Owner-Requested Euthanasia

Deciding when to let your pet go is a difficult decision. We certainly understand.

We wish our pets could stay with us throughout our lives. How wonderful it would be to grow old with the dogs and cats from our childhood years! Nevertheless, the time comes when we must say goodbye to the pets we hold so dear. Euthanasia often plays a part in that farewell, because compassionate pet owners would never want their furry best friend to suffer. When a pet is critically ill or injured, or their quality of life is greatly diminished by old age, euthanasia could well be the ultimate act of selfless love.

The decision to euthanize or not is an extremely tough call, and one that unfortunately no one else can make for you. You should talk it over with family members, with your vet and with friends too if you so choose. You can also sit in a quiet place alone with your pet, look into their eyes and ask them what they want you to do. No, you won’t hear them speak out loud, but if you have shared a close bond with your pet, you may “hear” them on another level. Ultimately, it comes down to becoming still and listening to what your heart is telling you. If you do that, you will know that whatever decision you make will be the right one, at the right time.

The Humane Society of Harford County provides humane euthanasia services for animals owned by members of the community. Euthanasia is carried out by staff members that have been certified in “Euthanasia By Injection” under the provisions established by American Humane.

Please call 410-836-1090 x109 to make a euthanasia appointment for your pet. Normally, we can schedule an appointment between the hours of 11 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

We require that you provide us with proof of ownership (vet records with your name as owner, purchase receipt, adoption receipt, etc.) for your pet, as we will not euthanize any pet that is not legally yours. The fee for this service is dependent on the animal’s weight as follows:

General aftercare is by mass cremation through a private contract. We are not able to return the ashes to you. You have the option of taking your beloved pet with you after the euthanasia procedure if you so choose.

If you must euthanize your injured, ill or aged pet and we are closed, please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic

We cannot provide owner-attended services. If you wish to remain with your pet at the time of euthanasia, please contact a full-service veterinary clinic.