In 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.

Recognizing pain and suffering in an animal can be challenging. Animals do not express pain in the same ways as humans, who will cry out, ask for help, shed tears, or generally draw attention to themselves. The wild instincts of our animal friends tell them that outward expressions of pain are dangerous. This is especially pronounced in cats, pocket pets, and exotics, who will hide pain for as long as possible. Recognizing what is normal when your pet is at peak health can help you recognize differences that may indicate that they are suffering. While every animal is different, there are common signs seen in most pets which can indicate that they are not feeling well, especially in combination.

Decrease in physical activity- While decreased activity can be part of normal aging, that does not mean it should be ignored. Especially if the change in physical activity is sudden. Many pets will choose to move less if they are in pain, and this may be the first change seen in animals with arthritis, muscle or tendon injury, or more serious conditions. If your pet is showing a decrease in activity, evaluation by a veterinarian can help identify issues which may improve their quality of life or identify serious conditions early.

Mobility- A decrease in physical activity to slowly or suddenly morph into a mobility issue. To have a good quality-of-life, pets need to be able to stand up, walk, and lie down on their own. This allows them to care for most basic bodily functions, including the ability to eat, drink, groom, relieve themselves, and to participate in activities they enjoy. Mobility issues can stem from neurological or musculoskeletal diseases, but regardless of cause, inability to move comfortably is a frustrating and painful experience for a pet.

Extracurriculars- “He used to love chasing the ball,” and similar phrases are common to hear when I talk with clients about quality of life. While many of us recognize that loss of interest in hobbies can be a sign of suffering in humans, it may not be the first thing that comes to mind with our pets. However, mental stimulation and enjoyment of life are important to consider in an animal's quality-of-life. What are your pet's favorite things to do? Play fetch? Follow the kids upstairs? Go on walks? Play with their toys? Snuggle up with you in bed? Each pet is different. If an animal is no longer motivated to partake in the things they enjoy most, it is often an indication of pain or suffering.

Changes in appetite or diet- Some pets are picky grazers and others count the seconds to their next meal. It is usually easier to spot when something is “off” with the latter, but knowing and monitoring the eating habits of all pets is important. If they stop eating regularly or will only eat with "high motivation" food (special treats instead of their regular diet), this is often an indication that something is amiss. Many pets are not motivated to eat when they are uncomfortable. Animals with significant or total loss of appetite should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Changes in weight- Obesity is the top ranked health ailment of today's cats and dogs. Sometimes, sudden weight loss is initially thought to be a good thing. However, if your pet is losing weight with no change in daily physical activity or diet, something may be wrong. Many illnesses, especially in older animals, can cause weight loss by increasing calorie needs, reducing absorption of food, or changing their metabolism. Weighing your pet or assessing their body condition score regularly can help you track concerning trends in weight, as sometimes weight loss is not obvious in fluffy animals.

Poor coat/lack of grooming- A healthy animal usually has a full, thick, and shiny coat. Some species like cats or birds will groom or preen themselves as normal behavior. If your pet's coat starts to become dull, thin, less soft, or is losing hair, this can be a sign of declining health. A healthy animal can express the behaviors and process the nutrients it needs to maintain a good coat. Loss of grooming behavior and decline in coat quality are indicators that a pet is not well.

Bathroom habits-A healthy animal can control its bowels and go to the bathroom in their designated area without soiling themselves. Most species of animals kept as pets naturally keep bodily waste areas separate from their "living" areas, so if they now are unable to separate the two, it is a sign something is wrong. If a pet is incontinent or can no longer physically move to avoid soiling themselves, this is a serious problem. Soiling themselves can lead to urine scald, infections, and worse suffering. Some animals, especially dogs, may also suffer emotional distress from using the bathroom in the “wrong” area.

Isolation- Isolation in normally social animals can be serious as this is a large indicator of pain. Common places to hide include under the bed, in a closet, behind the couch, or hard to access areas of the home. Isolation can indicate they are in so much pain, they just want to be left alone. If a normally social dog or cat starts isolating themselves, it is a red flag.
Behavioral Changes- There are other behaviors that can change in a pet when they are suffering. Sometimes, if a pet becomes painful they will become more aggressive to people they know or even start to bite. It can be their way of communicating, “I am in pain, please don’t touch me.” Diseases with a neurologic origins can cause abnormal behavior in pets. In old age, senility is a possibility as well. I often hear that an older pet seems to not recognize people, gets lost, seems confused, stands listlessly for long periods, can’t seem to relax, or is restless at night. If you notice behavioral changes in your animal, it is prudent to contact your veterinarian for a consultation.

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 a 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 assessment to evaluate your pet's condition before your vet visit.

The key difference is the setting. At 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 Stillwater 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.

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 in home pet euthanasia can vary in Stillwater 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 $305 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 Stillwater 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.

