When your pet is no longer able to live pain-free and with dignity, it may be time to think about humane euthanasia. The following organizations offer low-cost end-of-life services for pets. The requirements for assistance vary, so please review the requirements for each individually.
These businesses/programs were compiled as a courtesy and are neither endorsed, nor guaranteed, by Joybound People & Pets.
Clinics Offering Low-Cost Humane Euthanasia
The following clinics operate primarily within Northern California:
Joybound Community Veterinary Care
- Services available in Walnut Creek, CA.
- Services offered to Contra Costa County residents only.
- Limited space available, currently booked up to six weeks in advance.
- Services available in Berkeley, CA.
East Bay SPCA Family Veterinary Clinic
- Services available in Oakland, CA.
- Services available in Milpitas, CA.
- An online database of veterinarians offering in-home euthanasia.
- Services available in Novato, CA.
- Services available in Oakland, CA.
- Services offered to Oakland residents only.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
- Services available in San Mateo, CA.
- Services available in Sacramento, CA.
San Francisco Animal Care and Control
- Services available in San Francisco, CA.
Grief Support
The following groups operate primarily within Northern California, although many currently are meeting online via video conferencing apps:
Joybound Pet Loss Support Meetings
- Support group meets monthly in Walnut Creek, CA.
- A collection of resources for grieving pet guardians.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
- A collection of resources for grieving pet guardians.
- Bronze-tier membership is free.
- Support group meets online.
- Support group and individual counseling meet online.
Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter
- Support group meets online.
- Support group serves guardians of pet rabbits.
- Support group meets online.
- Support group meets online.
- Support group meets online.
Muttville Pet Loss Support Group
- Support group meets online.
- Support group serves Alameda, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa County residents.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
- Support group meets online.
- Support group meets online.
Redwood Empire Veterinary Medical Association
- Support group meets online.
- Support group meets online.
- Support group meets in San Francisco, CA.
- Support group meets in Vacaville, CA.
- Support group meets in Davis, CA.
- Support group meets in Pleasanton, CA.
More Resources for Pet Guardians
Pet Vaccinations
We offer free, monthly pet vaccination clinics, held at locations across Contra Costa County!
Pet Food
Nobody should have to choose between feeding their pet and feeding themselves.
Spay/Neuter Services
Our team safely sterilizes thousands of dogs and cats each year using the highest standards of care.
Pet Safety Net
We’re here to help keep pets out of municipal shelters, and with the family who loves them.
Community Veterinary Care
Need low-cost medical care for your dog or cat? Community Veterinary Care (CVC) may be able to help!
Rehoming Resources
Rehoming your pet yourself is usually a better option than bringing them to a shelter.
Community Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return is the only long-term strategy for humanely controlling the free-roaming cat population.
Financial Assistance
Here is a collection of resources (including Joybound’s) that can help assist with low-cost veterinary care.
Pet Loss & Grief Support
Pets are family — and losing a member of your family can be a painful and traumatic experience.