Senior Horse Care — Euthanasia Resources

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"God forbid that I should go to any heaven in which there are no horses." R. B. Cunningham Graham
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Purpose   Facts for Horse Owners

Euthanasia  

     Choosing the Timing and Setting for Euthanasia   

     Auction is Not Euthanasia 

     Financial Aid

     Hauling Your Horse to a Clinic or Hospice

     The Case for Equine Hospice
     Large Farms and Ranches Should Have Trained Personnel

     Methods Deemed Inhumane Under Most State Laws 

Burial

     Burial at Home

Rendering and Cremation

State Directory Burial, Cremation, Rendering Services

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     Tennessee  Texas  Virginia  Wisconsin

 Horse Memorials

Other_Resources   Back to Seniors              

Purpose                                                                                                   (Top of Page)

As horse owners who had transitioned from rural and suburban horsekeeping in the 50's and 60's to metropolitan stabling in the 80's to present, we experienced the loss of beloved aged horses, and as professionals we helped others cope with the loss of younger horses due to illness or injury.  Over the years, available resources, public health laws, and costs have changed.  We discovered that accurate information is scattered, and it is distressing as well as time-consuming for owners facing such loss to research.

Adding to the distress for many horse owners is the heated political controversy in recent years about euthanasia of horses, and we found some very inaccurate claims made by proponents of slaughter on one side of the debate, and animal rights activists on the other.  As horse owners we found these exaggerations very misleading to the non-horse owning public, and totally unhelpful to the poor individual or family presently dealing with the likely imminent loss of a loved one.

Facts for Horse Owners                                                                                                  (Top of Page)

This page should reassure the horse owner of these facts:

Euthanasia                                                                 (Top of Page)                              
 

When we must make a difficult decision ... 

Bayer Equine Connection - Brochure for Horse Owners in Connection with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 

This brochure assists owners in consultation with their veterinarian to decide when it is humane to euthanize a horse, donkey or mule.  The quality of life the animal can enjoy in the near and long term, the risks and expenses of continued care or treatment, and the ability of caregivers to continue intensive specialized care are all factors.  The brochure is excellent, and all horse owners should have a copy tucked in their emergency plan binder, or horse file, for when it is time to think about the end of life.  Those of us who have been close to a dog, cat, horse, pot bellied pig, or other companion animal into old age, have experienced a moment when we are aware that a change is occurring.  Many people describe their loved one as having "told" them the time is near with a look or expression, body language, change in routine, or other subtle sign.  This is a time to trust that relationship of many years, and those instincts, as part of the decision making process. 

Your veterinarian may describe alternatives when you broach the subject.  Typically, he or she does so to ensure you are informed of all the options, if any, and have considered them.  It is seldom, if ever, your veterinarian's goal to encourage you to spend a great deal of money on treatments with poor chances of success, or to send the horse to a less dependable caregiver.  However, it is his or her duty to let you know about the treatment, in case you do want to try it, despite the odds and expense.

NOTE:  Many horse rescues and sanctuaries today must struggle with the same decisions as individual horse owners who face very difficult decisions about expensive treatments, medications, and lengthy rehabilitation or hospice care.  This veterinarian has written an excellent book about this very issue.  We highly recommend it to operators of retirement farms, sanctuaries, rescues, and horse owners who are coping with a long-term care illness.  Especially if your horse's situation involves illness rather than injury, it is well worth reading.

Choosing the Timing and Setting for Euthanasia                     (Top of Page)

If you have decided to euthanize your horse, and it is not an emergency, arrange a time with your veterinarian that works for him, the removal service, and you.  If your horse is not at home, but boarded at a stable, we suggest choosing an hour before morning lessons or training sessions begin, or after evening lessons end, or perhaps a day the barn is closed.  Your barn manager can suggest a good time, and will appreciate it that you have not scheduled this sad task in the middle of the busiest day of the week.  This affords you, your veterinarian, and the removal service some privacy, and your horse a quiet time.  It also allows you to choose a location at the farm other than the horse's stall, that is safe and accessible, but pleasantly familiar to your horse, such as a favorite turn out paddock.  Whenever possible, a horse should be euthanized in his normal surroundings, accompanied by one of his normal friendly handlers, enjoying a favorite treat, and within whinny range of his herd. Also, by making the appointment in advance, you have time to say your farewells privately, take a section of forelock, mane, or tail as a memento for yourself or the children if you wish, and otherwise prepare yourself.    You will also have scheduled some private time after your horse is gone before having to see barn friends or acquaintances or other family members who need to be comforted, or at least informed.

