The hardest choice a pet owner may ever have to make is knowing when it’s time to put an end to their beloved companion to sleep. Sometimes putting your dog to sleep is also the only kindest option, especially for end-stage cancer.
But what about the cost of euthanizing (peaceful death) your pup? Or, in other words, how much does it cost to put a dog to sleep at PetSmart?
Putting your dog to sleep or euthanizing at PetSmart will normally cost in the range of $80 to $150, with extra fees for goodbye packages.
Appointments are strongly encouraged and may be scheduled in advance by phoning the medical center at PetSmart. During the consultation, the PetSmart veterinarian will talk with the pet owner about their available choices and assist them in making the decision that is in their pet’s best interest. After that, the euthanasia procedure will be carried out, and after that, cremation or burial preparations will be made as necessary.
Last but not least, the professionals at PetSmart will offer emotional support and bereavement counseling to the pet’s owner in order to assist them through this difficult period. Those who have made the heartbreaking choice to put their dog to sleep can take comfort in the fact that the euthanasia service offered by PetSmart offers a compassionate and respectful alternative to traditional methods of saying goodbye.
Some Extra Costs
The price of euthanasia solely covers the medical procedure itself and does not include any other end-of-life care or support services.
The price may change depending on the disposal method you select for your pet’s remains. A community cremation, for instance, is a more cost-effective alternative in which your dog is cremated along with other animals. Still, you will not receive any of the cremated remains back.
The price of having your dog cremated in a community setting can run anywhere from $60 to $100, according to the size of your animal companion.
Many people who own pets choose private cremation, in which their dog is cremated on their own, and the remains are returned to them as a memento of their companion.
Cremains are normally sold in containers; however, you may want to select a unique urn for your dog in order to honor their memory.
The price of a private cremation can run anywhere from $100 to $180, not including the urn, plaque, or any other additional services.
There are various choices available to you for the disposition of your pets’ remains, such as a grave in a pet cemetery. The price may change depending on whether you choose to have a memorial ceremony or buy a headstone complete with engraving and other mementos to retain as a reminder of the deceased.
The total cost of this choice might range anywhere from $500 to$5000. The practice of burying pets is not as widespread as it once was, although this service can still be obtained in some areas.
Although most PetSmart facilities do not do house calls for euthanasia, some veterinarians do. It is possible that you could be charged additional expenses for the home visit if you decide to euthanize your pet by having a veterinarian come to your house.
Finally, if your pet requires euthanasia following a veterinarian examination and diagnosis that includes tests or procedures such as bloodwork, radiology, or dressings, you will still be liable for the cost of any therapy that was administered to it before the euthanasia.
Does Pet Insurance Cover the Cost of Euthanizing a Dog?
Fortunately, most pet insurance companies also offer policies that cover the costs of euthanasia and other terminal costs. The plan could pay for euthanasia but not the cremation, both of them, or only a percentage of the overall expenditures, depending on the firm and the policy. Some insurance companies provide terminal or palliative care coverage for dogs nearing the end of their lives. Depending on the policy, this could or might not include euthanasia and other goodbye packages.
Another factor that should be taken into consideration is the possibility that insurance companies would impose restrictions on euthanasia. Some people are willing to pay the cost of euthanasia if it is required for medical reasons but not for reasons such as behavioral ones. Evaluating your insurance to understand what types of end-of-life care are covered before making any decisions is vital.
Conclusion
It is recommended that some money be set aside at all times if something unexpected occurs concerning your pets. That includes the requirement for the use of euthanasia. All pets eventually die, which may be a big out-of-pocket expenditure. However, when it comes to putting your dog to sleep at PetSmart, they usually charge $80 to $150 per dog.
