At home pet euthanasia allows your pet to pass away peacefully in the comfort of your home surrounded by love. A compassionate veterinarian will provide end-of-life care for your pet starting with an initial end-of-life exam followed by sedation to ensure your pet is comfortable. Your vet will always move at your pace so you have the time you need to say your goodbyes. Once you are ready, your vet will administer medication to help them gently and painlessly say goodbye surrounded by comfort and love.

Signs your pet may be suffering include chronic pain, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, inability to stand or walk, or a loss of interest in daily activities. These symptoms could indicate a decline in their quality of life. You know your pet better than anyone, but speaking to a veterinarian can help you assess whether euthanasia is the most compassionate option. If you feel you need more help, you can read our guide on ‘How will I know it’s time’, take a quality of life assessment, or call customer care at 833-263-2738.

One of our local veterinarians shares additional insight:

"It can be challenging to know if your pet is suffering because they often hide their pain. Some physical and behavioral signs to look for include loss of appetite, weakness, difficulty moving, hiding, irritability, and restlessness. If your pet has a chronic condition, it may be time to evaluate their quality of life with your veterinarian." - Dr. Jaime Pickett

We understand that this is a difficult decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If your pet's health is declining rapidly, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

• Consult Your Veterinarian: Schedule an appointment to discuss your observations and any scoring from a quality-of-life scale. This information can help guide the conversation about your pet's condition and options moving forward. Your vet may suggest palliative care, hospice, or, if necessary, euthanasia.
  
• Ensure Comfort: Create a quiet, cozy space with soft bedding and easy access to food, water, and a litter box (if applicable).
  
• Minimize Stress: Keep routines simple and familiar, and limit loud noises or disruptions.
  
• Offer Gentle Care: Provide soothing touch through gentle petting and offer favorite treats if they can still eat.
  
• Consider At-Home Euthanasia: If appropriate, discuss the option of at-home euthanasia with your vet for a peaceful and familiar passing.
  
• Reach Out for Support: It's okay to lean on loved ones, pet-loss support groups, or counselors to help navigate this difficult time.
  

If you're noticing signs of declining health, we encourage you to use our quality of life scale resource tool to evaluate your pet's condition before your vet visit.

The key difference is the setting. In home euthanasia allows your pet to pass peacefully in the comfort of their familiar surroundings, reducing stress and anxiety. This option especially benefits pets who may feel scared or uncomfortable traveling to a clinic. It also offers your family a private, intimate experience during this emotional time. While some urgent situations don’t allow for time to schedule in-home euthanasia, many pet owners in Richmond choose in-home services for the peaceful atmosphere and compassionate care their pets receive right where they feel safest. You can find flexible availability for our local vets here, or look for same-day euthanasia appointments.

No, pet euthanasia at home is designed to be completely painless. After an initial end-of-life assessment, your veterinarian will first administer a sedative to ensure your pet is relaxed and comfortable. The euthanasia medication then gently stops the heart without causing pain. The process is peaceful and allows your pet to pass without distress.

We have a network of compassionate veterinarians serving many cities across the US who provide pet euthanasia at home for your beloved dog, cat, or other pets. You can find a local vet near you in the next 7 days or call 833-263-2738 to get help from our customer care team.

While we do not offer 24 hour pet euthanasia services, we do provide after-hours and emergency care in greater Richmond. You can request same-day and urgent appointments to ensure your pet receives the compassionate care they need during critical moments.

Yes, there is typically an additional fee for after-hours or emergency appointments. You can view the estimate when you request a same-day or urgent appointment.

The cost of at home pet euthanasia can vary in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Once you have picked your provider, the cost will usuallydepend on your pet’s size and any additional services you may choose, such as cremation, keepsakes, or other services. Our services start with a base fee of $325 for in home euthanasia. If your vet is traveling further than their local area, there is a travel fee applied based on how far you are from them. At CodaPet, we believe in giving you complete transparency and control over what you are choosing for your pet’s end-of-life care. This is why you can view a detailed price estimate before you complete reserving a time with your local vet. You can view flexible availability and detailed pricing or request a same-day appointment if this is more urgent. If you have any further questions, you can view our FAQs or reach us (833) 263 - 2738.