Sometimes none of a horse's owners or caretakers can bring themselves to be present. Your veterinarian and the removal service will understand, if that is the case.  However, the veterinarian should have time to prepare before the horse is brought to the spot you have chosen, and should have an assistant handler for safety, and to make sure everything goes smoothly without causing the horse any anxiety. 

It is unnecessarily stressful for the aged, nearly blind, or ill horse, as well as for the people, to take him someplace unfamiliar.

Auction is Not Euthanasia                                              (Top of Page)     

Please, do not think if you manage to sell your aged, lame, malformed, untrained, or blind horse for a few hundred dollars at a weekend county auction, he is going to be "euthanized."  Due to such animals lowering the attractiveness of their business to both buyers and sellers, and publicized problems with unsold horses being left on site, many low-end auctioneers no longer accept obviously decrepit or blind animals for auction.

If you do succeed in selling your horse because it is a good weight, he is facing a terrifying and exhausting journey to meet an end that is not humane, probably in Juarez, Mexico if he is in a Southern state, or Calgary, Canada if a Northern one.  It is actually illegal since 1996 for a slaughter transporter to haul a completely blind or seriously lame, or about-to-foal horse, or one under six months of age.  However, the USDA APHIS is only funded to inspect the loads once they get to the border crossing or an American horse slaughterhouse.  They are often not even notified of a shipment by border agents unaware of the law.  It is also illegal to fail to offer the horses a full six hours of unrestricted access to feed, potable water and rest without overcrowding before being loaded, and to fail to unload and offer another rest, feed, and water period at the end of 28 hours.  However, there is no method for inspecting, monitoring, or enforcing these transport laws.  There were about 200 haulers in the United States in 2001 when 4 centrally located plants still operated in Illinois and Texas.  The number operating in 2008 to move horses from the low-end auctions to the collection points, borders, or abattoirs is unknown.  The truck driver is expected to truthfully answer USDA inspector questions about his compliance with these laws, IF he is asked at the end of his trip.  He is not required to provide any proof that can be verified.  It is common practice for livestock transport companies to use trailers designed to take shorter, less fragile cows and pigs to slaughter to haul horses to slaughter as "fill-in" business.  Every year, serious highway accidents occur when these double-decker rigs are put to this use for which they are not designed. 

Financial Aid                                                                                            (Top of Page)

If you need help covering the cost of humane euthanasia, please apply for charitable assistance from the thousands of animal welfare, social welfare organizations, and churches that can help.  Call a reputable horse rescue or humane society for a referral.  If euthanasia is appropriate, most rescues will assist you to obtain veterinary euthanasia and local large animal remains disposal.  Most reputable horse rescues, like other informed horsepeople, agree that euthanasia is preferable to export for slaughter, abandonment, or inadequate care, or continued suffering.  Even the proponents of slaughter agree that export to non-U.S. facilities is inhumane, this is their main argument for re-opening plants closed by their respective state laws in Illinois and Texas.  Horse rescues will not judge you, rather, they will assist you. 

If you are strapped financially, see if your veterinarian will offer a payment plan for his bill, such as three installments.  Again, a frank discussion with the horse rescue may turn up some emergency horse welfare funds set aside for this purpose by local benefactors.  They may even be able to make some outreach calls to previous donors and volunteers to contribute for a special case.

Raise the money yourself using new web social media fundraising tools such as: ChipIn.com or GiveForward.org . You could also hold a car wash, bake sale, garage sale to raise the necessary cash.

Care for the Horses, Sierra Vista, AZ  Specializes in assisting horse owners facing hardships so they can keep their horses with feed and veterinary care, including humane euthanasia when appropriate.  Provides care to horses confiscated by AZ Agricultural Livestock Officers and rehabilitates them for rehoming by adoption. Also does courtesy listings for owners who need to rehome their horse but can keep it themselves until the home is found.

NEW! The Animal Guardian Network, a 501(c)3 non-profit in Arizona that assists rescues and also assists "financially disadvantaged pet guardians."  Services offered to pet owners who are low-income or who have experienced unexpected financial hardship in the down-spiraling economy include neutering, veterinary care, humane euthanasia, fostering and rehoming. 