Prior to their visit, the veterinarian may contact you to get a medical history so that they can plan for your visit. If you have any concerns or special needs, be sure to mention them. Please also let the veterinarian know if the animal has bitten anyone recently so they can plan to make the appointment as safe and stress-free as possible. We recognize that animals who are suffering may have changes in behavior and may lash out if they are in pain.The veterinarian will greet you at your door and will meet your pet. They will review the medical history of the animal with you and perform a minimally invasive physical exam. After they have evaluated the pet, the veterinarian will have a conversation with you about the process of humane euthanasia (rarely, they may recommend against euthanasia and will provide additional recommendations). Once the veterinarian and the responsible parties for the pet have agreed that they would like to move forward, the veterinarian will give you some time with your pet while they make preparations. The veterinarian will discuss aftercare options, including cremation and burial, and then will have you sign a form to confirm your choices and have you provide consent. Anyone present is welcome to ask questions at any point during or after the appointment. Based on their evaluation and the history of the animal, the veterinarian will craft a sedation and anesthetic protocol for the pet. Their goal is to keep the pet as comfortable as possible, so they can gently fall asleep in the comfort of their home with their family. After the pet has reached a deep enough plane of anesthesia, they will administer the euthanasia solution, which is essentially an overdose of an anesthetic agent which allows the body to come to rest and stop the heart. The family is welcome to be present or leave the room at any point during the procedure.

The notice for every veterinarian differs, however, most veterinarians require at least a 3-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 Stillwater.

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 the 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.

Recognizing when your pet is suffering and deciding when it is “too much” can be a difficult, and very personal, decision. Sometimes change occurs quickly or all-at-once, and it is easy to make a decision. Other times change is gradual and it can be difficult to decide when their quality of life is no longer good enough. Even if you can logically list out reasons, euthanasia is still an emotional and extremely difficult decision. I find that it can be helpful to take an objective approach by preparing a list which includes basic life functions and your pet’s favorite things to do. Could they go down the stairs into the backyard today? Were they excited to play with their toy? At the very minimum, are they eating, drinking, able to move on their own, or go to the bathroom without soiling themselves or having accidents? Many owners find it helpful to track good days and bad days on a calendar, and decide to euthanize when they start having more bad days than good days. CodaPet has a quality of life assessment that gives an objective quality of life score, which can help you decide if your pet has a good quality of life, should be evaluated by your regular veterinarian, or has reached the point where humane euthanasia should be considered. There are other organizations with free quality of life assessments, as well. Regardless of how you measure it, when the negatives of daily life outweigh the positives, it can be a compassionate decision to consider humane euthanasia to relieve your pet’s suffering

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.

The appointment usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Each pet is unique, illness can affect how quickly and effectively sedatives and anesthetics work, and sometimes it can take a little longer to make certain that they are not suffering. Your veterinarian will be present with you and your pet for as long as you need to ensure that you are comfortable with the decision and process.

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 Stillwater you can select two 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.

Dr. Cara Gordon provides several cremation options for pet owners:
"Clients have the option of individual cremation, communal cremation, or home burial. I use All Paws go to Heaven based in Guthrie. They are a privately-owned, small business, run by a kind and compassionate team. I visit their facility and am in contact with the employees on a regular basis. They go above and beyond to take care of my clients. They are animal lovers and understand how important it is that the remains of your pet are treated with dignity, and provide a number of options for urns or keepsakes if the family does not want all of the ashes returned. When I lost my own dog, they were the crematorium I trusted to take care of his remains, and they were wonderfully kind and respectful." - Dr. Cara Gordon, DVM

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.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and we understand that cost can be a concern for many pet parents. While we specialize in premium in-home euthanasia services, we also want to acknowledge that cost may be a concern. If you're looking for low-cost or no-cost pet euthanasia options in Stillwater, consider reaching out to the following:

• Local Animal Shelters & Humane Societies – Many provide low-cost or donation-based euthanasia services, often with cremation options.
  
• Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics & Nonprofits – Some vet clinics and nonprofits offer reduced-cost euthanasia, sometimes supported by grants or donations.
  
  • Trinity Veterinary Hospital
    3100 N. Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075
    405-533-0001
    
• Animal Control Services – In certain cases, local animal control agencies may offer euthanasia services for terminally ill or suffering pets at a lower cost.

Note: When considering a low-cost pet euthanasia option, it's important to call ahead to check availability, as some providers may require an appointment or have eligibility criteria, such as income-based assistance. Be sure to ask about additional costs, including cremation or aftercare services, which may not be included in the base price. Additionally, verify service details, as some options may have restrictions based on your pet’s size, health condition, or location.

While low-cost options are available, many pet parents choose in-home euthanasia to ensure a peaceful, stress-free farewell in the comfort of their home. If you're looking for a private, compassionate experience, we’re here to help.