Question 1

How long will the procedure take?

Accepted Answer

Most in-home euthanasia visits last around half an hour to an hour. The procedure itself is gentle and quick, and the rest of the time is unhurried space for you to be with your pet before, during, and after. You set the pace, and your vet will follow your lead.

A rough sense of the flow:

A few quiet minutes when your vet arrives, to get to know your pet and confirm your wishes

Sedation, after which your pet drifts into a deep, comfortable sleep

The final injection is given only after your pet is fully asleep, which usually takes under a minute

Take as much time as you'd like with your pet afterward

When you are ready, your vet handles transport for cremation if you've chosen it

The visit is unhurried. If you need more time at any point, simply tell your vet, and they will give you as much time as you need.

For a complete walkthrough of the appointment, please read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 2

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

To schedule an in-home appointment, start at our booking page. Share a few details about your pet (whether they're a dog or cat, their weight, and your location), then browse available appointment times over the next 7 days. The vet for each time, your aftercare options, and a live cost estimate are all shown as you go.

What you'll do:

Share your pet's type, weight, and your location (a city, zip, or full address; an address gives a more accurate travel fee from the start)

View available times over the next 7 days to see which fits for your situation, your pet, and your family. The vet for each time is shown with their photo, bio, ratings, and reviews

Choose your aftercare — all the options are visible together: ashes returned to you, ashes not returned, or no cremation if you'd prefer to handle things yourself

Add any memorial keepsakes you'd like

Share a few details about your pet and yourself, and put a card on file to reserve the appointment

Your card isn't charged until after the appointment is completed.

Along the way:
The estimate summary updates in real time — if you change the time, vet, aftercare option, or keepsakes, the new total appears right away. You can compare combinations and make a calm, informed decision without any guesswork on price.

After you reserve:
You'll receive a confirmation by email and text, with a link to reschedule or cancel anytime. Your vet is notified at the same time, and they’ll reach out by call or text, depending on the time of your appointment, to introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have.

If you don't see a time that works, you can submit our Urgent Request page for time-sensitive needs, or call 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738) and we'll do our best to help you.

Question 3

Can I choose a specific veterinarian for my pet's euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As you browse available appointment times on the scheduling page, the vet associated with each time slot is shown alongside their photo, bio, ratings, and reviews. You can read about each vet, see availability across the next 7 days, and choose the time and vet that feels right for you and your pet.

How to choose:

Start at the scheduling page and share a few details about your pet and location

Browse available times across the next 7 days. The vet for each time slot appears with their photo, bio, ratings, and reviews

If you'd prefer a different vet, try other times in the schedule. Each time slot may surface a different vet, depending on who is available

The cost estimate updates as you compare times and vets, so you can see how each choice affects pricing

If you don't see a time with your preferred vet, you can submit an Urgent Request to ask about alternative times. The vet will reach out to confirm if they can accommodate.

About our network of vets
Every vet on our platform is independently verified before they begin taking appointments. We confirm their state licensing, professional insurance, and experience in end-of-life care, and we interview each one to ensure their values align with ours. You can trust anyone you find in the booking flow.

Question 4

Does CodaPet have physical clinic locations?

Accepted Answer

No, CodaPet does not operate physical clinic locations. We are an in-home service platform, and every appointment takes place in the comfort of your own home. This is by design: our mission is to make peaceful end-of-life care accessible to families in the place their pet feels safest, surrounded by the people who love them.

If you are looking for a clinic-based veterinary service, your primary veterinarian or a local 24-hour emergency clinic may be the right path. Each of our city pages also lists local clinics and emergency hospitals in your area, in case you would like to reach one directly.

Question 5

What type of pets do you support?

Accepted Answer

We primarily support dogs and cats through our standard booking flow, with full access to scheduling, pricing, vet selection, and aftercare options. Some veterinarians in our network also support other pet types, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, farm animals, and more. To book a pet other than a dog or cat, please call our care team at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738) so they can coordinate the right vet and details.