In partnership with Arabian Horse Rehoming Resource of Ft. Worth, TX, Addis Equine Auctions has collected funds to assist distressed owners with euthanasia and disposal of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses to prevent suffering or the possibility of transport to low-end auctions and probable slaughter.  Please contact AHRR for more information about this emergency fund.

Help-A-Pet is a nationwide non-profit organization founded in 1999 that provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets.  Every dollar donated is used to help pets.  All payments are made directly to the veterinarian or service provider.

Nor-Cal Equine Rescue, provides low-cost or free evaluation for rescue, rehabilitation or euthanasia and appropriate disposal clinics for families with horses in distress that are financially unable to provide appropriate care.  During the clinic professionals provide immediate care, owner education, and networking opportunities, and veterinary evaluation as to whether euthanasia is appropriate.  If indicated, humane euthanasia with peace and dignity for the horse and family is provided free or at low cost ($125-$150 in 2008-2009.)  The purpose of the AHF $2,500 grant is to enable Nor-Cal to produce a manual for other rescues that want to provide this much needed service in their communities.  Nor-Cal has offered this service monthly since November of 2008 and it is well-received by the clients.  Located in Oroville, California, Nor-Cal was founded in 2003 and has been featured on the Animal Planet television channel.  In nearly six years of operation Nor-Cal has rescued 929 horses. NorCal Equine Rescue P.O. Box 6108 Oroville, CA  95966 Phone 530-534-7742 www.savethehorse.com

Hauling Your Horse to a Clinic or Hospice                                                       (Top of Page)

While it is usually preferable to euthanize a horse where it lives, in order to take advantage of many low-cost services you must take the horse to the veterinary school, hospital, or rescue clinic.  If you need to move your horse to a veterinary clinic or school, or to a hospice and euthanasia clinic at a horse rescue, and you and your horse do not have recent trailering experience, or you do not have a horse trailer:

1. Ask for a referral to a professional horse transport service from your veterinarian or the school or clinic, and
2. Visit our Hauling Page for tips to review and prepare for your safety and the comfort and safety of your horse.

The Case for Equine Hospice                                                                                        (Top of Page)

Someday, when you have finished grieving, and have a little time, help us to make local affordable large animal euthanasia facilities available within 60 miles of major metropolitan areas and concentrations of rural horse properties.  These would be similar to human hospices, providing dignified, serene, professional, sanitary end of life services for the horses and the families that must, regrettably, make a difficult but appropriate decision.  Most likely they would be associated with a large animal veterinary hospital, or equine rescue agency. 

Regular support should come not just from individual owners, but breed associations, breed registries, discipline associations, trade associations, trail clubs, livestock auctions, horse importers, racetracks, horse show and rodeo arenas, etc.  Eventually, endowments and well-managed trusts should maintain them at a level that allows pay-as-you-can service. 

The number of horses requiring this service can decline over the decades if the breeding industry begins to adjust to the reality that the modern American horse's average 25 year lifespan is approaching 30 years, three times the 10 year span to which they have bred and marketed for hundreds of years, with double or triple the years of useful service the sales and business cycle favored by USDA and IRS incentives is oriented to replace.

Gunshot by Owner vs. Injection by Veterinarian           (Top of Page)

Occasionally horse owners wish to consider performing euthanasia themselves.  Reasons can vary from a dire emergency when veterinary assistance is unavailable and the horse is suffering acute distress, (see Large Farm Preparedness) to a practical need to reduce costs where possible.  In that case, the most humane method remains a shot to the head. In the event a trained and skilled member of the family is available to precisely and humanely administer a lethal gunshot, there are a few issues affecting this decision.  As we explained above, contrary to movie scenes, this is not an easy thing to do, and few people, even if they have hunted, have the precise knowledge or correct firearms and ammunition, to euthanize a horse properly and safely.  The service a trained and practiced veterinarian provides is always better.  This information should convince the horse owner who is considering self-help methods for financial reasons to instead seek financial aid. 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT.  PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EUTHANIZE A HORSE WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.  THIS LINK CLEARLY ILLUSTRATES WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.  "HERO"  and this one: United Animal Nations Lifeline Rescue Grant Saves Picaro

Local laws concerning the discharge of firearms may apply.  If you are within city limits or near a major metropolitan area, you may not be able to legally fire a weapon, even for this purpose.  It is a good idea to find out well in advance of any potential need, and note the facts in your emergency plan binder.

