Our Services

Dane County Humane Society offers limited pet euthanasia and cremation services to the public. As a nonprofit shelter without a public veterinary clinic, we are able to accommodate one appointment per day, from Monday through Friday. Appointments are typically booked at least one week out, and we require scheduled appointments for these services so that we can ensure the best possible care for your pet.

To schedule an appointment, please call us at (608) 838-0413 ext. 100.

Service Options

Owner Requested Euthanasia: The owner is requesting euthanasia of their pet but does not wish to be present during the procedure.

Owner Present Euthanasia: The owner is requesting euthanasia and would like to be present during the procedure.

Cremation: Cremation may be added on to pet euthanasia services, or owners whose animals have passed away at home have the option of bringing the animal to DCHS for cremation services.

Two cremation options are available to the public. If you choose a private cremation, your pet would be cremated individually, and you would be able to bring home your pet’s cremated remains as a keepsake at a later date from the shelter. With communal cremation, your pet would be cremated as a group with other pets, so there are no remains available for the pet guardian with this option.

Fees for Services

*Owner Requested Euthanasia (ORE): $50 + tax

*Owner Present Euthanasia (OPE): $100 + tax

Communal Cremation (no ashes back): $80 + tax

Private Cremation (ashes back): $175 + tax

ORE plus Communal Cremation: $130 + tax

ORE plus Private Cremation: $225+ tax

OPE plus Communal Cremation: $180 + tax

OPE plus Private Cremation: $275 + tax

Small Mammals (< 3 lbs.)

Owner Requested Euthanasia (ORE): $25 + tax

Owner Present Euthanasia (OPE): $50 + tax

Communal Cremation (no ashes back): $20 + tax

Private Cremation (ashes back): $75 + tax

ORE plus Communal Cremation: $45 + tax

ORE plus Private Cremation: $100 + tax

OPE plus Communal Cremation: $70 + tax

OPE plus Private Cremation: $125 + tax

* The Euthanasia Only option is available for those who wish to take the body back for burial. For all other Euthanasia services, there is an additional fee for Cremation.

** If the animal bit within the last 10 days, there are additional fees related to rabies observation and/or testing. Please call (608) 838-0413 ext. 100 to discuss.

Support Options

The Pet Loss Resource Center is a private, nonprofit organization that provides free support to the pet loving community. This mission is "to give support, guidance and resources needed to people when a family pet has died or is nearing the end of life." They offer support groups through certified Pet Loss Grief Counselors and a Grief Support Therapist that specializes in the pet and human bond.

More time-sensitive pet euthanasia services may be available through local emergency vet clinics such as UW Veterinary Care, Madison Veterinary Specialists, or VCA Veterinary Emergency Services & Veterinary Specialty Center.

In-home pet euthanasia services may be available through Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia and Full Circle Pet Hospice and Euthanasia.