In home pet euthanasia near me
Give your pet the final gift of a peaceful passing at home, surrounded by familiarity and love through a compassionate and licensed veterinarian near you.
Navigating the process
Provide your furry companion with a compassionate, end-of-life care in the comfort of your home, surrounded by loved ones with expert care of a certified veterinarian serving your community.
Pet euthanasia is a compassionate choice to end an animal companion’s suffering from a poor quality of life due to illness, injury, or old age.
A veterinarian administers medication that peacefully ends the pet’s life. The process is usually quick and painless, allowing the animal to gently pass on.
Consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s condition and quality of life. They will help you better understand the process and make an informed decision.
Feeling grief, guilt, and uncertainty is normal during this challenging time. Our community of veterinarians provide you with support and guidance through this challenging time.
There's rarely a single moment that tells you when it's time to say goodbye. Most families recognize it when their dog or cat's comfort fades across several areas at once (most often pain, breathing, eating, mobility, and engagement with you), and the bad days start to outnumber the good. Reflecting on these changes over time, then talking with your vet, brings the clearest answer.
You may hear this described as knowing when to "put your dog or cat down" or "put them to sleep" — both mean the same painful, loving decision.
Signs of declining comfort to watch over time:
- Pain or discomfort that medication no longer eases
- Labored or difficult breathing
- Eating or drinking noticeably less
- Trouble standing, walking, or climbing stairs — or, for cats, jumping to favorite spots
- Accidents or trouble staying clean, including litter-box changes
- Confusion, restlessness, or anxiety that won't settle
- Hiding or withdrawing from the family
- More bad days than good ones
What matters most is the pattern across several of these areas over time — not any single sign. A few signs that need a vet right away include gasping or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats), blue or pale gums, or repeated seizures.
Our free Quality of Life questionnaire walks through these same areas to help you reflect on your pet's comfort and bring clearer notes to your vet. It's a gentle reflection aid — not a pass-or-fail test, and never a decision-maker.
For a full, vet-developed decision framework, read How Will I Know When It's Time.
For many years, the common term for euthanasia was “put to sleep.” It's also a good description of what happens during the procedure.
- Your veterinarian will perform the same procedure your dog or cat would receive at a veterinary hospital or clinic, in the comfort of your home.
- Your veterinarian relaxes your pet by administering a sedative. The shot will feel like getting a vaccine.
- Once the sedative is in full effect (within 5 to 15 minutes), your pet will be deep asleep, relieved of all suffering.
- Finally, the veterinarian will give a shot of anesthesia to slow down your pet’s respiratory system until the heart stops beating. In most cases, this takes less than a minute to occur.
- Whether death is natural or assisted, the following effects may occur:
- Legs and ears may twitch as if the animal is dreaming. At this point, your pet is unconscious and unaware of its body movements.
- Some medications may cause nausea for the pet resulting in vomiting.
- As the body and consequently muscles relax, so do the bladder and the bowels which can lead to urination and or defecation. The loss of muscle tone in the eyelids may result in the pet’s eyes remaining partially open.
After the procedure, your veterinarian will ask if you to take as much time as you need with your pet after they have passed.
When you're ready, they will confirm how you want to handle your pet's body. You can choose from two cremation services:
- Ashes returned - physical barriers keep each pet separate so you get your pet's ashes back.
- No ashes returned - your pet's ashes will be scattered respectfully with other pets by the crematorium.
If you leave your pet's body with us, your veterinarian will treat it with great care, respect, and dignity.
We will handle all the aftercare arrangements as you asked, so you can take care of yourself and your loved ones after saying goodbye.
Most pet owners decide on aftercare services the day before the euthanasia appointment.
You can choose to handle your pet’s body yourself, or cremation services. Learn more about the aftercare options CodaPet provides here.
If you change your mind on how to handle your pet’s remains on the day of the procedure, let your veterinarian know. We are flexible and understand these and are here to support your decision.
Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and it's natural to feel sad, angry, or confused. You might deeply miss your pet and feel a profound sense of emptiness. It's completely normal to cry or even have trouble sleeping and eating. Sharing memories, talking openly about your pet, or exploring meaningful ways to memorialize your beloved companion can offer comfort.
Remember, everyone grieves differently, so take the time you need. It's perfectly okay to seek support from friends, family, or even a professional counselor. Your feelings are valid, and caring for yourself throughout this process is important. Explore our detailed resources on coping with pet loss and the grieving process for additional guidance.
During an in-home pet euthanasia appointment, your vet spends unhurried time with your pet and family before the procedure itself, which is gentle and quick. A sedative is given first so your pet drifts into a peaceful sleep, then a second injection allows them to pass calmly. Most visits last around half an hour to an hour, with as much time as you need at every step.
How the process will unfold:
Your vet arrives in a way that's meant to fit calmly into your home with everything needed for the visit. They'll spend time getting to know your pet in the spot where your pet is most comfortable, and they'll explain as much or as little about what's about to happen as feels right to you. Questions are always welcome.