The horse's head must be quiet and steady so that targeting is precise and there is no possibility of missing and requiring another shot.  Proper placement of the bullet is essential and best achieved by holding the firearm within a few inches of the intended target. The firearm should not be held or placed against the head. This is difficult to do while also avoiding the chance of ricochet off the objects anchoring the tether, which must be short.  Also, tying the horse too short can cause fear rather than calm steadiness, and make the procedure take too long for all concerned.  If the appeal of family-administered gunshot is not that it is an emergency in a distant field, but to save money, please consider the human risk, as well.  The additional expense is for your veterinarian's time and expertise, which is extremely valuable in these circumstances.

Be certain to study the exact location above the eyes where penetration must occur.  This method and the correct location is described and diagramed by the Anatomical Landmarks page of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences  and is available as an Adobe Acrobat document (.PDF file — you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Do not guess, because it is a common misconception that one aims directly between the animal's eyes.  Also, the location is species-specific, so despite prior experience game hunting, or euthanizing sheep, goats, cattle or swine, you must target differently for a horse.  Precisely and accurately firing a single shot effectively is absolutely necessary.  Anything less is inhumane and dangerous.

The correct type of firearm and caliber ammunition is necessary. A .22 caliber long rifle bullet fired from either a pistol or rifle is sufficient for young animals. Hollow or soft point .22 caliber bullets increase brain tissue destruction, but may not penetrate the skull in adult animals. Euthanasia of horses by gunshot requires larger calibers such as a 9mm or .357 because of thickness of the skull.  Use of the wrong firearms or ammunition is inhumane and dangerous.

The horse and attendants must be positioned so that the attendant will not be injured when the horse falls.  Improper positioning is dangerous to both the shooter and bystanders, and runs a high risk of resulting in an inhumane outcome.  It is very difficult to achieve this without proper practice with surrogates in advance.

After properly administering a lethal gunshot, you must confirm death before attempting to handle or move the horse's remains.  Please see the University of Florida Confirmation Page that provides those inspection procedures.  Again, this is not a job for an inexperienced person or someone emotionally involved. 

Please note that if the lethal gunshot is not administered properly in a humane manner, to effect instant euthanasia without stress or pain or delay, persons performing the service may run afoul of local or state animal welfare laws.

If a family member or friend offers to perform this service for you, please ensure that you or your helper study these procedures carefully first before deciding to proceed.  If you do not have a high level of confidence that all will go smoothly for the horse and the people, please reconsider engaging an equine veterinarian instead.

THE PRECEDING INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT.  PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EUTHANIZE A HORSE WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.  THIS LINK CLEARLY ILLUSTRATES WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.  "HERO"

Large Farms and Ranches Should Have Trained Personnel   (Top of Page)

According to the University of Florida, trained personnel who have actually practiced the procedures with surrogates are necessary on large farms and ranches, where gunshot may be the only practical option.  Select disaster response volunteers working with large animals should also be trained, and practiced, in the event of a catastrophe.  Here are the College of Veterinary Medicine's recommendations as of this writing:

Methods Deemed Inhumane Under Most State Laws     (Top of Page)

Your horse could face an emergency, such as extreme trauma suffered in a disaster, and you could decide that you must euthanize your horse without waiting for a veterinarian who may be delayed for hours, or trained large animal disaster workers who are also in short supply.  If you do not own and know how to use an appropriate firearm, and are unable to communicate with a veterinarian or horse disaster rescue agency by cellular phone, you may be tempted to use other means to end a horse's suffering.  It is unlikely, but in a remote location following a large-scale natural disaster, or unusual accident, it is possible.  In that case, you cannot resort to any alternate methods.

Any other method can be unreliable in achieving the desired outcome on a single, or even multiple attempts, and all have been proven to cause intense suffering of which the horse is aware.  In most states these methods are illegal, and punishments may be severe. Do not panic and allow any well-meaning onlookers to promote any alternate techniques.  Instead, make the horse as comfortable as possible while avoiding injury to humans.

