Humane Euthanasia & After Care

San Diego Humane Society is here to support you when the time has come to say goodbye to a cherished pet.

We provide a variety of compassionate services to help you through this difficult time.

Frame with picture of dog, collar and lily flower on white table indoors, closeup. Pet funeral

End-of-Life Euthanasia

San Diego Humane Society provides post-surrender euthanasia services for pet owners at a reduced cost of $80. This service does not include the option of being present during the euthanasia. Note: We do not euthanize healthy pets.

Owner requested euthanasia can be scheduled by appointment. Please call 619-299-7012.

After Care Services

Communal Cremation

We offer communal cremation for an additional fee.

Cremation (0-29 pounds) - $25
Cremation (30-79 pounds) - $60
Cremation (80+ pounds) - $80

Private Cremation and Aftercare Services

The following organizations assist with aftercare decisions (cremation/burial). If you have any questions about the program as it relates to San Diego Humane Society, please call 619-299-7012 during business hours.

Recommended aftercare service agencies

Pet Loss Support

The bond we share with our pets is deep and meaningful, and saying goodbye can be one of the hardest experiences we face. Everyone’s grief journey looks different, and it’s important to have support along the way. We’ve compiled a few resources that may bring comfort and help you navigate this difficult time.

If you are:

  • Feeling lost without your pet.
  • Wondering what to tell your child about the loss of a pet.
  • Finding that family and friends aren’t able to provide the support you need.
  • Wondering if it is too soon to get another pet.
  • Still grieving for a pet you had some time ago.
  • Currently considering euthanasia for a pet.
Charming, adorable puppy of brown color and a cute woman. Close-up, indoor. Day light. Concept of care, education, obedience training, raising pets

Local In-Person and Virtual Support Groups

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers a variety of support options. They also offer a list of phone support groups across the country as a resource.

Human Animal Bond Trust

Human Animal Bond Trust offers a free virtual support group weekly on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. Mountain Time.

Optum Health

Optum Health offers a live chat support group Monday-Friday from 4-10 p.m. at 888-724-7240 for those in various types of crises, including pet loss.

Paws into Grace

Paws into Grace, a local in-home pet euthanasia service provider, offers a list of local pet loss resources.

Pet Cloud

Looking for more regular virtual options and resources? Pet Cloud offers weekly virtual pet loss support groups, a membership support program, grief support and quality-of-life and euthanasia guides and many other resources.

Reverend Lisa Harris

Available for online grief/trauma care for those in need of immediate counseling due to the loss of a beloved pet due to euthanasia, accidents, illness, missing pet, etc. Also available to officiate pet funeral, homegoing and graveside services.
Available by email [email protected] or by phone 619-581-6021.

Websites

Books and Resources for Adults

  • Grief Pets: helping people in times of grief over the loss of a beloved pet.
  • Saying Good-bye to the Pet You Love, Lorri Greene, PhD and Jacquelyn Landis, New Harbinger Publications, 2002.
  • Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, Jon Katz, Villard, 2011.
  • Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet, Moira Anderson, Peregrine Press, 1994.
  • The Human-Animal Bond and Grief, Laurel Lagoni, Carolyn Butler and Suzanne Hetts, W.B. Saunders and Company, 1994.
  • Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet, Myrna Milani, DVM, Prima Publishing, 1988.
  • Oh Where Has My Pet Gone?: A Pet Loss Memory Book, Ages 3-103, Sally Sibbitt, B. Libby Press, 1991.
  • The Loss of a Pet, Wallace Sife, Howell Books, 1998.
  • Golden Angels: Lessons in Love and Loss from Buddy Girl and Daisy May, Stephanie Weaver, Braver Endeavor Publishing, 2013.
  • Love Crosses Over, Elizabeth Allen, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013.
  • Bill at the Rainbow Bridge, Dan Carrison
  • Precious Companion, Laynee Gilbert
  • Pet Loss Meditations, Lorise Weil
  • Coping with the Loss of a Pet, Christine M. Lemieux
  • When a Family Pet Dies, JoAnn Tuzeo Jarolmen
  • The Grief Recovery Handbook, Russell Friedman et al
  • Good-bye My Friend, Mary and Herb Montgomery
  • Not Forgotten, Alexandra Day
  • Rainbow and Bridges, Allen and Linda Anderson

Books and Resources for Children

  • RedRover provides a list of child-appropriate pet loss books.
  • Grief Pets: helping people in times of grief over the loss of a beloved pet.
  • I Love You As Much And More Than This, RM Rozman, 2022.
  • When a Pet Dies, Fred Rogers, 1998.
  • Dog Heaven, Cynthia Rylant, 1995.
  • Cat Heaven, Cynthia Rylant, 1997.
  • You're Still with Me, Written by Lisa M. Algee. Illustrated by E.F. Tongson
  • Oh Where Has My Pet Gone?: A Pet Loss Memory Book, Ages 3-103, Sally Sibbitt, B. Libby Press, 1991.
  • The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, Judith Viorst, Athenum, 1971.
  • Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White, Harper Junior, 1952.
  • Remembering My Pet: A Kid’s Own Spiritual Workbook for When a Pet Dies, Nechama Liss-Levinson, PhD and Rev. Molly Phinney Baskett, SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2007.
  • When Your Pet Dies, Victoria Ryan
  • Kitty Heaven's in the Sky, Lynn Barbarite
  • Doggy Heaven's in the Sky, Lynn Barbarite
  • Just for Kids in Grief, Yvonne Williams
  • More than a Cat: A Celebration of the Life of... workbook
  • More than a Dog: A Celebration of the Life of... workbook
  • The Final Goodbye, Terri Zumstein

These lists and links are provided as a service to the community and do not necessarily include all pet loss resources. San Diego Humane Society is not affiliated with these organizations and does not take responsibility for the content therein.