How Much Does It Cost To Put A Rabbit Down
Introduction
I can’t sugarcoat this. Your pet rabbit is going to die. Maybe it’s already sick, or maybe it’s old and you’ve had to put down other pets before. Maybe you’re just anticipating the inevitable, as your little fluff ball starts to show signs of wear-and-tear from his long life. If that’s the case, you might be thinking of putting him down soon so he doesn’t have to suffer any longer. You might even be considering doing the deed yourself instead of trusting a veterinarian with your furry friend. I get why you might think that way: There are plenty of videos on YouTube that try to show how it can be done at home (the bad news: they all fail). But don’t worry! We’re here to help find an affordable solution for every bunny owner who wants their beloved pet to pass in peace without costing an arm and a leg.
Costs To Put A Rabbit Down
If you have the unfortunate experience of having to put your rabbit down, prepare to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The costs depend on where you live and what options are available in your area.
- US: $100-$300
- UK: £70-£180
- Canada: $100-$400
What Happens When You Put A Rabbit Down?
When a rabbit is put down, its body will become stiff. The muscles in the hind legs and back will contract. This causes the body to curl up into a ball and fall over onto its side. Following this, the rabbit’s tongue will protrude from its mouth as it struggles for breath (this is known as opisthotonus). As death occurs, the body should rest in this position until rigor mortis sets in (about 6-8 hours).
The veterinarian may suggest that you cover your pet’s body while they are waiting for rigor mortis to begin so that they can be more easily moved once it does occur. Be sure not to allow any pets or humans access to their deceased companion until after rigor has passed because they could potentially injure themselves trying get at it!
Deciding If It Is Time To Euthanize Your Pet Rabbit
Before you make the decision to put your rabbit down, there are some things that you should consider. First of all, is it time for your rabbit to be euthanized? It may seem obvious when it is necessary to put your pet down, but there are situations where the decision isn’t so clear-cut.
Here are some signs that indicate it might be time to consider euthanasia:
- Your rabbit has severe dental disease and is in pain from chewing on his/her teeth or refusing food because of the pain
- You suspect he/she has kidney failure (if this is the case, make sure you take him/her in for testing before making any decisions)
- He/she cannot stand up anymore due to arthritis
Once you get the bad news about your little bunny and are set on putting him down, you may want to consider the cost before you take further steps.
The cost of putting a rabbit down will vary from vet to vet and from city to city. The most important thing you can do is ask questions about what costs are included and what you might need to pay for separately. For example, if your pet is old and has health issues, additional tests may be needed before moving forward with euthanasia. Those costs can add up quickly!
If possible, also try to find out how much your veterinarian charges for each type of euthanasia procedure. If they’re not familiar with this service or it’s something new that they offer, be sure they give you an estimate so that you can see what your options are when it comes time for the procedure.
Conclusion
You will want to make sure that if you have spent a fortune on your rabbit’s vet bills, you have a good idea of how much the procedure is going to cost. This will help you budget accordingly and ensure that you are able to afford it in case of an emergency. Keep in mind that many vets offer “at-home” pet euthanasia services, which may be the most cost-effective option for those who cannot afford their own at-home veterinarian. In addition, some veterinarians are able to come right out of their offices and provide this service, so they do not need an appointment or drive time.