Pet Euthanasia

For any animal lover, no decision is more difficult to make than the euthanasia of their beloved pet. Yet sometimes, this is the right choice. Certainly, the humane procedures offered at modern veterinary centers have a clear advantage over an illness that prolongs the animal's suffering. You should discuss your pet's condition and the euthanasia option openly with your veterinarian.

In the unfortunate event that you need euthanasia services for your pet, MHS does perform this service at our three adoption centers. The charge is $28 per animal through our adoption centers. (Fees for appointments made through an MHS veterinary center will vary - please call the MHS veterinary center location for an appointment and fees.) 

This service is available on an appointment basis at our adoption centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. Please call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263) for more information or to set up an appointment. Only MHS staff may be present during the time of the euthanasia procedure. However, pet owners are provided with personal, private time with their pet before and after the procedure.

Those wishing to be present during the procedure are encouraged to make an appointment at an MHS veterinary center location or at another veterinary center of their choosing. (Fees will vary.)

Detroit Adoption Center Veterinary Center

Rochester Hills Adoption Center Veterinary Center

Westland Adoption Center Veterinary Center

Experiencing Grief Over the Loss of a Pet

People grieve over the death of a pet. This reaction is normal. Our feelings toward companion animals are so special that experts have a term for the relationship: the human-companion animal bond. When this bond is severed, the sense of loss can be overwhelming.

Society may not offer a grieving pet owner a great deal of sympathy. Even a close friend may comment: "It's only a dog (cat). You can always get another one." Such a reaction would be heartless given the loss of a human friend or family member, and it is generally recognized that a person who has experienced such a loss needs the support of friends and relatives. Psychologists now acknowledge that we need as much support with the loss of a pet as we do a friend or relative.

Veterinarians realize that their final obligation to their animal patients also involves dealing with the pet owner's grief. This does not mean that veterinarians are trained as psychologists and psychiatrists. It does mean that the veterinary doctor, who knows you and your pet, also understands your natural feeling of loss - and is able to offer support. (If he or she seems distant, bear in mind that the death of a pet is stressful even to professionals. Detachment is one way of coping.) Read more on dealing with the loss of a pet >>>