the size of your pet, so small dogs and cats can be the same price; however, medium or large size dogs (such as Bulldogs, Australian Shepherds, Labradors, or German Shepherds) will likely carry a higher price. At CodaPet, most vets charge a flat fee for both dogs and cats; however, if there is a large pet fee, it will be applied automatically for you to review in the price estimate when you reserve an appointment. You can view the detailed pricing and availability here or call us at (833) 263 - 2738.

During an in home euthanasia appointment, your veterinarian will make an assessment of your pet’s health and quality of life to provide guidance to ensure your decision is informed. The veterinarian will administer an initial sedative or anesthetic to help your pet relax and become pain-free, ensuring they are comfortable and at ease. In the last stage, your veterinarian will first ensure your pet is fully sedated before gently administering anesthesia which will quickly slow down your pet’s respiratory system until the heart finally stops beating. In most cases, this process takes less than a minute. Your veterinarian will always move at your pace so the process is as comfortable as possible for your pet and your family.

Dr. Ann Gonnering, a compassionate veterinarian specializing in at-home pet euthanasia, grew up in the Chicago suburbs. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Her career took her to New Zealand, where she discovered the intimate and comforting nature of in-home euthanasia—a practice that profoundly shaped her approach to end-of-life care.

With experience caring for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, Dr. Gonnering strives to provide a peaceful farewell for pets in the comfort of their familiar surroundings. Her own experiences with her beloved cats—like Archie, a resilient FIP survivor, and Jasper, who traveled with her from New Zealand—deepen her understanding of the emotional journey pet families face.

To hear from other pet parents about their experiences with Dr. Gonnering, visit her profile here.

Yes, your local veterinarian offers in-person and tele-consults depending on availability for a separate fee. In order to reserve a time to speak with a local veterinarian, please call 833-263-2738.


Note: This consultation is aimed at providing advice on end-of-life care and quality-of-life questions. Your veterinarian is not offering telemedicine and is not able to provide specific diagnosis or treatments. If you have any medical needs, please visit your primary care veterinarian.

The notice for every veterinarian differs, however, most veterinarians require at least a 2-hour notice from the time you need them to arrive at your home. This allows them time to prepare and ensure they can provide the highest level of care and compassion for your pet. It also accounts for their travel time, as your veterinarian may be traveling from many different locations around Chicago.


While you can request a same-day and emergency services, it's always best to contact us as early as possible to ensure availability and to give both you and your veterinarian time to prepare for this important moment.

During the euthanasia process, your pet will be gently guided to a state of peace and comfort. After a sedative is administered, you can expect them to become calm and relaxed, free from any pain or distress. When the final injection is given, your pet will slowly drift off into a deep sleep before passing away peacefully. Your compassionate veterinarian will ensure the process is as gentle and serene as possible, allowing you to be present with your beloved companion in their final moments of love and care.

Yes, during in home euthanasia process, you are encouraged to be with your pet throughout the entire process. Being there provides comfort and reassurance to your pet as they pass peacefully.

Every pet is different, and you know yours better than anyone, however, it may be time to consider euthanasia when you notice more ‘bad days than good’. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s quality of life and try to understand when it has declined, such as no longer enjoying activities or suffering from unmanageable pain. To help you understand their quality of life, you take a Quality of Life Assessment, which helps you get a more a clear picture of your pet’s well-being at this point in time.

Remember, if you are unsure, speaking with your primary care veterinarian can help better understand your pet’s quality of life. It’s important to speak with your primary care veterinarian if you haven’t yet to understand your pet’s health. If you do not have a primary care veterinarian, consider visiting an urgent care or emergency hospital in your area.


Everyone’s experience in saying goodbye to their beloved companion is different and very personal. It’s important to consider that you know your pet best. Some considerations, however, are choosing a comfortable space where your pet feels safe, sometimes their favorite spot in your home. Another consideration can be to gather any family members who wish to be present, and feel free to bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toys, etc that make them feel comfortable. When your veterinarian arrives they will guide you through each step in the process and help you move at your pace to ensure the process is as peaceful as possible.