For dogs and cats
You can book directly through the scheduling page. All aftercare options, pricing, and vet availability are visible to you.

For other pet types
Some vets do offer services for small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other companion or farm animals. You can find which species each vet supports on their individual profile (searchable from our homepage). To book one of these appointments, please call our care team at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738) or email info@codapet.com. The team will help coordinate the vet, confirm cost and availability, and explain any aftercare options that may differ from what's shown on the standard booking page.

Question 6

How and when can I pay for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

You place a credit or debit card on file when booking your appointment, and your card is charged after the appointment is complete. There is no payment to handle on the day itself, so you can focus on being present with your pet rather than logistics. We accept all major credit and debit cards.

The payment flow:

When you reserve, your card is added to your booking, but not yet charged

After your appointment, the final amount based on your confirmed services is charged to that card

You'll receive an itemized receipt by email, which most pet parents find useful for insurance or personal records

What's accepted:

All major credit and debit cards

CareCredit is not currently accepted, though we are working on adding it

If your insurance company needs extra paperwork
After your appointment, you can email our care team at info@codapet.com with whatever your insurer is requesting, and we'll do our best to provide it.

Note: If you need to update the credit card on file or split a payment between two credit cards, please email the care team.

Question 7

Why choose in-home euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

In-home euthanasia gives your pet a peaceful goodbye in the place they feel safest, surrounded by the people who love them. It removes the stress of a car ride to a clinic, avoids the unfamiliar smells and sounds of a waiting room, and lets the pace of the appointment follow your family's needs rather than a clinic's schedule.

Many families find that in-home euthanasia:

Lets their pet pass in a familiar, comfortable spot rather than on an exam table

Avoids the physical stress of transporting a weak or painful pet

Allows children, other family members, and other pets in the household to be present

Gives the family unhurried time before and after the procedure

Makes the moment feel personal and dignified rather than clinical

In-home euthanasia is also not the right fit for every family or every situation. Clinic-based euthanasia remains a strong option, particularly when same-day access is unavailable for in-home euthanasia, or your regular vet has been part of your pet's care for years. For a more complete side-by-side, see our answer on the difference between in-home and clinic euthanasia.

For a complete walkthrough of the in-home experience, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 8

Who can be present during the euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Anyone you'd like can be present, and many families choose to gather close. That can include spouses or partners, children, extended family, friends, and other pets your dog or cat is comfortable with. The goal is to surround your pet with as much love as possible, in the place they feel safest, in a way that feels right for you, your pet, and your family.

Make it your own
There's no right way to say goodbye. Some families hold their pet, others lie next to them on the floor, and others sit quietly nearby. Many bring favorite toys or blankets, play soft music, or speak gentle words. You can create whatever ritual feels meaningful to your family.

Who often gathers

Close family, however your family looks

Children, when you feel they're ready (your vet can help with age-appropriate explanations)

Extended family and friends who loved your pet

Other pets your dog or cat is comfortable with. Many families find a quiet goodbye sniff helps surviving pets understand what's happened

If you'd rather step away
That's also okay. Some pet parents find the final moments too difficult and choose to say goodbye before the procedure begins. Just let your vet know what feels right for you, and they will handle everything with the same dignity.

For a complete walkthrough of the appointment, including how to prepare your home and family, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 9

How do I know when it's time?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Can I talk to the vet before the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most vets reach out before the appointment to introduce themselves and answer questions, usually by text and sometimes by call. You can also send questions directly to your vet anytime through the one-way text tool on your booking confirmation page. And if you'd like to speak with a person right away, our care team is here to help.

Vet outreach typically works like this:
Vets aim to reach out before the appointment to introduce themselves and answer any questions. There's no set time or method, as most text, some call, and timing varies based on how full their day is. They're often moving between families, so a little grace is appreciated. If you've booked close to your appointment time (some vets accept reservations as little as 2 hours out), there may be less time for them to connect beforehand.