Burial                                                (Top of Page)

Your veterinarian probably knows more than one service that removes the remains of deceased horses, and offers more than one option for your horse's body.  This much needed service is used by veterinary hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and knowledgeable horse owners.  Seek your veterinarian's advice.

If your horse passes away unassisted, temporarily cover his body with a tarp.  Hold the corners down with rocks or bricks, so that it will not be bothered by scavengers.  If he lived at a boarding stable, this is discreet so that small children and visitors are not accidentally confronted with seeing him.  Not only may they be unprepared to handle it, but you may be unprepared to discuss your loss with just anyone who wants to ask questions, or require you to comfort them.  Call your veterinarian for the phone number, or the Large Animal Disposal company directly, to arrange for them to come pick up your horse's remains.  Depending on the time of day, traffic, distance, other calls, it could be a few hours, or even the next day before they can come.  If you have an overnight wait, and the stall or pasture cannot be secured, you may need to cover the body more thoroughly to avoid harassment by scavengers.

Horses of all ages pass away for a variety of reasons, and in most counties there are laws that protect public health about what to do.   Amateur owners are not expected to know current regulations, but horse professionals are.  The horse "undertaker" who helped us bury our elderly horses when they passed is extremely experienced, compassionate, considerate, discreet, and not expensive.  It is a good idea to find out who is the best in your area when you do not need the service, and tuck the number into your emergency call list or horse health record book.

Transporting a deceased animal is not the same as a trailer ride.  You are not expected to help load him into the trailer.  You do not have to watch the removal.  If a horse dies in a stall at a difficult angle to the door, and there are several narrow turns to make, it can take awhile.  Before the removal service arrives, use scissors and some small rubber bands to take a lock of forelock, mane, or tail as a memento, say your private goodbyes, remove his halter if you want to keep it, secure the tarpaulin covering, and leave the area.   Pay the service when they arrive or depart, as they prefer.

The service we relied upon for many years offered two prices:  one for disposal at the county landfill in the approved area, and another for private burial further out of town in a horse cemetery.  For our peace of mind, we buried all of our horses in the cemetery.  We just couldn't send the body of a 16 year old champion we lost to cancer, or a 20 year old with a broken pelvis,  nor a 43 year old curmudgeon who had been healthy all of his life and worth his weight in gold to the landfill.  Knowing they are all close together in the herd under that big oak tree gives us peace of mind.  However, this kind of choice is very personal.

Pet Trust Plans by PetGuardian - Resources for Pet Owners - Pet Burial Options

Burial at Home                                                                   (Top of Page)          

Please note that you need to check with your county extension agent for local laws concerning horse burial on your own property. As a practical matter, you need a backhoe to dig a grave that is 6 to 8 feet deep, 3 feet wide by 7 feet long, if you have an appropriate location.  Some states require a deeper grave, or specify the distance from water, or other boundaries.

 Jessica Jahiel answers this question with practical compassion for a responsible owner planning ahead who is also concerned about the other horses.

Rendering and Cremation                          (Top of Page)

Private Firms

Prices vary widely from state to state.  Most of the independent rendering plants have been purchased in recent decades by meatpacking plants, and now only process the remains from their own production.  A few in each state are still needed to remove used fats and other by-products from restaurants.  These are generally not set up to handle intact animal remains.  In some areas it is possible to arrange for a rendering plant to collect the remains, or send an agent to collect the remains, and then render them. 

Virtually all states have cremation companies that can handle equines as well as small pets.  However, all cremation is priced by size, and regulated by state laws concerning containers.  So cremation is the most expensive service for disposal, and the cost of urns, even cardboard ones for scattering ashes, can be high.

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals                                                         (Top of Page)

The veterinary or agricultural departments of some state universities are able to provide this service.  After all, it is not just equines, but cattle, dairy cows, lamas, bison, sheep, goats, pigs, that may die and these animals' remains must be taken care of in a sanitary manner for the public health. Sometimes it is not practical to dispose of the remains on the farm or ranch, and in food production some cases require necropsy by a state veterinarian, or USDA inspection and thus go to the university for examination before disposal.  Teaching hospitals provide supervised experience for veterinary students, and conduct research.  That, and public support for the necessary disposal facilities they must have, enable them to often provide service at very reasonable rates.  However, they do not compete with large animal private disposal companies.  So it is usually helpful to be referred by your veterinarian when you seek disposal assistance from one of the veterinary teaching hospitals, and some require a referral.  NOTE:  Some of the teaching hospitals necessarily provide euthanasia for some animals referred to them by veterinarians in private practice, but generally do not offer euthanasia services to the public.