In home euthanasia procedures usually take about 10-15 minutes, however the total time can vary depending on the pace you and your family prefer to move at and your pet’s comfort level. Your veterinarian will take the time necessary to ensure you feel you have enough time to be with your beloved pet while also ensuring your pet is calm and relaxed before proceeding. In some cases, this may take longer, especially if your pet is anxious or uncomfortable.

We understand that saying goodbye is a deeply emotional experience, and we encourage families to take as much time as they need during the process. Our goal is to create a peaceful and compassionate environment for both you and your pet.

After the euthanasia, you are welcome to spend as much time as you need with your pet to say goodbye. If you’ve chosen any cremation services to handle your pet’s body, your veterinarian will reconfirm your choices and gently transport your pet when you are ready. If you’ve chosen any keepsakes offered by the crematorium, like Claw Paw Prints, Ink nose prints, or other memorabilia, your veterinarian will reconfirm your choices before leaving your home. If you have any questions or want to change your mind about any of your choices, you can discuss your options with your veterinarian before they leave your home.

After the in home euthanasia procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with time to say goodbye to your pet. Once you're ready, they will re-confirm the preferred aftercare option that you choose when reserving your time with your veterinarian. In Greenville you can select three types of cremation services:

  • Individual Cremation (Ashes Returned): An individual cremation is a process where your pet will be cremated separated with physical barriers in the chamber. This ensures the separation with other pets in the chamber so you may reunite with your pet’s ashes. Your pet’s ashes will be returned to you in an urn of your choice. If you choose an additional urn then your pet’s ashes will be returned in the urn of your choice.
  • Communal Cremation (No Ashes Returned): A communal cremation is a process where your pet is cremated in a chamber with other pets. Once the process is complete, the crematorium will respectfully scatter your pet’s remains among other pets. It’s important to note, you pet’s ashes will not be returned to you.

Some of our veterinarians offer an additional option known as Private Cremation (Ashes Returned). In this option, only your pet is in the cremation chamber, ensuring that the recovered ashes are solely your pet's. These ashes can be returned in an urn of your choice, with additional urn options available. To see if private cremation is available with your provider, please refer to our booking page.

Note: If you choose to leave your pet's body with your veterinarian, rest assured it will be handled with the utmost care, respect, and dignity. Your veterinarian will coordinate all aftercare arrangements as requested, allowing you to focus on yourself and your family after this difficult goodbye.

Your veterinarian will coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes before they leave your home. Your options include having your pet’s remains delivered by your veterinarian (for an additional fee), shipping them to you (for an additional fee), or picking them up from your primary clinic or the crematorium.

Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet

Hear from pet parents like you

Overall service rating from over 2259+ reviews

Dr. Dixon provided such empathetic and knowledgeable care on a very difficult day. She took care of everything and we never doubted Frankie was loved and cared for by her from the moment she entered our home to the moment she returned his ashes. Could not more highly recommend Dr. Dixon! We will utilize her services as long as we live in Central Oregon.

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5.0 Dec 15 2024 by Hannah Clarke
Review by Hannah Clarke

Dr. Christy was an angel. She handled my baby boy Ash so well and while it was difficult to let him go she made the event very personal and beautiful. I’m sure he appreciated her kindness and my family appreciated her as well. More people should look into this as a peaceful and personal tribute to the end of life experience. Thank you so very much.