In the meantime, your booking confirmation page includes a one-way text tool that lets you send questions directly to your vet, and they'll see them whenever they're free. Our care team is also available to help at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738), and we'll liaise on your behalf.

If you're not sure it's time yet
Some vets offer quality-of-life consultations, though many focus on the appointment itself. If you'd like a structured way to reflect, our Quality of Life questionnaire walks through the areas vets weigh (pain, breathing, eating, mobility, and more), and you can share your results with your vet to help guide the conversation.

For a fuller walkthrough of the appointment experience, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 11

Can I change my mind about aftercare decisions for my pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. You can change your aftercare decision at any point before or during your appointment, including the moment your vet arrives. Just let your vet know what you'd like, and they will adjust the plan accordingly. Any changes to your cost will be clearly shared with you before your card is charged after the appointment.

It is common for families to reconsider their aftercare choices during this emotionally difficult time, and the booking process is built to be flexible. Whether you originally selected private or individual cremation and want to switch to communal, decided you would rather handle aftercare yourself, or want to add memorial keepsakes you did not include during booking, your vet can accommodate the change.

Once your vet has arrived and confirmed your updated choices, they will share any cost adjustments with you so you know what to expect. Remember, your card is not charged until after the appointment is complete, so you always have the chance to review the final estimate before payment.

If you have questions about the available aftercare options before your appointment, you can also reach out to your vet through the one-way text on your booking confirmation page or email our care team at info@codapet.com.

Question 12

Will my regular veterinarian be notified of my pets passing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your regular veterinarian can be notified of your pet's passing. When you book, you can share your primary clinic's details. With your permission, we’ll let them know after the appointment so you don't have to handle that step during a painful time.

How it works:

During booking, you can share the name of your primary clinic

After the appointment, with your permission, we notify your clinic on your behalf so they can update your pet's records and reach out if appropriate

If your pet has been seen at more than one clinic recently, let your vet know at the appointment, and we can notify each one

If you forgot to include this during booking, just let your vet know when they arrive, and they can add it to the records. You can also email our care team at info@codapet.com if you'd like us to follow up with a specific clinic after the appointment.

Question 13

What is CodaPet?

Accepted Answer

CodaPet helps families say goodbye to their dogs and cats at home, surrounded by the people who love them. We do this by connecting you with experienced end-of-life veterinarians who come to your home for a gentle, in-home euthanasia. Our goal is to make this difficult moment as peaceful and meaningful as possible, in the place your pet feels safest.

What we offer:

Easy online booking with a vet who serves your area

A gentle, in-home euthanasia appointment that prioritizes your pet's comfort and your family's experience

Compassionate aftercare coordination, including cremation and memorial keepsakes

A live cost estimate so you can see your total before you confirm

The vets in our network
Every vet on our platform is independently licensed, insured, and experienced in end-of-life care. We confirm their credentials and interview each one before they begin taking appointments, so you can trust anyone you find in the booking flow.

Beyond the appointment
We also offer a free Quality of Life questionnaire to help you reflect on your pet's well-being, and a library of resources for pet loss and grief to support you through whatever comes next.

To learn more about how an in-home appointment works, please read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 14

What qualifications are required to be a CodaPet veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Every veterinarian on the CodaPet platform goes through a thorough vetting process before they begin taking appointments. We confirm their state licensing in every state where they intend to practice, verify their current professional insurance, and conduct a personal interview to ensure their values align with our mission of compassionate end-of-life care.

Our onboarding includes:

Verification of valid veterinary licensing for every state where the vet plans to provide visits

Proof of current professional liability insurance

A personal interview to learn about their experience in end-of-life care and confirm alignment with our values

Review of their approach to compassionate, in-home services

We work hard to ensure every veterinarian in our network meets the standard families deserve during one of the hardest moments of their lives. You can review each vet's individual profile, including their bio, experience, ratings, and reviews, through our booking flow or by searching their name on our homepage.

