Euthanasia Services for Owned Animals

As a limited-intake, no-kill shelter, Cascades Humane Society never euthanizes animals in our facility for space, however, sometimes pet owners must choose euthanasia to end suffering and do right by their loved one. This can come at an extremely high cost, and not every pet owner can afford that service. Not wanting any animal to suffer, CHS offers low-cost euthanasia and cremation services for pet owners in our facility. All pets will first receive a medical consult and quality of life assessment prior to euthanasia. When indicated, we will refer those with treatable disease to full service veterinary clinics or offer shelter placement when possible.

Euthanasia is one of the hardest, yet most loving, things we can do for our beloved pets when they are suffering. We know the decision to euthanize is not made lightly and are here to help your family through the process. Our humane euthanasia protocol follows AVMA standards to allow for the most peaceful passing possible.

Scheduling

Euthanasia is by appointment only. Please call 517-787-7387 ext. 115 to schedule an appointment. Most euthanasias are done in the early afternoon. Please leave a message if we are unable to answer and someone will return your call as soon as possible. Please note, we do not offer emergency euthanasia services as our medical staff is not always in the building. You may need to seek another veterinary clinic or hospital for emergency services.

What to expect:

  • Prior to the appointment, consider how you would like to care for your pet’s remains. Cascades offers group cremation without ashes returned. Alternately, you can take your pet home with you for burial or to have privately cremated with the company of your choosing. You should also decide if you would like to be present for the procedure. If you elect not to, our staff will remain with your pet through the process.
  • At your appointment time, please enter the shelter through the intake entrance which faces Carmen Drive (north side of the building).
  • Upon arrival, you will be asked to complete paperwork authorizing the procedure and to provide payment.
  • A staff member will then lead you (if you choose to be present) and your pet to a room in our medical area. We do not have exam rooms designated for the public but will make sure that your family is comfortable and has privacy.
  • When you are ready, veterinary staff will give an intramuscular injection of sedative. The injection may sting upon administration, but the pain does not linger. This sedation is designed to make your pet comfortable, relaxed, and relieve any pain or anxiety. It will take effect over the course of 5-15 minutes, during which time you and your pet will be given the room alone together.
  • Our veterinarian will then administer the final injection, an overdose of anesthetic, into a vein. The injection acts quickly, is not painful, and puts your pet under general anesthesia prior to stopping the heart. As the pet relaxes, it is not unusual for them to urinate, defecate, or take gasping breaths. Occasionally, muscle twitches can be seen after death. All of this is normal and not signs of distress.

Pricing

Euthanasia:
Cat: $60
Dog 0-25lb: $75
Dog 26-50lb: $85
Dog 51-100lb: $100
Dog >100lb: $125

Cremation Services (General, not private cremation. Ashes are not returned):
Cat: $40
Dog: $50

Cremation Services (Private, ashes returned):
0-2lbs: $125
2-10lbs: $150
10-20lbs: $175
20-40lbs: $200
40-60lbs: $225
60-80lbs: $250
80-100lbs: $275
100+ lbs: $325