Pet Euthanasia and Cremation Guide NZ
If you're considering euthanizing your pet, it's crucial to consult or at least call a veterinarian. They can provide you with information about your pet's health, potential treatment options, and guide you through the decision-making process.
In this article, we'll try to balance our personal experience with pet cremation and euthanasia with more general information about the process and where to seek support .
Pet Euthanasia Step by Step
- Call/Consult with a Veterinarian:
- Schedule an appointment with your regular veterinarian or an emergency vet if needed
- Call your vet if you feel that your dog or cat can't handle the car ride
- Discuss your pet's health condition, prognosis, and treatment options
- Ask about potential outcomes and quality of life for your pet
- Don't hesitate to ask the veterinarian any questions you may have about the euthanasia process, the options available, and what to expect
- Consider Your Pet's Quality of Life:
- Assess your pet's overall well-being, considering factors like pain, mobility, appetite, and enjoyment of life
- Discuss with the veterinarian how your pet's condition may progress over time
- Discuss Euthanasia Options:
- Your veterinarian will explain the euthanasia procedure and discuss options such as at-home euthanasia or bringing your pet to the clinic
- Consider whether you want to be present during the procedure
- Decide on Timing:
- Work with the veterinarian to determine the best time for euthanasia based on your pet's condition and your preferences
- Work with the veterinarian to determine the best time for euthanasia based on your pet's condition and your preferences
- Plan for Aftercare:
- Decide how you want to handle your pet's remains, whether through burial, cremation, or another option
- Decide how you want to handle your pet's remains, whether through burial, cremation, or another option
- Emotional Support:
- Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and seek emotional support
- Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and seek emotional support
- Say Goodbye:
- Take the time to say goodbye to your pet, expressing your love and gratitude.
- Take the time to say goodbye to your pet, expressing your love and gratitude.
Dog & Cat Euthanasia Cost
Location of the Euthanasia Clinic:
- Decide whether the euthanasia will take place at home or in the vet's clinic. Home services are typically more expensive due to covering the vet's travel costs and time
- The size of your pet plays a role in the cost. Larger pets require more medication, involving a combination of pain relievers and anesthetics to ensure comfort during the process
- If you choose cremation, the cost remains relatively consistent. However, the type of container for the ashes, if desired, can affect the overall cost. Opting for a private cremation may involve additional fees
- Some veterinarians offer extras like a plaster paw print of your pet. An examination before euthanasia is standard, and you may incur the cost of this exam, particularly if your pet hasn't been seen by the vet before. There could be additional charges for medications or IV catheters
- Private cremation and special requests may result in extra costs. Inquire about any potential additional charges before making decisions
Seeking a second opinion or consulting a specialist may lead to additional charges, so it's advisable to inquire about prices when considering major procedures or treatments. We also recommend contacting your cat or dog insurance provider to check what treatments are covered in your policy.
Pet Euthanasia Clinics in Auckland
- Peaceful Paws
- Sunset Vet Care
- Animal Action Limited
- Abbotts Way Veterinary Clinic
- Auckland Pet Hospital
- Animal Emergency at VSA
- Manukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic
- House Call Vet
- Auckland Veterinary Hospital
- Remuera Veterinary Hospital
- Albany Veterinary Hospital
- Massey Heights Veterinary Hospital
Pet Euthanasia Clinics in Christchurch
- Our Pet's Goodbye
- Vetcall Animal Hospital
- At The Vets
- Harewood Veterinary Hospital
- After Hours Veterinary Clinic
- The Cat Vet
- Animal and Bird Hospital
- Aldwins Road Vet Clinic
- Kowhai Vet
- Ourvets St Albans Veterinary Clinic
- Ourvets Halswell Veterinary Clinic
- Ourvets Parklands Veterinary Clinic
- Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa
- Cats At The Vets
- Animal Orthopaedics Christchurch
- Vet2U Ltd
Pet Euthanasia Clinics in Hamilton
- Hamilton Small Animal Veterinary Centre
Pet Euthanasia Dunedin
- Pet Doctors - The Gardens
- [email protected]
- St Kilda Veterinary Centre
- Humanimals
- Green Island Veterinary Clinic
- SPCA Dunedin Centre
- Animates Vetcare Clinic Dunedin
Dog & Cat Cremation Cost
How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Dog or a Cat?
Here is a summary of what is costs to cremate your dog or your cat in New Zealand. These prices can vary depending on the region, the clinic and any other services that you may include.Average Dog and Cat Cremation Prices:
Individual Cremation: Pets are cremated individually, and their ashes are returned in either a cardboard or wooden ash box. A signed cremation certificate is provided.- Up to 2kg: $90.00 (Cardboard) / $115.00 (Wooden)
- 2kg to 7kg: $200.00 (Cardboard) / $275.00 (Wooden)
- 7kg to 15kg: $300.00 (Cardboard) / $355.00 (Wooden)
- 15kg to 25kg: $325.00 (Cardboard) / $410.00 (Wooden)
- 25kg to 40kg: $400.00 (Cardboard) / $470.00 (Wooden)
- 40kg to 55kg: $450.00 (Cardboard) / $540.00 (Wooden)
- 55kg to 70kg: $470.00 (Cardboard) / $565.00 (Wooden)
- 70kg to 95kg: $500.00 (Cardboard) / $605.00 (Wooden)
- Up to 2kg: $20.00
- 2kg to 7kg: $40.00
- 7kg to 15kg: $50.00
- 15kg to 25kg: $70.00
- 25kg to 40kg: $90.00
- 40kg to 55kg: $110.00
- 55kg to 70kg: $140.00
- 70kg to 95kg: $200.00
Where Can You Cremate Dogs and Cats in NZ?