If you are a veterinarian interested in offering your services through CodaPet, you can learn more here.

Question 15

What's included in the total cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Will the vet take my pet with them after the appointment?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

What cremation options do I have?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What should I expect during my appointment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

How should I prepare my home for my pet's euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

To prepare your home for your pet's euthanasia, choose a quiet, comfortable spot where your pet already loves to rest. Often, a bed, a sofa, a sunny window, or a favorite rug works perfectly. A soft blanket or towel underneath, their favorite toys or treats nearby, and a parking spot close by for your vet are all that's truly needed.

A few things that often help:

A familiar spot where your pet won't need to be moved or wherever they're most comfortable

A clean blanket or large towel laid underneath (helps with any post-procedure reflexes)

Keep their favorite treats nearby, as many pets enjoy a few before sedation

A plan for who'll be present, so you can let family know the time

A parking spot near your door for your vet, if you live somewhere parking is tight

Their regular medications, unless those have started to cause discomfort

You don't need to bathe your pet, dress them up, or do anything special. They should be exactly as they're most comfortable on an ordinary day.

For a more complete preparation walkthrough, including what to expect emotionally in the hours leading up to the appointment, please read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 20

Will my pet experience any pain during euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

No, euthanasia is not painful for your pet. A gentle sedative is given first, so your pet drifts into a deep, comfortable sleep before anything else happens. The final injection, often called being "put to sleep", is given only after they're fully unconscious, so they feel nothing of it. It's widely considered the most peaceful way to end suffering.

How the sedation works

The first injection is a sedative that feels like any other shot (a brief, small pinch). Within a few minutes, your pet is in a deep, peaceful sleep. From that point forward, they feel nothing. The vet only gives the final injection once they're certain your pet is fully unconscious, and the heart stops gently, usually in under a minute.

What you may notice (and it's all normal)

After your pet has passed, you may see small movements such as a deep last breath, slight twitching, or eyes that remain partially open. These are involuntary reflexes as the body relaxes; your pet is not aware of them and is not in distress. Your vet will be there to explain anything you see in the moment.

For a full walkthrough of the procedure, including how sedation and anesthesia work together, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 21

What is at-home pet euthanasia and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

At-home pet euthanasia is a service where a licensed veterinarian comes to your home to gently help your pet pass peacefully when it's the right time. A sedative is usually given first, so your pet drifts into a deep, comfortable sleep, followed by a final injection that allows them to pass peacefully. It is widely offered as a gentler alternative to clinic-based euthanasia.

The general flow of most in-home providers
While the specifics vary between providers, most in-home euthanasia services follow a similar shape:

You book an appointment online or by phone with a veterinarian who serves your area

The vet contacts you before the appointment to confirm details and answer questions

On the day, the vet arrives at your home with what they need for a calm, unhurried visit

After time with your pet, the vet administers a sedative to help them into a deep sleep. Once your pet is fully asleep, a final injection follows

The vet helps coordinate aftercare, including cremation if you choose it

The full appointment usually takes around half an hour to an hour, though there is no set time and the pace is yours.

Differences between providers
Different services use different sedation approaches, scheduling systems, pricing structures, and aftercare partnerships. Some require advance notice while others accept same-day bookings. Some include keepsakes while others do not. If you are comparing options, it is worth reaching out to a few to ask about their specific approach.

You may also hear this service described as having a pet "put to sleep." Both terms describe the same gentle process.

At CodaPet specifically
Our booking flow shows available appointment times across the next 7 days, with the vet for each time visible alongside their photo, bio, and reviews. You can compare options side by side, see a live cost estimate as you view your options, and choose the aftercare path that fits your family. For a complete walkthrough, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 22

What is the difference between in-home pet euthanasia and euthanasia at a vet clinic?

Accepted Answer

The medical procedure itself is the same in both settings: a sedative followed by a final injection, given by a licensed veterinarian. What's different is the setting and the pace. At home, the appointment can move entirely at your family's pace, in the place your pet feels safest. In a clinic, the appointment unfolds within the clinic's schedule and the space they have available.

At home:

Your pet stays in their familiar space, with no travel beforehand

The vet stays for as long as your family needs, with no one in the waiting room outside

Anyone you'd like can be present, since there are no room-size limits

You can move at your own pace before, during, and after

At a clinic:
Clinic veterinarians provide deeply compassionate end-of-life care. The differences are practical rather than emotional: your pet travels to the clinic, which can be tiring or stressful for pets who are already weak. Additionally, the appointment fits into the clinic's schedule, so there is less flexibility around timing, and the exam rooms are often smaller, which may limit how many family members can gather. Clinics also remain a strong option if your pet's situation is urgent during clinic hours and you cannot wait for an at-home appointment.

For a fuller walkthrough of what an in-home appointment looks like, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 23

Do you offer deceased pet transport services?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. If you have already booked a euthanasia appointment and your pet has passed before the vet arrives, most vets in our network will still come for a reduced fee to transport your pet and handle aftercare. As a standalone service without a euthanasia booking, deceased pet transport varies by vet and is not always available.

If you have an appointment scheduled and your pet has passed
Reach out to your vet using the one-way text on your booking confirmation page, or contact our care team at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738) or info@codapet.com. Your originally chosen aftercare option will still be honored, whether that is cremation with ashes returned (private, individual, or individual aquamation) or without ashes returned (communal cremation or group aquamation). The available options ultimately depend on the vet's offerings, which you can review on their profile.

If you have not booked yet
Deceased pet transport as a standalone service is not always available and depends on which vets in your area offer it. The fastest way to find out is to call our care team at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738) or email info@codapet.com. They can check availability with vets in your area and help you decide on next steps.

In the meantime
We're so sorry. These hours can feel disorienting, and there's no perfect way to move through them. Many families find quiet comfort in staying close to their pet, letting other family members or friends know, or simply sitting with their feelings. Take whatever time you need before reaching out. We'll be here when you're ready.

Question 24

How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to book far in advance as many families reserve their appointment the same day, often within a couple of hours. Many vets accept bookings with as little as 2 hours' notice, and you'll see clear pricing on all your choices as you go. If nothing in the available schedule fits your timing, you can submit an Urgent Request.

If you're ready to book
Most appointments are available within the next 7 days, with same-day options often possible depending on your area. The booking page shows you the full cost estimate before you confirm, where you can compare times, vets, and aftercare options at your own pace. If a vet is available but no time slot in the schedule fits your needs, an Urgent Request lets you request a different time; the vet will reach out to confirm the details and any extra fees.

If you're not sure you're ready
There's no rush, and we'd never want you to book before it feels right. If you'd like a structured way to reflect on your pet's quality of life, our Quality of Life questionnaire walks through the areas vets weigh and can help guide a conversation with your family or your primary vet. Some vets also offer quality-of-life consultations. If you'd like to ask about availability in your area, our care team can help: 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738).

For a complete walkthrough of what to expect during an appointment, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 25

What is the difference between in-home pet euthanasia and euthanasia at a vet clinic?

Accepted Answer

The medical procedure itself is the same in both settings: a sedative followed by a final injection, given by a licensed veterinarian. What's different is the setting and the pace. At home, the appointment can move entirely at your family's pace, in the place your pet feels safest. In a clinic, the appointment unfolds within the clinic's schedule and the space they have available.