Rather than link to every option in every state, we've provided links to websites that provide information for that state, usually large animal welfare organizations, where possible.  We are very grateful that they have done the research for their community. 

Remember that your own veterinarian should be aware of all the options in your state, and the local services.  If you do not have a regular veterinarian, or cannot reach him/her for assistance, contact your local Veterinary Hospital or Surgery, your state Livestock Board, State or County Extension Service, or any of the resources for your state listed below for recommendations.  This list is not comprehensive, as it only includes 30 states at present, and not all of the services and information resources available in those states.  We will make corrections if information is out of date or incorrect and brought to our attention. 

NEW 2009! Recently The Humane Society of the United States, an animal rights political action group, has added a page similar to our list in the Horse section of their website entitled Horse Resources Humane Horse Remains Disposal Options which is far more complete. This is in keeping with the public demand for useful factual information that can assist equine owners during these difficult times, while at the same time furthering their battle against the pro-slaughter media campaign that spreads the misinformation that humane euthanasia is too expensive, or that sanitary and humane disposal of large animal remains is impractical or illegal in most states or local jurisdictions.

NOTE:  We do not endorse any political organization, or any animal non-profit group that solicits donations which does not spend over 85% of the charitable gifts on direct aid to actual animals, regardless of its intent to be helpful or stated purpose.

Burial, Cremation, Rendering Services By State      (Top of Page)

Alabama  Arizona  Arkansas  California  Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 

Illinois  Indiana  Iowa  Kansas  Louisiana

Maine  Maryland  Michigan  Minnesota  Mississippi  Missouri  New York  North Carolina  Ohio  Oklahoma Oregon

Pennsylvania  Tennessee  Texas  Virginia  Wisconsin

Alabama

Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital Tuskegee, AL 36088
Telephone: 334-727-8174 Call for current policies and fees for euthanasia and disposal.

Arizona

Trail's End, Morristown, AZ 623-680-0452 — removal, burial, cremation and rendering. Work with many veterinarians, and are horse owners themselves. Serving the Phoenix area.

All Animals Rescue & Transportation, LLC, 20021 N. Cave Creek Road, #14, Phoenix, AZ 85024. Phone: 602-923-2278  24 Hour Service, including emergency transport to local veterinarians.

 Arizona Department of Environmental Quality — Phoenix City landfills do accept animal remains, properly handled. Call ahead to the landfill for information. Note: Phoenix City will pick up small animal remains at no charge. Large animals must be brought to the landfill.

- AAA Large Animal Carcass Removal and Disposal by T and L Maynard, Morristown, AZ 85342
Phone: (623) 388-2274

Maricopa County By-Products (rendering) (602) 275-3402- somewhat less costly alternative, was purchased by Smithfield a few years ago and may no longer be accepting equine remains.  Smithfield was just purchased by an even bigger meatpacker as of 2008.

Tucson Tallow Co. Inc., 3928 N. Fairview Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705.  Phone: 520-887-0040.  Dead horse and cattle removal and rendering.  Founded as Tucson Hide and Wool over 50 years ago by longtime Arizona state legislator the Hon. John Haugh (dec.) the company serves Pima County and is a collector of used restaurant cooking oils partnering with innovators in Tucson to produce biodiesel fuels from the recycled grease.

Arizona Contracting "Serving Arizona in more ways than one."  P.O. Box 30832 Phoenix, AZ 85046.  Phone:  928-899-1177. Website: www.ArizonaContracting.com Arizona Contracting & Livestock, is 1 of 9 in the State of Arizona having legal authority to transport dead stock.  Centrally located in Dewey, AZ, their service areas are state wide, but is the only one local to the Prescott Quad City and Verde Valley areas.  Arizona Contracting provides transportation for burial, rendering, & cremation.

Arizona Landfills

Most Maricopa County landfills accept equine remains in designated areas.  Also, Waste Management® accepts equine carcasses at some but not all locations. To find out if your local Waste Management location will take horse carcasses, please call 800-963-4776.