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5.0 Dec 14 2024 by David Fulton
Review by David Fulton

She was very kind and professional. You can tell she has a heart of gold for providing such excellent service during very sad times for families.

codapet review
5.0 Jan 31 2024 by Breann D
Review by Breann D
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr Struble was so compassionate and understanding and explained the process. She gave us time to process and asking us before moving on to the next step. We so appreciate this service and having her come to our home so we could say our goodbyes to our sweet Lexi girl. Thank you Dr Struble and CodaPet.

codapet review
5.0 Dec 16 2024 by Suzanne Belcher
Review by Suzanne Belcher

Choosing to have your pet euthanized is a difficult experience, but we knew it was time for our cat as he had been struggling with the effects of HCM for weeks. We chose in-home pet euthanasia because Scout always hated being taken to the vet and we didn't want to cause further stress in his final hours. Fortunately Dr. Lauren Frary was near where we live and I had read great reviews about her work. I just want to add that they were all warranted. Dr. Frary was kind and engaged both with us and Scout. The process was explained in detail and we had plenty of time to say our goodbyes. The procedure went smoothly and peacefully. We're so glad we chose Dr. Frary for this difficult choice--she made it a much more pleasant experience.

codapet review
5.0 Dec 16 2024 by Cory Jensen
Review by Cory Jensen

I recently had the privilege of booking Dr. Heather White through CodaPet for in-home euthanasia services, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the experience. From the very beginning, Dr. White demonstrated extraordinary compassion and understanding during what was an incredibly difficult time for me. She approached the process with patience and sensitivity, ensuring my dog was never placed in an uncomfortable position or situation. Dr. White administered a "happy" medication that allowed my dog to relax and become comfortably sleepy. This gave him the chance to rest in my lap as I gently stroked his head and body, telling him how much he meant to me and what a wonderful companion he had been. Throughout the entire process, I never felt rushed or pressured. Instead, Dr. White created a calm and peaceful environment, which brought a sense of comfort despite the gravity of the moment. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. White to anyone facing a similar situation. Her professionalism, kindness, and care make an otherwise heart-wrenching experience as gentle and comforting as possible. I wish you and your beloved pet the same level of compassion and support that I experienced.

codapet review
5.0 Dec 16 2024 by Kevin Long
Review by Kevin Long

Understanding the At Home Pet Euthanasia Process

Our compassionate guide to pet euthanasia offers a resource for pet owners facing the difficult decision of saying goodbye to their beloved pet. It provides step-by-step guidance and practical tools like the Quality of Life Scale to ensure a peaceful and dignified farewell for beloved pets.

Pet Quality of Life Scale
The Pet Quality of Life Scale helps pet parents assess their pet's well-being. It aids in providing an objective view of your pet’s quality of life. Used alongside your veterinary advice, it ensures decisions focus on the pet's best interests.
Taken by 10,000+ pet parents
Aftercare Options For Your Beloved Pet
Learn more about your options when considering aftercare for your beloved pet, whether it's cremation, burial, or other meaningful alternatives.
Local crematorium & cemeteries in Chicago, IL listed below. View List

Find additional resources available for your beloved pet

As you consider the compassionate choice of pet euthanasia, we offer a curated list of essential local resources to guide you

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Emergency Pet Hospitals & Clinics In Chicago, IL

Find local emergency hospitals & clinics providing pet euthanasia (in-clinic) covering Chicago, IL and surrounding cities

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Veterinary Emergency Group - Lincoln Park

755 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610

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Veterinary Emergency Group - South Loop

1114 S Clinton St Unit B Chicago, IL 60607

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Chicago Emergency Vet & Specialty Care

3305 N. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

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Premier Veterinary Group - Chicago

3927 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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Paws and Feathers Emergency Hospital

4472 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

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VCA Animal Care Center of Chicago

1248 W Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607

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Metropolitan Veterinary Center

1556 S. Michigan Avenue, Ste.100 Chicago, IL 60605

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Mid North Animal Hospital

2201 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614

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Arranging Your Pet’s Aftercare

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Pet Crematoriums In Chicago, IL

Find locally recommended crematoriums serving Chicago, IL and surrounding cities

  • Animal Cremation Society of Chicagoland

    5201 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630

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  • Cherished Pets Remembered

    7861 S. 88th Ave. Justice, IL 60458

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Pet Cemeteries In Chicago, IL

Find locally recommended Cemeteries serving Chicago, IL and surrounding cities

  • Elm Lawn Pet Cemetery

    401 E Lake St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

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  • Saint Luke Pet Cemetery

    1500 West Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60657-3108

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