Cost of putting a dog to sleep

Cost of putting a dog to sleep

Putting your pet to sleep can be a difficult, stressful, and emotionally taxing time. Unfortunately, the cost is a factor for many people. We all want to give our pets a comfortable and dignified passing, but the cost can be a decision-maker for where you take your pet to be put to sleep and what extras you receive, like personalized urns. Banfield is the pet hospital in PetSmart, and it is a convenient and trusted resource of pet care for many people. Banfield is a resource for putting pets to sleep for many people. Here’s what to expect when having your pet put to sleep at PetSmart’s Banfield Hospital.

Cost of putting a dog to sleep

Banfield’s website has a price estimator that can provide you with prices based on the area you live in. Some fees and extras may make these estimates be subject to change, and Banfield recommends you call your local Banfield location about their end-of-life packages for more information.

Based on the online price estimates, you can expect to spend around $120–140 for a euthanasia package for a cat or a dog. Taxes and additional fees may apply depending on the area you live in. For the euthanasia of a small animal, like a bird or guinea pig, you can expect to spend around $50–100, with possible taxes and additional fees.

Cost of putting a dog to sleep
Image Credit: Shannon Y, Shutterstock

Why Is It So Expensive?

There are several reasons putting your pet to sleep can be pricey. The biggest reason is simply the cost of the vet and office staff’s time and the medications and supplies necessary to safely and properly perform the procedure.  Often, euthanasia consists of an IV catheter, a sedative, and euthanasia medication.

There are also fees associated with the disposal or transportation of your pet’s body based on local laws. There are very specific laws related to with the handling and disposal of an animal’s body, and Banfield will not have the option to supersede these laws.

Other expenses you may pay for connected to the euthanasia of your pet are urns, personalization on urns or other items, and specialty memorial items, like jewelry. In some areas, you may pay additional fees to have your pet’s ashes returned to you as well.

Do They Do House-Call Euthanasia?

Banfield does not typically offer house-call euthanasia. However, you can discuss this option with your local Banfield to see if this option may be available to you through them or another service provider in your area.

  • See Also: How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat at PetSmart?

Cost of putting a dog to sleep

In Conclusion

It’s a good idea to keep some money set aside at all times, just in case something comes up with your pets. That includes the need for euthanasia. Unfortunately, the time comes for all pets, and it can be a major out-of-pocket expense for many people. Expect to spend at least $120 through Banfield to have your pet put to sleep for dogs and cats. Small animals will cost less but can still cost around $100.

Unfortunately, this is a necessary expense when your pet has reached the end of its life. Putting your pet to sleep is the final kindness you can extend to your pet as thanks for the love your pet has given to you. Do everything you can to be prepared to allow your vet to provide this service to your pet.


Featured Image Credit: mojahata, Shutterstock

See also:

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  • How Much Are Sugar Gliders at PetSmart?
  • PetSmart vs Pet Supermarket: Differences and Price Comparisons

Brooke Billingsley spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013. She resides in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years. She loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. She has a soft spot for special needs animals and has a three-legged senior dog and an internet famous cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Fish keeping has become a hobby of Brooke’s and she is continually learning how to give her aquarium pets the best life possible. Brooke enjoys plants and gardening and keeps a vegetable garden during the summer months. She stays active with yoga and obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. She hosts a podcast focusing on folklore and myth and loves spending her free time researching and writing. Brooke believes that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth and she spends time daily working toward new skills and knowledge....Read more

What is the cheapest way to put a dog down?

The Humane Society of the United States (or various other locations) is typically the cheapest way to put your dog down with low-cost euthanasia services. The costs usually range from $75 to $190, depending on your pet's weight. The table below shows an estimate of the costs to euthanize your dog at the Humane Society.

How much is it to put a dog to sleep?

The average cost of dog euthanasia runs between $35 and $300. The price varies depending on a few different factors. Location. You can have your pet put to sleep at the vet's office, or you may decide to pay a little more to have someone come administer the procedure in the comfort of your own home.

How can I put my dog to sleep for free?

Humane societies also provide free and low-cost euthanasia for dog owners. Most times, you will need to surrender your dog to one of the humane societies for a chance to get a choice of cremation or disposal afterward. Different humane societies offer a variety of services for animals nearing the end of their lives.

When should you have your dog put down?

Some common signs that it may be time to put your pup down include the inability or refusal to eat or drink, labored breathing, an inability to get up for potty times without help, urinary or fecal incontinence, and immobility. Essentially, this can come down to your dog's quality of life.