Most providers in Richmond charge a flat fee for euthanasia, although some providers do charge based on the size of your pet, so small dogs and cats can be the same price; however, medium or large size dogs (such as Bulldogs, Australian Shepherds, Labradors, or German Shepherds) will likely carry a higher price. At CodaPet, most vets charge a flat fee for both dogs and cats; however, if there is a large pet fee, it will be applied automatically for you to review in the price estimate when you reserve an appointment. You can view the detailed pricing and availability here or call us at (833) 263 - 2738.

During an in home euthanasia appointment, your veterinarian will make an assessment of your pet’s health and quality of life to provide guidance to ensure your decision is informed. The veterinarian will administer an initial sedative or anesthetic to help your pet relax and become pain-free, ensuring they are comfortable and at ease. In the last stage, your veterinarian will first ensure your pet is fully sedated before gently administering anesthesia which will quickly slow down your pet’s respiratory system until the heart finally stops beating. In most cases, this process takes less than a minute. Your veterinarian will always move at your pace so the process is as comfortable as possible for your pet and your family.

Yes, you can always choose the veterinarian you prefer, at the times they have available to reserve. You can see their real-time availability or request a same-day urgent appointment if no time suits your needs.

If you have any questions or specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (833) 263 - 2738.

Yes, your local veterinarian offers in-person and tele-consults depending on availability for a separate fee. In order to reserve a time to speak with a local veterinarian, please call 833-263-2738.

Note: This consultation is aimed at providing advice on end-of-life care and quality-of-life questions. Your veterinarian is not offering telemedicine and is not able to provide specific diagnosis or treatments. If you have any medical needs, please visit your primary care veterinarian.

The notice for every veterinarian differs, however, most veterinarians require at least a 2-hour notice from the time you need them to arrive at your home. This allows them time to prepare and ensure they can provide the highest level of care and compassion for your pet. It also accounts for their travel time, as your veterinarian may be traveling from many different locations around Richmond.

While you can request a same-day and emergency services, it's always best to contact us as early as possible to ensure availability and to give both you and your veterinarian time to prepare for this important moment.

During your in-home euthanasia appointment, you will be able to do everything at your own pace. Typically, our veterinarians want to get to know you and your pet on a personal level and share a pleasant memory you have with your pet. After all your questions are answered, we will give your pet a sedative to help them remain relaxed and decide where to say goodbye to your beloved pet (favorite couch, on their bed, or outside under a tree). The euthanasia process is not painful and is performed in a compassionate, peaceful way.

Yes, during the in home euthanasia process, you are encouraged to be with your pet throughout the entire process. Being there provides comfort and reassurance to your pet as they pass peacefully.

Every pet is different, and you know yours better than anyone, however, it may be time to consider euthanasia when you notice more ‘bad days than good’. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s quality of life and try to understand when it has declined, such as no longer enjoying activities or suffering from unmanageable pain. To help you understand their quality of live, you take a Quality of Life Assessment, which helps you get a more a clear picture of your pet’s well-being at this point in time.

Remember, if you are unsure, speaking with your primary care veterinarian can help better understand your pet’s quality of life. It’s important to speak with your primary care veterinarian if you haven’t yet to understand your pet’s health. If you do not have a primary care veterinarian, consider visiting an urgent care or emergency hospital in your area.

Everyone’s experience in saying goodbye to their beloved companion is different and very personal. It’s important to consider that you know your pet best. Some considerations, however, are choosing a comfortable space where your pet feels safe, sometimes their favorite spot in your home. Another consideration can be to gather any family members who wish to be present and feel free to bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toys, etc that make them feel comfortable. When your veterinarian arrives they will guide you through each step in the process and help you move at your pace to ensure the process is as peaceful as possible.

In home euthanasia procedures usually take about 10-15 minutes, however, the total time can vary depending on the pace you and your family prefer to move at and your pet’s comfort level. Your veterinarian will take the time necessary to ensure you feel you have enough time to be with your beloved pet while also ensuring your pet is calm and relaxed before proceeding. In some cases, this may take longer, especially if your pet is anxious or uncomfortable.

We understand that saying goodbye is a deeply emotional experience, and we encourage families to take as much time as they need during the process. Our goal is to create a peaceful and compassionate environment for both you and your pet.

