Does Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia

One of the most difficult decisions you have to make as a pet owner is figuring out whether to euthanize your beloved pet. If your pet is suffering and has a very poor quality of life, there may come a point when the kindest thing you can do is put them out of their misery.

You may be wondering, “Does pet insurance cover euthanasia?” Here, we’ll review whether pet insurance typically pays for euthanasia and the costs involved.

What Is Pet Euthanasia and When Is It Considered?

Pet euthanasia is the process of ending an animal's life through medical means to relieve their suffering. When your pet reaches the point where they have virtually no quality of life, it may be time to consider euthanasia as difficult and heartbreaking as they may be.

You may want to consider euthanasia if your pet:

• Is terminally ill and is in pain
• Has an extremely poor quality of life due to age-related deterioration
• Has an injury causing constant pain that they can't recover from
• Has reached the point where they're refusing food and water

Since euthanasia is an extremely difficult and emotional experience, it’s best to consult a vet so they can assess your pet’s condition and make a recommendation. You may even want to get a second opinion so you can make a more informed decision.

Typical Costs of Pet Euthanasia

PetMD puts the average euthanasia cost for pets in a clinic at $120 to $130. However, you might pay under $100 or more like $250, depending on your situation and location, as well as the type of facility you use.

An at-home euthanasia might cost more. PetMD puts the average cost of home euthanasia at $450 but gives a range of $350 to $900. While dog euthanasia commonly costs a bit more than cat euthanasia since dogs may be larger in size, PetMD says cat euthanasia only costs "slightly less."

In addition to euthanasia, you may require other services. Individual cremation for your pet costs $150 or more on average, says PetMD. This will typically give you the option to have your pet's ashes returned to you.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia?

You may be wondering if pet euthanasia coverage is included in pet insurance. Well, it depends on the policy you have.

Some pet insurance plans only cover accidents, so euthanasia may not be covered. The same holds true for wellness plans.

However, there are some pet insurance policies that do cover the cost of euthanasia. And some plans may cover underlying conditions or complications that lead to euthanasia, like a terminal illness. Plus, there are insurance plans that offer euthanasia coverage as an add-on.

The best thing to do is to check your pet insurance policy to see if euthanasia is covered. Even so, if euthanasia is deemed to be the best option, your insurance policy may not cover it if it relates to a pre-existing condition. If you're not sure what coverage you're entitled to, call your insurance company, explain the circumstances, and ask.

Alternative Ways of Paying for Pet Euthanasia

If the cost of pet euthanasia drives you into serious debt and you don't have a pet insurance policy that will pay for it, there may be other ways to manage the expense. For one thing, your vet's office, or the clinic you use, may offer a payment plan. You may also be able to find a non-profit clinic that offers pet euthanasia at a lower cost.

Charities and non-profit organizations also provide help covering the cost of euthanasia. Some options include:

• RedRover
• Frankie's Friends
• The Pet Fund

There may also be a breed-specific rescue or charity you can turn to for help with end-of-life care for your pet.

If you have a pet emergency fund, you could also dip into it to cover the cost of euthanasia. Or if you do not have money earmarked expressly for pet-related care, you could tap your general emergency fund, if you have one.

You should also know that communal cremation could be a big source of cost savings after euthanizing a pet. PetMD puts the average cost of communal cremation at $50 to $200, as opposed to $150 to $450 for individual cremation.

However, with communal cremation, you will not usually get your pet's ashes back. You’ll need to decide whether you’re okay with that.

Special Considerations by Species

PetMD says the cost of euthanasia is around the same for dogs versus cats. Dog euthanasia may be slightly more expensive, since dogs tend to be larger and therefore require more medication. And of course, if you have a large dog, that could lead to a greater difference in cost.

If you have pet insurance, coverage for euthanasia is pretty similar between dogs and cats. Whether euthanasia is covered depends on the type of policy you have.

If you have an exotic pet, euthanasia may cost more due to needing a vet who specializes in the type of animal you have. If you have to travel to find an exotic vet, you'll need to factor that into the cost, too.

Keep in mind that with an exotic pet, a smaller size may not equate savings the way it might with a cat or dog. That's because some animals may require special drug administration or care.

Because it's generally harder to secure pet insurance for an exotic pet than a typical household pet like a dog or cat, it may be even more difficult to find a policy that pays for euthanasia. But if you have insurance, you'll need to check the details of your plan to see if euthanasia is covered.

How to Discuss End-of-Life Options with Your Vet

The decision to euthanize your pet isn't one you should make on your own. It's important for a trusted vet to weigh in so you can understand what's best for your pet.

Prior to your appointment, keep a log of your pet's behavior. That log should include details such as:

• Whether your pet is able to get around
• Whether your pet is eating and drinking
• Whether your pet is displaying clear signs of pain, like whining or whimpering

Once you meet with your vet, it's important to get their assessment of the situation. You may want to ask questions like:

• Can you tell if my pet is suffering?
• Is there any way to treat my pet's illness or pain?
• Are there any palliative care options available to extend their life?

If your vet recommends euthanasia, find out what your options entail. It may help you to understand what to expect before and during the procedure. If you would rather have your pet pass away peacefully in the comfort of home, ask if in-home euthanasia is an option. You can also ask about what to expect afterward as far as cremation and burial options are concerned.

You may have a tough time coping with the loss of your pet, which is very understandable. Ask your vet if there are any resources or guides they can provide you with.

You should loop close friends and family members in on your plans so that they can offer support. It may also be beneficial to take a few days off of work, if you're able to, so that you can process your emotions and have time to grieve.

Planning and Preparing for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Care

The decision to euthanize your pet may be an agonizing one. But do try to remember that if your pet is suffering, you’re doing your part to put them out of their misery in a humane and compassionate way.

Whether euthanasia is covered by your pet insurance policy will depend on the specific plan you have. If not, it may help to know what costs to expect so you don’t have to deal with the financial stress on top of the emotional upheaval.

In the days following your pet’s passing, be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for support from friends, loved ones, and colleagues at work while you cope with your loss. It may be heartbreaking to let your pet go, but you can hopefully take comfort in the fact that you gave them a wonderful life and enjoyed many good memories together.