A few small things that can help in advance:
- Choose a spot in your home where your pet feels safe and won't need to be moved.
- Keep their favorite treats nearby — many pets enjoy a few before the sedative.
- Invite family members and loved ones, human and four-legged, to gather close.
When you're ready, sedation is given first. Within a few minutes, your pet is in a deep, peaceful sleep, feeling nothing. The final injection follows when you say you're ready, and the heart stops gently — usually in under a minute. Afterward, you're welcome to stay with your pet for as long as you'd like.
If at any point you'd like more time, have a question, or have a special request, just say so. Your vet’s goal is to help your pet's passing be as dignified and peaceful as possible.
You may hear this called having a pet "put to sleep,” which means the same gentle, loving goodbye of euthanasia. For a full walkthrough, including how to prepare your home and what comes afterward, please read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
What pet parents are saying
Overall service rating from over 6381+ reviews
Faced the difficult decision to euthanize our beloved 18 year old Papillon and used Codapet to do it in our home as our dog hated to go to the vet. Dr. Katie Todd arrived and explained in detail the process, gave us plenty of time to say our goodbyes, and made the process as easy as possible. She was very reassuring to my children that we had made the right decision and explained all the options for taking care of the remains and provided us with keepsakes to ease the family’s pain. Thank you so much Dr.Todd in doing what has to be one of the world’s toughest jobs!
We had to say goodbye to our pup Leo, who we had for 16 years, and it was one of the most painful things I ever had to do. Leo had advanced kidney disease and his health quickly deteriorated. We had scheduled a Coda Appointment with Dr. Derecka Alexander for a Tuesday, but Leo’s health took a turn for the worse on a Sunday. I emailed Coda Pet to ask if there was any possibility any Vet could come out sooner. Dr. Alexander immediately contacted me and made herself available in our time of need. We were so appreciative of Dr. Alexander’s compassion and kindness in helping our beloved pup Leo cross over the rainbow bridge, especially after it became urgent. She made a very difficult experience of us having to say goodbye to our pup more manageable. We chose to get a Vet to come to our home for our final goodbye to our Leo because we wanted him to be surrounded by the warmth of our love, the comfort of his family, and the smells and sounds he has always known. I wanted his last memories to be of us — his family — holding him, kissing him, thanking him. Thank you, Dr. Alexander, for allowing us to provide that to our pup Leo.
Dr Katie was just the person we needed to see us through the loss of our family cat. She let us tell stories, ugly cry, and sat in our backyard with us while our family said goodbye together. We were given much needed space and time to hold her after she died. I didn’t know I needed all the help she provided, but now I can’t imagine going through that without her there. Thank you Dr. Katie
I can't say enough fabulous things about Dr. Jessica Pruitt! It was a hard decision (as it always will be) when its time for our "buddies" to have to leave us:( but Dr. Jessica is so gentle and kind. She explains everything, is very patient and my Molly just warmed right up to her which made things even easier. I can't express the gratitude to Dr. Jessica enough as she made this as peaceful as can be for all of us:) Thank you Dr. Jessica!
Doing it at home was the best decision I could have made in such a terrible time. I wouldn’t do it any other way going forward. Dr. Murray was very caring and empathetic.
Dr. Mitchell was wonderful. She was very caring with our pet and our family durning a difficult time. I would highly recommend Dr. Mitchell.
Quality-of-life survey
Gauge your pet’s well-being by answering questions to examine various aspects of your pet’s daily life such as mobility, happiness, and appetite.
Questions you may have
You can cancel or reschedule your appointment free of charge up to 4 hours before your scheduled start. For cancellations within those final 4 hours, we ask for a $100 fee to cover the time your vet has set aside for you. If your pet has passed before the appointment, we waive that fee in good faith.
To cancel or reschedule:
- Use the link in your booking confirmation (sent to your email and text)
- Or call us at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738)
- Or reach out to your vet directly if you have their contact information
If you find yourself needing to change plans on short notice, in case your pet's condition has shifted, a family member can't make it, or something unexpected has come up, please reach out as soon as you're able. Even a quick call within the final 4 hours helps us understand and respond. We try to handle late cancellations with care, especially when circumstances are clearly outside your control.
Your pet cremation options fall into three paths: cremation with your pet's ashes returned to you (private, individual, or aquamation), communal cremation where ashes aren't returned, or handling your pet's remains yourself. Available options vary by your local veterinarian. Regardless of your choice, your vet coordinates all aftercare with their local crematorium or aquamation partner.
Options where ashes are returned to you
- Private cremation — your pet is cremated alone, so the ashes returned are solely your pet's
- Individual cremation — pets are cremated in a large chamber but kept separated by physical barriers, so your pet's ashes stay identifiable and are returned in an urn
- Individual aquamation (select vets) — a gentle, water-based alternative to flame cremation where your pet’s ashes are returned in an urn
- The most common optional keepsakes when ashes are returned are paw prints, fur clippings, ink prints, and custom urns — availability varies by vet
Options where ashes are not returned
- Communal (group) cremation — your pet is cremated respectfully alongside other pets, and the crematorium scatters their ashes in their local grounds. Typically, this is the lower-cost option.