After the euthanasia, you are welcome to spend as much time as you need with your pet to say goodbye. If you’ve chosen any cremation services to handle your pet’s body, your veterinarian will reconfirm your choices and gently transport your pet when you are ready. If you’ve chosen any keepsakes offered by the crematorium, like Claw Paw Prints, Ink nose prints, or other memorabilia, your veterinarian will reconfirm your choices before leaving your home. If you have any questions or want to change your mind about any of your choices, you can discuss your options with your veterinarian before they leave your home.

After the in home euthanasia procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with time to say goodbye to your pet. Once you're ready, they will re-confirm the preferred aftercare option that you choose when reserving your time with your veterinarian. In Richmond you can select three types of cremation services:

• Individual Cremation (Ashes Returned): An individual cremation is a process where your pet will be cremated separated with physical barriers in the chamber. This ensures the separation with other pets in the chamber so you may reunite with your pet’s ashes. Your pet’s ashes will be returned to you in an urn of your choice. If you choose an additional urn then your pet’s ashes will be returned in the urn of your choice.
  
  
• Communal Cremation (No Ashes Returned): A communal cremation is a process where your pet is cremated in a chamber with other pets. Once the process is complete, the crematorium will respectfully scatter your pet’s remains among other pets. It’s important to note, you pet’s ashes will not be returned to you.
  

Some of our veterinarians offer an additional option known as Ashes Returned (Private Cremation). In this option, only your pet is in the cremation chamber, ensuring that the recovered ashes are solely your pet's. These ashes can be returned in an urn of your choice, with additional urn options available. To see if private cremation is available with your provider, please refer to our booking page.

Note: If you choose to leave your pet's body with your veterinarian, rest assured it will be handled with the utmost care, respect, and dignity. Your veterinarian will coordinate all aftercare arrangements as requested, allowing you to focus on yourself and your family after this difficult goodbye.

Your veterinarian will coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes before they leave your home. Your options include having your pet’s remains delivered by your veterinarian (for an additional fee), shipping them to you (for an additional fee), or picking them up from your primary clinic or the crematorium.

Our Richmond-based veterinarians bring diverse expertise and heartfelt care to every family they serve:

• Dr. Jennifer Holman combines a lifelong love for animals with over two decades of veterinary experience to provide compassionate in-home euthanasia services. A proud graduate of Virginia Tech (1995) and North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (2000), Dr. Holman discovered her passion for house call services during her senior year rotations. These experiences revealed the profound comfort pets and their families feel in familiar surroundings during life’s most tender moments. Having returned to her Richmond roots two years ago, Dr. Holman continues to bring peace and solace to pets and families, ensuring every goodbye is filled with love and dignity. To hear from other pet parents about their experiences with Holman, visit her reviews here.
  
• Dr. Jaime Pickett has dedicated her life to improving the well-being of pets and supporting families during life's most emotional moments. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University (1998) and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (2003), Dr. Pickett has over 20 years of experience providing care to beloved companions. Her passion for in-home euthanasia stems from a deep belief in creating peaceful, stress-free goodbyes where pets feel safe and surrounded by their loved ones. Practicing in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Pickett finds fulfillment in offering both gentle care for animals and heartfelt support to their grieving families. To hear from other pet parents about their experiences with Dr. Pickett, visit her profile here.
  

Each of these veterinarians is dedicated to making end-of-life care a compassionate and meaningful experience for both pets and their families.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and we understand that cost can be a concern for many pet parents. While we specialize in premium in-home euthanasia services, we also want to acknowledge that cost may be a concern. If you're looking for low-cost or no-cost pet euthanasia options in Richmond, consider reaching out to the following:

• Local Animal Shelters & Humane Societies – Many provide low-cost or donation-based euthanasia services, often with cremation options.
  • Richmond SPCA2519 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23220(804) 521-1300
• Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics & Nonprofits – Some vet clinics and nonprofits offer reduced-cost euthanasia, sometimes supported by grants or donations.
• Animal Control Services – In certain cases, local animal control agencies may offer euthanasia services for terminally ill or suffering pets at a lower cost.

Note: When considering a low-cost pet euthanasia option, it's important to call ahead to check availability, as some providers may require an appointment or have eligibility criteria, such as income-based assistance. Be sure to ask about additional costs, including cremation or aftercare services, which may not be included in the base price. Additionally, verify service details, as some options may have restrictions based on your pet’s size, health condition, or location.

While low-cost options are available, many pet parents choose in-home euthanasia to ensure a peaceful, stress-free farewell in the comfort of their home. If you're looking for a private, compassionate experience, we’re here to help.