We have listed all of the places where you can cremate your dog or your cat in New Zealand.- Caring Cremations - Auckland
- Fond Farewells Pet Cremation Service - Lincoln
- Bay of Plenty Pet Cremations - Omanu
- Pets @ Rest Limited - Auckland
- Pet Cremations - Auckland
- Pets Ever After - Wakefield
- Soul Friend Pet Cremations - Ashhurst
- Paws for Thought - Egmont
- Truly Treasured - Auckland
- Paws2Heaven Individual - Springston
- SF Pet Cremations - Palmerston North
- Give me Wings - Canterbury
- Forever Loved - Swannanoa
- Heaven Sent - Mosgiel
- Auckland Pet Funerals - Dairy Flat
- Gentle Waters - Christchurch
- Pet Angel Wings Services - Masterton
- Pet Farewells - Lower Hutt
- Furever Friends - Blenheim
- Forever Pets Crematorium - Thames
- Paws at Rest 2020 Limited - Invercargill
- Pet Reflections Ltd - Gisborne
At Home Euthanasia vs Veterinary Clinic Euthanasia
What is Home Euthanasia?
At-home euthanasia involves a veterinarian conducting the procedure at the pet's residence. This option prioritizes comfort and minimizes stress for both the pet and the owner.What Does Clinic or Hospital Euthanasia Involve?
In-clinic euthanasia takes place when a pet owner brings their pet to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital for the procedure. This choice may offer a more cost-effective alternative to at-home euthanasia.
Home Euthanasia Process for Pets:
At-home euthanasia is a thoughtful and compassionate option where the veterinarian brings everything needed for a peaceful experience directly to your home - a place your pet is familiar with. While commonly chosen for cats and dogs, this service can also be extended to other animal companions. Here's a gentle overview of what to expect:Initial Consultation: Begin with a heartfelt conversation by making an initial phone call to the in-home euthanasia provider. A caring client specialist will discuss your pet's medical history, diagnosis, quality of life, and medications. They'll also address your concerns, including about costs and discuss aftercare preferences like burial or cremation.
In-Home Visit: When the veterinarian arrives at your home, they'll take the time to introduce themselves to your family and pet. Your pet is encouraged to be in the most comfortable area of the house or yard, free from disturbances. The veterinarian will discuss suitable locations with you, ensuring the serene environment your pet deserves. Additionally, they'll share insights into your pet's condition and patiently respond to any lingering questions.
Sedation: In most cases, your pet will receive a gentle sedative. Treats and comforting pets are provided until your pet peacefully drifts into a deep, sleep-like state, free from pain or discomfort. In some instances, an IV catheter may be placed in your pet's leg to administer the euthanasia solution.
Euthanasia Medication: With your pet in a tranquil and comfortable state, the veterinarian will administer the euthanasia agent. This medication acts swiftly to bring a peaceful end, with many pets passing within a few serene minutes.
Aftercare: The compassionate journey extends into aftercare, either cremation or burial. You have the option to choose cremation or keep your pet with you if you have a special burial place.
If cremation is preferred, the veterinarian can arrange for your pet to be taken to a cremation service, and the remains can be picked up or shipped to your home. Additionally, they may offer grief counseling and supportive resources to help you cope with the aftermath of euthanasia.
While at-home euthanasia may be a pricier option, many pet owners find the added comfort and convenience worthwhile. However, it's crucial to consider the dynamics of your household, especially the presence of other animals and children, as this can impact the stress levels of both the pet and family members during the process.
Ultimately, your needs are significant in this journey. Reflect on what will bring you comfort on that day and in the weeks that follow as you navigate the grieving process.
Clinic or Hospital Euthanasia Process for Pets:
In-hospital euthanasia is when a vet helps your pet say goodbye at a clinic or hospital. People often choose this if their pet is really sick or in a lot of pain. It can be quicker than doing it at home, especially for pets in critical conditions.Many people pick in-hospital euthanasia because it comes with extra support from a skilled vet team. You can also be there with your pet if you want, saying goodbye in a calm place.
The process is pretty much the same as doing it at home, with a chat, a bit of relaxation medicine, the goodbye medicine, and what happens afterward. The main difference is where it all happens.
Choosing the Right Goodbye:There's no better or worse option; it's about what feels right for your pet and your family. Learning about your options before an emergency occurs can also be reassuring. As can talking to your vet to make sure your pet's feelings are the priority. And remember, saying goodbye is tough, so it's okay to ask for support when you need it.
No matter where it happens, your vet team is there to make sure your pet's last moments are peaceful and comfortable.
Does My Insurance Cover the Cost of Euthanasia or Cremation?
If this is a concern, carefully review your policy's terms and conditions or call your insurance. Consider exploring pet insurance options that explicitly cover euthanasia or cremation costs if it aligns with your preferences and concerns. Always be informed about your insurance coverage before making decisions about your pet's end-of-life care.
Some pet insurance plans also pay you a lump sum in the event your pet dies. Petcover for example covers up to $2,000 when your pet passes away with their Superior Plan. Find out more in our guide to dog insurances.
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FAQ
If this is a concern, carefully review your policy's terms and conditions or call your insurance provider to check. Consider exploring pet insurance options that explicitly cover euthanasia or cremation costs if it aligns with your preferences and concerns. Always be informed about your insurance coverage before making decisions about your pet's end-of-life care.
Petcover's Superior Plans covers up to $2,000 in additional costs associated with the death of your pet.
It's recommended to discuss your preferences with your veterinarian beforehand to ensure that they are aware of your wishes. Some veterinary practices may have specific protocols or guidelines, and they can provide information on what to expect during the euthanasia procedure. If you have concerns or questions, your veterinarian will be able to address them and help make the experience as peaceful as possible for both you and your pet.
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