Pets arent just companions.
They quickly become part of the family.
But with most pets living less than a couple of decades, pet owners eventually face a tough decision.
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Not only is end-of-life care expensive, humane euthanasia can cost hundreds of dollars.
Pet insurance policies, such as those withLemonade, are just one option you have to cover those costs.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia?
Do you have pet insurance?
If so, check your policy to see exactly what it covers.
Some plans cover owner-requested euthanasia.
If your pet is still young, spend a little timeresearching pet insurance.
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Affordable End-of-Life Care For Your Pet
As your pet ages,veterinary costscan increase.
For years, you may pay only for wellness visits and the occasional illness.
In your pets senior years, though, you could find yourself rushing to theemergency vetor scheduling surgeries.
You could end up facing thousands in vet bills for necessary surgeries.
To help offset those costs, check with public services and local nonprofits.
They might have end-of-life services that can help with those escalating health issues.
Whether you choose cremation services or burial, there will likely be fees involved.
Here are some options if youre struggling to find room in your budget.
Veterinarian Euthanasia
In many cases, youll be making end-of-life decisions while standing in your vets office.
If cost is a concern, be open with the staff.
If you have financial problems, your vet could help, Dr. Nicholas Dragolea, founder ofFetched, said.
Vet schools look for dogs, cats and other animals to use for educational purposes.
It also saves money on cremation and memorial services.
Nonprofits and Public Services
Plenty of nonprofits exist solely to look out for animals.
Some of those organizations likely offer end-of-life services in your area.
Get in touch with your local shelter or humane society and ask about low-cost or free euthanasia services.
Another option would be using public services, Cuevas said.
They offer euthanasia plus body disposal services for a fraction of what private practices charge.
They can find a good home or at least use foster care until an owner becomes available.
Even in cases where euthanasia is medically necessary, rescue operations may be able to help.
If they cant provide the service themselves, they can confirm it happens.
You may have to surrender the animal first, though.
This is where you choose from burial or cremation, as well as any memorial options youd like.
Costs range from handling the burial yourself to private cremation or paid cemetery plots.
Heres what you gotta know.
Pet owners would choose a spot and start digging.
They often designated the burial plot with a stone or other memorial marker.
Although not as widely practiced today, its still an option.
There are some downsides to home burial, though.
For one, it might not be legal in your area.
Check local laws and homeowners association restrictions to double-check you wont be in violation.
Also, if you move, youll have to leave your impromptu pet cemetery for the next homeowners.
But it is the most affordable burial option.
Paid Burial vs. Cremation
If youre paying for the service, cremation tends to be cheaper than burial.
With burial, youll need to purchase a box or biodegradable urn, as well as the plot.
Cremation, especially communal cremation, is generally more economical than burial, Dr. Nicholas said.
This offers a respectful and also budget-friendly option for many pet owners.
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With private cremation, the pet is cremated separately, ensuring that you only get your own pets ashes.
If you arent requesting the ashes, communal cremation is the best option.
The pet will be cremated with others.
Discuss the options with your vet and choose the one that makes the most sense for you.
Veterinarian Disposal
After euthanasia services, your vet will go over your options.
One is simply to have the office take care of the remains.
you might still honor the pets life in your own way without spending a fortune on aftercare services.
Tribute does not necessarily have to have the body remains involved, Cuevas said.
Remember your pet with love.
Prepare a special corner for them with a photo and maybe their collar or favorite toy.
Drowning in Expenses?
Maybe youre scrambling after your car broke down.
Or you got a medical bill you werent expecting.
Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge.
You dont need to go it alone.
When money is tight,these resourcescan help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.
Hold a Ceremony
One way we memorialize our human loved ones is through funeral services.
Often, humans dont get the same closure with pet loss.
You dont need to stand at your pets graveside for a memorial ceremony.
you’ve got the option to hold one in your own home.
Gather your pets favorite toys and treats or set up some photos of happier times.
Have everyone share favorite memories as you celebrate your furry loved ones life.
Less than 1 percent seek formal grief counseling, which can help someone fully cope with a loss.
Since seeing a mental health professional is pricey, its not the best option for those on a budget.
There are also online grief forums, including Facebook groups, dedicated to this punch in of loss.
There are some affordable alternatives to more expensive end-of-life services.
Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience.