Sierra Vista serving Arizona

Care for the Horses, Sierra Vista, AZ  Specializes in assisting horse owners facing hardships so they can keep their horses with feed and veterinary care.  Provides care to horses confiscated by AZ Agricultural Livestock Officers and rehabilitates them for rehoming by adoption. Also does courtesy listings for owners who need to rehome their horse but can keep it themselves until the home is found.

Arkansas

Contact the state veterinarian .  Regulations for Burial, Rendering, Composting, and Incineration to Ash:

California

University of California UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616
VMTH Large Animal Clinic Telephone: 530-752-0290 Euthanasia and disposal  Private off-site cremation services are available. Call for current policies and fees.
 

Nor-Cal Equine Rescue, provides low-cost or free evaluation for rescue, rehabilitation or euthanasia and appropriate disposal clinics for families with horses in distress that are financially unable to provide appropriate care.  During the clinic professionals provide immediate care, owner education, and networking opportunities, and veterinary evaluation as to whether euthanasia is appropriate.  If indicated, humane euthanasia with peace and dignity for the horse and family is provided free or at low cost ($125-$150 in 2008-2009.)  The purpose of the AHF $2,500 grant is to enable Nor-Cal to produce a manual for other rescues that want to provide this much needed service in their communities.  Nor-Cal has offered this service monthly since November of 2008 and it is well-received by the clients.  Located in Oroville, California, Nor-Cal was founded in 2003 and has been featured on the Animal Planet television channel.  In nearly six years of operation Nor-Cal has rescued 929 horses. NorCal Equine Rescue P.O. Box 6108 Oroville, CA  95966 Phone 530-534-7742 www.savethehorse.com

California Rendering/Carcass Removal Services                                                      (Top of Page)         

California Landfills

Colorado

Divis Hauling LLC 719-650-5595 divishauling@fairpoint.net Serving El Paso, Lincoln & Elbert Counties, equines, cattle, sheep, llama, etc haul for disposal or necropsy.

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine 1601 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1601 Telephone: 970-221-4535. Euthanasia.disposal, and cremation. Call for current policies and fees

Connecticut

University of Connecticut, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science 61 North Eagleville Road Unit-3089 Storrs, CT 06269-3089 860-486-3736 www.cvmdl.uconn.edu only accepts deceased animals for postmortem examination (necropsy). Disposal services are for clients of the necropsy service only.  

Connecticut Rendering/Large Animal Remains Disposal

Delaware

Florida

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Center 2015 SW 16th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32610 Telephone: 352-392-4700 ext. 4000 Euthanasia cost including a patient processing fee, an exam, euthanasia, and disposal:   Call for current policies and fees

Florida Equine Cremation & Burial Services

Deceased Pet Care  2691 Harbins Road SE Bethlehem, GA 30620 770-995-8862

Illinois

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
1102 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802 Telephone: 217-333-2000
Euthanasia, necropsy and disposal, private off-site cremation services are available.  Call for current policies and fees.

Indiana

State Board of Animal Health - Large Animal Disposal Options and Regulations

Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine 625 Harrison Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 Telephone: 765-494-7607 Euthanasia, disposal, cremation services are available.  Call for current policies and fees.

Iowa

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine ISU Veterinary Hospital 1600 S 16th Street Ames, IA 50011 Telephone: 515-294-1500 Euthanasia, disposal:  Call for current policies and fees.

Kansas

Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine 101 Trotter Hall Manhattan, KS 66506-5601 Telephone: 785-532-5700 Euthanasia and disposal:  Call for current policies and fees.

Louisiana

Louisiana State University LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Skip Bertman Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Telephone: 225-578-9500 Euthanasia and disposal:  Call for current policies and fees.

Maine

Department of Agriculture - Large Animal Disposal (Burial, Composting, Incineration) Brochure (.PDF)

Maryland State University Necropsy and Rendering Fees for Horses In State and Out of State Price List (.PDF)

Michigan - the state has contractors to cover specific areas.  See website.

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine G100 Vet Med Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1314 Telephone: 517-353-9710 Euthanasia and disposal: Call for current policies.

Minnesota

Board of Animal Health - Best Practices for Large Animal Disposal, Explains State Law for Horses Allowing Burial, Rendering, Composting, Incineration.