At home:

Your pet stays in their familiar space, with no travel beforehand

The vet stays for as long as your family needs, with no one in the waiting room outside

Anyone you'd like can be present, since there are no room-size limits

You can move at your own pace before, during, and after

At a clinic:
Clinic veterinarians provide deeply compassionate end-of-life care. The differences are practical rather than emotional: your pet travels to the clinic, which can be tiring or stressful for pets who are already weak. Additionally, the appointment fits into the clinic's schedule, so there is less flexibility around timing, and the exam rooms are often smaller, which may limit how many family members can gather. Clinics also remain a strong option if your pet's situation is urgent during clinic hours and you cannot wait for an at-home appointment.

For a fuller walkthrough of what an in-home appointment looks like, read our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.

Question 26

What should I do if my pet is declining fast?

Accepted Answer

There are a few paths forward, depending on where you are in the process. If you have already scheduled a visit, your booking confirmation page includes a one-way text for letting your vet know your pet is declining faster, so they can try to move your appointment earlier. If you have not scheduled yet, please check the scheduling page for same-day availability.

If you already have an appointment scheduled
Open your booking confirmation page (sent to your email and text), which includes a one-way text option specifically for letting your vet know your pet is declining faster. They will see your message and try to move your appointment earlier if they can.

If you have not booked yet
The fastest path is our booking page, which shows same-day availability when available. Many vets accept reservations with as little as a couple of hours' notice, so a same-day appointment is often possible.

If no available slot fits your timing, submit an Urgent Request. This alerts vets in your area, and any who can accommodate you will reach out to confirm the situation, share any surcharge for the urgent timing, and send you a link to confirm the new appointment with all the details.

If this is an immediate emergency
A 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic or your primary clinic is the right call. Each of our city pages lists local clinics and emergency hospitals with their contact information.

If you need help figuring out the right path
Our care team can help. Email info@codapet.com or call 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738), and they will do what they can to coordinate. If we cannot accommodate your timing, other in-home services, such as inhomepeteuthanasia.com, may have availability.

We are not always able to be there at the exact moment you need us, but we will try our best.

Question 27

Do you provide 24-hour pet euthanasia services?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, most vets do not offer 24-hour care; however, you can view and schedule your visit 24 hours a day. The vets in our network share their schedules through our scheduling page, and most accept appointments during standard daytime and evening hours. Some vets accommodate urgent or after-hours requests when their schedule allows, with an additional surcharge that varies by vet and situation. For overnight emergencies, a 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic is most often the right path.

What's realistic in terms of timing:

Standard appointments: 7 days a week, during daytime and evening hours

Same-day or next-morning urgent requests: often possible through our Urgent Request page, with a surcharge that depends on the vet and the time

Late-night appointments (after about 10 pm): occasionally possible if a vet in your area can accommodate, but not a reliable expectation

Overnight appointments: not something offered with any consistency

For overnight or middle-of-the-night emergencies
A 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic is the most reliable option. Each of our city pages includes contact information for local emergency hospitals you can reach immediately.

Other in-home services
If your timing falls outside what is normally offered, services like inhomepeteuthanasia.com may help you find a service that can.

Question 28

What if I need to reschedule my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can reschedule your appointment any time. The fastest way is through the rescheduling link on your booking confirmation page, which you'll find in the confirmation email or text. You can also reach your vet directly through the one-way text on that same page, or call our care team at 1-833-CODAPET (833-263-2738).

Pet parents reschedule for many reasons, and we try to make it as flexible as possible:

If your pet is declining faster than expected, please reach out to your vet to see when they can accomdate you via your booking confirmation page.

If a family member or friend cannot make it, you can pick a new time using the link on your booking confirmation page.

If you are no longer sure it's time, we recommend revisiting our Quality of Life questionnaire to help you reflect. You can cancel your current appointment and reschedule whenever it feels right.

If your pet is recovering, you are welcome to cancel and book a new appointment later if needed.

The standard cancellation policy applies to all reschedules. Cancellations or reschedules made more than 4 hours before the appointment incur no cancellation fees.

At-home pet
euthanasia with
compassion and
dignity

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

At-home pet euthanasia with compassion and dignity

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

At-home pet
euthanasia with
compassion and
dignity