- Group aquamation (select vets) — a communal water-based process where your pet’s ashes are respectfully scattered by the aquamation partner locally
Handling your pet yourself
- Your vet leaves your pet with you to arrange aftercare, such as a home burial. Please review your local laws and regulations when choosing a final resting place.
Your vet coordinates respectful transportation and return of your pet’s ashes whenever an "ashes returned" option is chosen. The exact options and pricing are shown when you schedule a visit with a local veterinarian.
Your total at-home pet euthanasia cost includes three core fees: the in-home euthanasia service fee, a platform fee, and any travel fee for your location. Optional add-ons (cremation and memorial keepsakes) are priced separately. You'll see the full breakdown before you confirm your home visit.
The three core fees are always included:
- Euthanasia service fee — the in-home visit and the procedure itself (sedation, euthanasia, and time to say goodbye)
- Platform fee — covers booking, vet coordination, and support
- Travel fee — applies based on your distance from the attending vet. Some locations have none
Optional, priced separately:
- Cremation — private/individual (ashes returned) or communal (not returned)
- Memorial keepsakes — paw prints, fur clippings, urns
- Urgent or after-hours appointments may carry a surcharge
Since pricing varies by location, your exact total is shown on the booking page before you confirm — there's no obligation to proceed.
Common pet memorial keepsakes include paw prints (clay or ink), fur clippings, custom urns, memorial jewelry that holds your pet's ashes, and engraved plaques or garden stones. The exact options vary by vet, which you can see while booking, and any included in your base price will appear in your estimate summary.
What you may find offered (availability varies by vet):
- Clay or ink paw prints
- Fur clippings
- Standard, decorative, or custom urns
- Memorial jewelry incorporating your pet's ashes
- Engraved plaques or garden stones
- Glass art or thumbprint jewelry
You'll see the exact keepsakes your veterinarian offers and which ones are already included in your appointment when you review your estimate during booking. Anything additional you'd like can be added there, too.
Many families also create their own meaningful memorials at home: a framed photo, a planted tree, or a memory box holding their favorite toys and collars. There's no right or wrong way to remember your pet. You may also find comfort in exploring our suggestions for pet memorial ideas or viewing our pet memorial to create one of your own.
Note: You may also choose to add the memorabilia or change your mind about your choice at the time of your appointment.
Yes. If you’ve chosen cremation, your vet will respectfully transport your pet from your home to a partner crematorium after the appointment. You don’t need to do anything. Your vet will coordinate the transport, cremation, and return of your pet’s ashes.
What to expect:
• Your vet brings everything needed for a safe and dignified transport
• You decide how much time you want before they leave. There is never a rush
• If you've chosen private or individual cremation, ashes are typically returned within 2-3 weeks. This varies by vet
• For larger pets (greater than 100lbs), your vet may ask for help to move your pet with dignity — they will let you know if they need your help prior to the process
In the case of wanting a private burial, if your city/county regulations allow, you can choose to bury your pet. Please check local regulations to see if this is legal in your area.
If you want to bury your pet in a cemetery, you will need to choose and make arrangements with a local pet cemetery before the euthanasia appointment. Please be sure to let your CodaPet vet know if you have planned for such a burial.
Note: Your vet can only assist with cremation options, and does not handle burials of any type.
During an in-home pet euthanasia appointment, your vet spends unhurried time with your pet and family before the procedure itself, which is gentle and quick. A sedative is given first so your pet drifts into a peaceful sleep, then a second injection allows them to pass calmly. Most visits last around half an hour to an hour, with as much time as you need at every step.
How the process will unfold:
Your vet arrives in a way that's meant to fit calmly into your home with everything needed for the visit. They'll spend time getting to know your pet in the spot where your pet is most comfortable, and they'll explain as much or as little about what's about to happen as feels right to you. Questions are always welcome.
A few small things that can help in advance:
- Choose a spot in your home where your pet feels safe and won't need to be moved.
- Keep their favorite treats nearby — many pets enjoy a few before the sedative.
- Invite family members and loved ones, human and four-legged, to gather close.
When you're ready, sedation is given first. Within a few minutes, your pet is in a deep, peaceful sleep, feeling nothing. The final injection follows when you say you're ready, and the heart stops gently — usually in under a minute. Afterward, you're welcome to stay with your pet for as long as you'd like.
If at any point you'd like more time, have a question, or have a special request, just say so. Your vet’s goal is to help your pet's passing be as dignified and peaceful as possible.
You may hear this called having a pet "put to sleep,” which means the same gentle, loving goodbye of euthanasia. For a full walkthrough, including how to prepare your home and what comes afterward, please read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.
No one can give you a “one-size-fits-all” answer—because you, your pet, your situation are all unique. Give yourself space to consider how much quality of life your dog or cat has, and how that affects everyone concerned—you, your pet, and other members of your family. We can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life, and help you think through some of the other factors that may affect your decision. Read more
