It’s a sad but inevitable fact that our pets will eventually reach the end of their lives. The already difficult process of making final plans for your pet can become even more challenging when finances are tight. The Connecticut Humane Society and its veterinary clinics in Newington and Wilton offer euthanasia services, and cremation services via a partnership with Final Gift. Even if your pet has already passed away, you may bring him or her to CHS for cremation services.
Medical Cases
If you believe your pet is sick or suffering from age-related changes, CHS recommends that you take your pet to a veterinarian for an exam. A veterinarian is best equipped to evaluate your pet’s medical history and current condition and can help you decide if it’s time or if there are treatment options. If you do not already have a regular veterinarian, you may wish to call to see if there is an appointment available at the Fox Memorial Clinic.
If it is determined that euthanasia is the most or only humane option for your pet, your veterinarian can likely help you in their office. If your veterinarian cannot accommodate your appointment, you may call us to see if you can have the service performed by CHS or Fox Memorial Clinic. CHS will request that you provide a letter from your veterinarian or send us the complete medical records to confirm the diagnosis and euthanasia recommendation. This letter is not required, but you should be aware that pets presented for euthanasia without this documentation may be refused if the pet does not appear to be in immediate need. Without documentation, CHS staff will perform a basic evaluation to determine whether we can reasonably honor the euthanasia request. This is not a physical examination, just a basic visual evaluation. Owners looking for an exam or medical advice need to schedule an exam at a veterinary hospital.
Behavioral Cases
If you have a pet with behavioral problems that impact his or her quality of life or endanger the community, you may also require euthanasia services. Owners may wish to start by calling your veterinarian to see if they can assist. If your vet is unable to assist, you can also ask your local animal control agency, or CHS can assist owners requesting euthanasia for pets who have aggression and have bitten. You will be asked to provide a copy of the report from the local animal control agency that responded to the bite incident or any other records you have documenting your pet’s behavioral problem.
Things to Consider
- Euthanasia services are by appointment only. Emergency requests are unable to be accommodated. CHS will do its best to help owners with reasonable requests for euthanasia, but may not be able to handle every inquiry.
- Fees for these services are dependent upon the weight of the pet at the time of the appointment.
- Clients who choose only euthanasia will need to take their pet home after the euthanasia and make their own burial arrangements. Make sure to check your city or town ordinances as many do not allow for burial on your property.
- Clients who utilize the euthanasia service at CHS may not accompany their pet for the procedure. If you wish to be with your pet when the procedure is performed, you must utilize your own veterinarian or the Fox Memorial Clinic. This is due to the availability of client-accessible space.
- Both individual and communal cremation options are available. All individual cremation fees include return of the pet’s ashes in a decorative urn.
- CHS reserves the right to refuse euthanasia of any pet.
Please note: appointment availability is limited.
**The fees below reflect end-of-life care for pets brought to the Connecticut Humane Society. Pet owners who choose to work directly with Final Gift for cremation services will be charged a different fee.**
Euthanasia and Cremation Price List
| Pet Weight | Euthanasia Only | Mass Cremation Only | Private Cremation Only | Euthanasia with Mass Cremation | Euthanasia with Private Cremation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 lbs | $40.00 | $55.00 | $100.00 | $95.00 | $140.00 |
| 5.1-25 lbs. | $40.00 | $60.00 | $160.00 | $100.00 | $200.00 |
| 25.1-50 lbs. | $40.00 | $60.00 | $185.00 | $100.00 | $225.00 |
| 50.1-75 lbs. | $40.00 | $70.00 | $205.00 | $110.00 | $245.00 |
| 75.1-100 lbs. | $40.00 | $70.00 | $225.00 | $110.00 | $265.00 |
| 100.1-150 lbs. | $40.00 | $70.00 | $310.00 | $110.00 | $350.00 |
| 150.1 lbs + | $40.00 | $70.00 | $375.00 | $110.00 | $415.00 |
| Personalization Options | |||||
| Paws of Rememberance | $65.00 | ||||
| Brass Engraving Plate | $40.00 | ||||
| Ink Nose or Paw Print | $35.00 | ||||
Additional Resources
If you have already said goodbye to your loved one and are in need of resources to help you process this loss, click here.
Owner Requested Euthanasia FAQs
How do I know when it may be time to consider euthanasia for my pet?
If your pet is experiencing serious illness, chronic pain, significant age-related decline, or a reduced quality of life, consult a veterinarian. A veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s condition, discuss treatment options, and help determine whether euthanasia is appropriate.
What support options are available for pet owners making end-of-life decisions?
Pet owners may find support through:
- Veterinarians
- Animal welfare organizations
- Pet loss support groups
- Pet hospice resources
- Family and friends
- Grief counseling services
Does the Connecticut Humane Society offer pet euthanasia and cremation services?
Yes. The Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) and its veterinary clinics in Newington and Wilton offer euthanasia services for pets when euthanasia is determined to be the most humane option. CHS offers cremation services through a partnership with a pet cremation provider.
Can I bring my pet to CHS for cremation if my pet has already passed away?
Yes. Pet owners may bring a deceased pet to CHS for cremation services, subject to appointment availability and program requirements.
What if my pet does not have a regular veterinarian?
If you do not have an established veterinarian, you may contact CHS’ veterinary clinics in Newington or Wilton to inquire about available appointments for an examination and consultation.
Is veterinary documentation required for euthanasia services?
Veterinary documentation is strongly recommended for medical euthanasia cases. Medical records or a veterinarian’s recommendation can help confirm the diagnosis and support the euthanasia request.
What happens if I do not provide veterinary records?
Pets presented to CHS for euthanasia without veterinary documentation may be evaluated before the request is approved. Requests may be declined if there is insufficient information to determine that euthanasia is medically necessary.
Can euthanasia be requested for behavioral reasons?
Yes. In some cases, euthanasia may be considered for pets with severe behavioral issues that significantly impact quality of life or pose a safety risk to people or other animals. Requests may be declined if there is insufficient information to determine that euthanasia is behaviorally necessary.
What documentation is needed for behavioral euthanasia cases?
Pet owners may be asked to provide:
- Animal control reports
- Bite incident reports
- Behavioral evaluations
- Veterinary records
- Other documentation related to the pet’s behavioral history
Should I contact my veterinarian first for behavioral concerns?
Yes. Pet owners are encouraged to discuss behavioral concerns with their veterinarian, who may recommend treatment, management strategies, training resources, or other options before euthanasia is considered.
Are euthanasia services available for emergency situations?
No. Emergency requests are not accommodated.
Do I need an appointment for euthanasia services? Is it easy to get an appointment?
All euthanasia services require a scheduled appointment. Appointment availability may be limited based on scheduling capacity and demand.
What happens if I choose euthanasia without cremation? Can I bury my pet at home?
If euthanasia is selected without cremation services, the pet owner is responsible for making final arrangements, including transportation and burial decisions. Home burial laws very by municipality. Check your local ordinances before making burial arrangements.
Can I stay with my pet during the euthanasia procedure?
You cannot be present for your pet’s euthanasia at a CHS shelter. If you would like to stay with your pet, you will need to schedule a euthanasia appointment at either CHS’ Newington or Wilton public veterinary clinics.
What options are available for pet cremation?
Pet owners may have access to:
- Individual cremation
- Communal cremation
Are ashes returned after individual cremation?
Yes. Individual cremation services generally include the return of a pet’s ashes to the owner.