In home dog euthanasia near me
Give your dog 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.
Dog euthanasia is a compassionate choice to end a dog’s suffering from a poor quality of life due to illness, injury, or old age. A veterinarian administers medication that peacefully ends the dog’s life, ensuring the process is quick and painless, allowing the animal to gently pass on.
Consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s condition and quality of life. They will help you better understand the process and make an informed decision. It’s normal to feel grief, guilt, and uncertainty during this challenging time. Our community of veterinarians provides support and guidance through this difficult period.
Deciding when it’s time for end-of-life care for your dog is very difficult. Here are some key indicators to consider:
- Breed-Specific Issues: Some breeds are prone to specific health problems. Larger breeds may face issues like hip dysplasia, while smaller breeds might have different concerns. Understanding these breed-specific issues can help in making an informed decision.
- Existing Health Conditions: Evaluate any chronic or severe illnesses that your dog might have. Conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, or heart disease can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life.
- Symptom Management: Assess whether symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, or seizures can be managed effectively. If symptom management is no longer working, it might be time to consider euthanasia.
- Persistent Pain: Look for signs of persistent pain that cannot be alleviated through medication or other treatments. Pain can significantly reduce your dog’s quality of life.
- Eating and Drinking: Monitor changes in your dog’s eating and drinking habits. A significant decrease in appetite or refusal to drink water can indicate severe health issues.
- Mobility Issues: Observe if your dog has difficulty moving, getting up, or lying down. Mobility issues can cause significant discomfort and affect their ability to enjoy life.
- Behavioral Changes: Notice any changes in your dog’s behavior. If they become withdrawn, aggressive, or show signs of distress, it could indicate they are suffering.
- Response to Activities: Pay attention to how your dog responds to their favorite activities. A lack of interest or inability to participate can be a sign that they are not feeling well.
It’s important to talk to your vet, who can provide guidance based on their health and quality of life. Keeping a health journal can help summarize your dog’s condition and provide valuable information for your vet to assist in making this difficult decision. Remember, you know your pet best, and your love for them will help you make the right choice. Ensuring your pet’s comfort and dignity shows how much you care. Read more about how CodaPet can help you make the right choice.
For many years, the common term for euthanasia was “put to sleep.” It’s also a good description of what actually happens during the procedure.
During at-home pet euthanasia, your veterinarian will perform the same procedure your dog would receive at a veterinary hospital or clinic, but in the comfort of your home.
- Sedation: Your veterinarian relaxes your pet by administering a sedative. The shot will feel like getting a vaccine. Within 5 to 15 minutes, your pet will be deep asleep, relieved of all suffering.
- Anesthesia: 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.
During this process, your dog may experience some involuntary reactions, such as twitching or urination, but they are not conscious of these actions.
Your veterinarian will arrive wearing regular clothes to better fit the home environment. They will bring a stethoscope and other necessary tools. The at-home appointment typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes based on your needs and preferences.
We aim to make your final moments with your dog as peaceful as possible by providing care with compassion, patience, and understanding.
- Preparation: Show your veterinarian the area in your home you’ve chosen for the procedure. Consider keeping some of your pet’s favorite treats on hand for them to enjoy before the procedure.
- Family Involvement: You may want to invite family members and loved ones, both human and four-legged, to gather close to your pet.
- Calm Atmosphere: Ask everyone gathered around to remain calm through the process.
- Procedure: Once you’re ready, your veterinarian will begin the actual procedure.
Throughout the process, if at any point you’d like more time or have any special requests, please let us know. Our goal is to help your pet’s passing be as dignified and peaceful as possible.
After the procedure, your veterinarian will ask if you need more time 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 opt for 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 decisions and are here to support your choice.
