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.
Deciding when it's time for end-of-life care for your pet is very difficult. Look for signs that your pet is suffering, such as loss of appetite, difficulty moving, or changes in behavior. Trust your instincts and notice how they respond to their favorite activities. It's important to talk to your vet, who can provide guidance based on their health and quality of life. Remember, you know your pet best, and your love for them will help you make the right choice. It's a painful decision, but 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 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.
Your veterinarian will arrive wearing regular clothes to better fit the home environment. They will bring a stethoscope and other “tools of the trade.” 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 pet as peaceful as possible by providing care with compassion, patience, and understanding.
- 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.
- Your veterinarian will explain as much or as little about what they’re about to do, depending on your comfort level. Feel free to ask questions along the way.
- You may want to invite family members and loved ones, both human and four-legged, to gather close to your pet.
- Keep enough space for the veterinarian to work.
- Ask everyone gathered around to remain calm through the process.
- 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. We will do our best to help and give you the time you need. 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 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.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
What pet parents are saying
Overall service rating from over 425+ reviews
From the time Karen texted she was at the house until she left she was so very calm, professional and patient. Her presence set the mood and the whole experience was so very peaceful for me,Bella, her dog sister Riley, dog cousins, my sister, brothers and friend. Thank you Dr Karen, you will be highly recommended! Riley and I are a bit lost even tho Bella couldn’t do much, but missing her presence. I know deep in my heart she was ready to move on. Thankyou❤️
Dr. Gary was kind, thoughtful, and patient. He was so gentle with our fragile senior dog, and really thought of everything to accommodate him and us. We are so grateful for Dr. Gary and CodaPet for going above and beyond during one of the most difficult times we’ve ever experienced.
Dr. Karen was great. Very caring and empathetic taking steps to make sure Zayden was comfortable with everything before starting her process. He was treated as if he was her best friend. Highly recommended.
Dr Whala was so compassionate and caring. She was absolutely wonderful in explaining the process and made sure our Stella truly was comfortable . It was so peaceful and we are grateful for her services. Thank you.
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 !
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.
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.
During in-home pet euthanasia, your veterinarian will first ensure your pet is comfortable by administering a gentle sedative, allowing your pet to relax peacefully. Once fully sedated, the veterinarian will give the euthanasia solution, which painlessly stops your pet's heart within moments. You'll have as much time as needed to say goodbye, and afterward, your veterinarian will discuss aftercare options with you, such as cremation or burial arrangements. Learn more with 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
