the Cost of Euthanasia for a Pet

This was for an in-clinic euthanasia, with me taking the remains home for burial. There was no box provided, although I did bring along a favorite blanket of my pet's to wrap him in.

My 14 year old basset hound, Jed, had severe arthritis and back pain from an injury many years ago. Usually he would lay directly in the path of the sun's rays streaming through the window and seem to get some relief from the heat. Lately, though, he whined and whimpered any time he attempted to move at all. We agreed to have him seen at the veterinarian, but knowing his age was already quite a bit older than the average basset hound's, we knew he was running out of time. At his appointment, we were told pretty much what we expected, that it was severe arthritis and, while there were some temporary fixes that might help, he was on the down hill slope of life. We took Jed home and discussed the choices on and off for a few days. Although we loved our pet, we knew that the kindest thing to do would be to release him from his pain.

Find out ahead of time when your veterianarian is least busy. You do not want him or her rushed on this. This is your last chance to do something kind for your pet. Some veterinarians provide cardboard caskets, which may or may not be included in the cost of the euthanasia. We chose to wrap him in his favorite blanket and use a handmade pine coffin. If you don't have a yard or a place to bury your pet, ask the veterinarian if there is a pet cemetary in your town or if a local establishment provides cremation for pets.