Losing a pet is very hard, and it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. You might miss your pet a lot and feel empty inside. It’s normal to cry or even have trouble sleeping and eating. Talking about your pet and sharing memories can help. Remember, everyone grieves differently, so take the time you need. It’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or even a counselor. Your feelings are valid, and it’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Read more about pet loss and the grieving process here.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
What pet parents are saying
Overall service rating from over 484+ reviews
Dr. Marlene is one in a million. Our 15 year old Tibetan Terrier had Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. She came to our home and was calm , sympathetic , and professional . She has a way that makes a person feel ok in such a terrible situation. She did not rush us . She explained in detail how and what to expect during the process. She gave us as much time as we needed to spend our last minutes with “ Bentley “ . You could not find a Veterinarian better to help you through this horrible part of life. We will be forever grateful to her .
Dr. Whala was gentle, compassionate and professional. She reassured me that it was the right time and encourage us alm the time needed to say goodbye to our sweet Bear.
Working as a veterinarian with Codapet isn’t just a job — it’s a calling rooted deeply in compassion, empathy, and a strong desire to ease both physical pain and emotional distress. Codapet’s mission to provide in-home pet euthanasia services offers a much-needed alternative for pet owners who want to say goodbye to their beloved animals in the comfort of home. Behind every appointment, every goodbye, and every story, there’s a vet making that experience possible with sensitivity, medical professionalism, and emotional strength. Building Comfort in the Most Difficult Moments For most Codapet vets, the biggest differentiator from traditional clinic practice is the environment in which they operate. Home visits allow pets to stay in a familiar space surrounded by the people who love them most. Vets quickly learn that every home is different — some are filled with quiet tears and soft goodbyes, while others are full of children asking questions or elderly owners who need extra time and reassurance. The vet walks into each situation knowing they’re not just there for a medical procedure; they’re a guide through one of the hardest decisions a pet parent can face. This means managing clinical needs, like dosing and sedation protocols, alongside the emotional dynamics of a grieving family. The combination of these elements requires a very specific skill set — one that goes beyond the typical veterinary toolbox. The Emotional Weight of the Role Many Codapet vets describe this work as both deeply fulfilling and emotionally intense. On one hand, they feel honored to be trusted during such a sacred moment. On the other, providing euthanasia services, sometimes multiple times in a day, can be emotionally exhausting. Burnout is a real concern in veterinary medicine overall, but especially in end-of-life care. However, Codapet vets often report a sense of peace in knowing they are helping both pets and families by providing a more compassionate alternative to clinic euthanasia. The ability to offer comfort — not just physical relief to the animal, but emotional support to the family — brings a level of meaning to the work that sustains many through the tough days. Some vets develop small personal rituals to help cope — lighting a candle after a visit, taking a walk, or writing in a journal. Others lean on the Codapet community of professionals who truly understand the highs and lows of the work. This sense of shared purpose, and the knowledge that their work really matters, is a powerful motivator. Scheduling, Autonomy, and Flexibility Another unique part of being a Codapet vet is the autonomy. Unlike traditional clinic settings that can feel rushed and rigid, Codapet vets have the freedom to set their own schedules, allowing for better work-life balance. This flexibility is especially important for those who are parents, have personal medical needs, or want to practice part-time. This autonomy also extends to how they manage visits. While Codapet provides protocols and support, vets are trusted to adapt to the specific needs of each case. They decide how to communicate with families, how much time to spend during each appointment, and how to create a peaceful environment. That said, with freedom comes responsibility. Codapet vets need to be self-disciplined, organized, and emotionally self-aware. They also need to be excellent communicators, capable of navigating complex emotional terrain while maintaining a sense of calm and confidence. The Impact of Aftercare Options One of the more practical aspects of the Codapet vet’s role involves understanding and offering aftercare options. Vets need to explain cremation choices, keepsakes (like paw prints or fur clippings), and sometimes assist with transportation of the pet if chosen. These steps, while technical in nature, are part of the grieving process for the family. Having a clear understanding of these options — and being able to present them in a gentle, respectful way — is critical. It’s also important that vets are equipped to answer questions and manage expectations. Codapet provides training, resources, and even vet community forums