University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine 1365 Gortner Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Telephone: 612-625-1919 Euthanasia, disposal and cremation:  Call for current policies and fees.

Mississippi

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine Mississippi State, MS 39762 Telephone: 662-325-3432 Euthanasia, and cremation.  Call for current policies and fees.

Missouri

University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine W-203 Veterinary Medicine Building
Columbia, MO 65211 Telephone: 573-882-3554 Euthanasia and disposal:  Call for current policies and fees.

New York

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401 Telephone: 607 253-3100
Euthanasia, disposal, disposal with necropsy, and.private cremation.  Call for current policies and fees.

North Carolina

North Carolina University College of Veterinary Medicine 4700 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27606 Telephone: 919-513-6630 Services for established patients only. Euthanasia and disposal: Call for current policies and fees.

Ohio                                                                                                            (Top of Page)

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine 1900 Coffey Road Columbus, OH 43210 Telephone: 614-292-6661 Euthanasia and disposal:  Call for current policies and fees.

Oklahoma

The Cherokee Nation landfill and the Muskogee landfill accept corpses of large animals. Animal owners may want to call in advance to make sure the landfill is ready to accept their animal. "The only legal options for disposal of animal carcasses are rendering, landfills, burial, incineration or composting. Most local livestock owners bury their dead animals, said Roger Williams, local Oklahoma State University extension educator." — Retrieved from the Tahlequah Daily Press, "Disposal of Large Animals Presents Problem" by Betty Smith, March 19, 2007. 

Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Center for Veterinary Health Services Stillwater, OK 74078
Telephone: 405-744-7000 Euthanasia and disposal: Call for current policies and fees.

State Veterinarian:Dr. Becky Brewer-Walker, becky.brewer@oda.state.ok.us

State Veterinarian:Dr. Donald E. Hansen, dhansen@oda.state.or.us
USDA Cooperative Extension Service: www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/
 

Oregon Equine Burial Services:

Omega Farms 21479 Cook Road Noti, OR 97461 541-935-1588

Oregon Rendering/Carcass Disposal:

Baker Commodities 9401 North Hurst Avenue  Portland, OR 97203  503-289-1221

Johnson's Farm Rendering  5405 NW Kauffman Avenue Vancouver, WA 98663 360-693-5282

Pennsylvania                                                                                           (Top of Page)

Department of Environmental Protection Domestic Animal Disposal (Burial, Rendering, Composting and Incineration) Regulations

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center 382 West Street Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 George D. Widener Veterinary Hospital Telephone: 610-925-6525 ext. 2525  Call for current policies and fees..

University of Pennsylvania Sick or injured equines submitted to the PADLS (Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory Services) As of 2007 the hospital had a long-standing policy of not accepting horses solely for the purpose of euthanasia, i.e., "for the owner's convenience."  Contact directly concerning circumstances under which they accept a horse. 

Tennessee 

University of Tennessee The College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Hospital 2407 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4550 Telephone: 865-974-5701 Clinical Services Large Animal Equine Medicine . Call for current policies and fees.

Texas -

Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 4475 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4475 Telephone: 979-845-3541 Euthanasia, disposal and cremation. Call for current policies.

Texas - Burial

Bergheim Hauling,  Large Animal Removal, Buried not Rendered, 7 days a week, serves the San Antonio area, Candy Nagle (210) 264-6293

Texas - Removal and Rendering                                                                             (Top of Page)

Texas Bi-Product, 515 Pontiac Ave., Dallas, TX serves Dallas County (214) 943-6300

East Texas Stock Removal, Route 6 270, Sulphur Springs, TX 75492, serves Hopkin County

Dublin Stock Removal - Erath County - (806) 364-0951
Plainview Bi-products - Hale County - (806) 364-0951
Abilene Bi-products - Taylor County - (806) 364-0951
Tom Greene Processing - Tom Green County- (806) 364-0951
Froina Bi-Products - Palmer County - (806) 364-0951
Stratford Bi-Products - Sherman County - (806) 364-0951

Jan Kearney ,P.O. Box 193, Josephine, TX serves Collin, Dallas and Tarrant County (972) 843-8073

Valley By Products, P.O. Box 628, Canutillo, TX serves El Paso County (915) 877-3131

RP Rendering, Georgetown, TX  (512) 887-4390

The Final Ride, Luling, TX (830) 875-5516

Texas - