By Dr. Karen Whala, Co-founder of CodaPet
As pet owners, we all hope that our furry friends will live long and healthy lives. Unfortunately, there may come a time when our pets become seriously ill or injured or simply grow old, and we are faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to euthanize them. When it comes to euthanasia, there are two main options: in-home pet euthanasia or euthanasia in a clinic or hospital. Let’s compare these two options to help you make an informed decision.
In-home pet euthanasia is becoming an increasingly popular option for pet owners who want to say goodbye to their pets in a peaceful and familiar environment. With in-home pet euthanasia, a veterinarian will come to your home and perform the procedure in the comfort of your own living room, backyard or any location you and your pet feel ‘at home’. This can be a great option for pets who are afraid of going to the vet or who have mobility issues that make it difficult to travel.
One of the main benefits of in-home pet euthanasia is that it allows you to say goodbye to your pet in a peaceful and familiar environment. This can be especially important for pets who are anxious or stressed when they go to the vet. Being able to say goodbye at home can help reduce their anxiety and make the process less traumatic for both you and your pet.
Another benefit of in-home pet euthanasia is that it allows you to control the environment. You can choose when and where the procedure takes place, who is present, and how long you want to spend with your pet afterward. This can be especially important for families with children or other household pets who may need extra time to say goodbye.
However, there are also some downsides to in-home pet euthanasia. One potential downside is that it can be more expensive than going to a clinic or hospital. The cost of in-home euthanasia can vary depending on where you live, but it is generally $100 to $250 more than going to a vet clinic or pet hospital.
Another potential downside is that not all veterinarians offer in-home euthanasia especially your normal veterinarian at a vet clinic. Your veterinarian can typically see a lot more pets in the office versus the time it takes to drive to your home, set up the procedure, perform euthanasia, pack up and drive back to the office. Oftentimes, you’ll need to seek a veterinarian that specializes in end of life care.
Euthanasia in a clinic or hospital is the more traditional option for pet owners. With this option, you will need to take your pet to a clinic or hospital where the euthanasia takes place. This can be a good option for pets who are used to going to a specific vet and who are not afraid of the clinic environment.
Being in a clinic or hospital setting also allows you to have access to more resources if needed. If your pet needs additional medical care before or after the procedure, the clinic or hospital will have the resources to provide that care. This can be especially important if your pet requires oxygen or an IV catheter prior to the euthanasia.
However, there are also some downsides to euthanasia in a clinic or hospital. One potential downside is that it can be stressful for pets who are afraid of going to a clinic or hospital; being in an unfamiliar environment can cause extreme anxiety and stress for many pets. Another potential downside is that you will have little control over the process. You may need to wait for an available appointment time, and there may be other people and pets present in the waiting room.
In summary, both in-home pet euthanasia and euthanasia in a clinic or hospital have their benefits and downsides and ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal preferences and your pet’s needs. If your pet is anxious or stressed at the vet, in-home euthanasia may be the superior option and if you need access to additional medical resources, a clinic or hospital may be the better option. Whatever you decide, remember that the most important thing is to make the decision that is best for your pet and your family.