to ensure all team members feel supported in these logistical parts of the visit. Collaboration and Support Though Codapet vets often work independently, they are far from alone. A strong backend team supports them — from scheduling and logistics to customer service and technical troubleshooting. Vets also have access to a growing online community of peers through Codapet, where they can share experiences, ask clinical questions, and support one another. Vets frequently collaborate with local pet hospitals, crematories, and other Codapet professionals to ensure smooth coordination. This spirit of teamwork means a lot — especially when unexpected situations arise, like a pet passing before the vet arrives or families requesting urgent same-day appointments. Having a responsive operations team, local coordinators, and helpful tech tools (like the Codapet calendar or appointment dashboard) makes the process more efficient and reduces stress on the vet’s side. This smooth coordination allows vets to focus on what matters most — compassionate care. Continuous Learning and Growth Codapet vets aren’t static professionals; they are constantly evolving. Many choose to further their training in grief counseling, communication skills, or palliative care. Codapet encourages this growth by offering educational resources and periodically updating protocols based on the latest best practices in veterinary euthanasia. By working in such an emotionally nuanced field, vets also grow personally. They become more patient, empathetic, and resilient — qualities that serve them not just in their profession, but in their own lives and relationships. The Bigger Picture At its core, Codapet’s mission is about changing the way pet euthanasia is experienced — making it more humane, more peaceful, and more aligned with what pets and their families truly need. The vets are the beating heart of that mission. Without their expertise, compassion, and professionalism, the service wouldn’t exist. Each Codapet vet is helping reshape the standard of end-of-life care. They’re educating families about their options, empowering them to make informed choices, and offering a level of compassion that lingers long after the appointment ends. Final Thoughts Being a vet with Codapet is unlike any other veterinary role. It combines clinical skill with emotional intelligence, personal freedom with deep responsibility, and solo work with a strong sense of community. While the work is challenging, it is also profoundly rewarding. For many vets, Codapet has reignited their passion for veterinary medicine by reminding them why they entered the field in the first place: to care, to heal, and to be present when it matters most.
The vet was incredibly compassionate and patient. They made an unbearably hard day peaceful and full of love. I’ll always be grateful for their kindness and care.
Dr. Whala was kind and compassionate and she made absolutely certain that Stella felt no discomfort whatsoever. Dr. Whala spent plenty of time throughout the process, listening to me and tending kindly to Stella.
I sincerely appreciate Dr Bethany . Deciding when to let go of a pet due an incurable illness is not an easy thing. Dr. Bethany took the time to explain everything to us and was very gentle handling our chloe . She allowed us time to be with chloe and we felt at peace with the decision. Thank you Dr Bethany !
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
We allow cancellations at no fee to you for appointments canceled more than 4 hours before your start time. If you cancel your appointment less than 4 hours before your appointment time you will be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.
Your vet reserves time in their schedule exclusively for you, so we ask you to cancel as soon as you are able so that your vet may help another family in need.
Note: You can cancel or reschedule your appointment on your booking confirmation page or find a link to it in your booking confirmation email.
You have the option to have your vet respectfully transport your pet to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, your pet’s ashes can either be lovingly returned to you or respectfully spread with other pets.
Note: If you choose to have your pet’s ashes returned to you, your vet will coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes at the time of your appointment.
The total cost includes the in-home pet euthanasia service fee, any applicable travel fees, and a platform fee. Depending on your preferences, additional fees may apply for cremation services or memorial keepsakes.
Yes, your vet will offer a variety of meaningful memorabilia you can purchase if you choose to request the return of your pet's ashes. After selecting your vet and preferred cremation option, you'll have the opportunity to review and choose from available keepsake options. You may also find comfort in exploring our suggestions for pet memorial ideas.
Note: You may also choose to add the memorabilia or change your mind about your choice at the time of your appointment.
During your appointment, your vet will carefully confirm your preferred aftercare option with you. If you choose cremation, your vet will manage your pet’s gentle transportation to a local crematorium. If your selected cremation service includes receiving your pet’s ashes, your vet will clearly explain the process for returning your pet's ashes and provide an estimated timeline for their return.
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.
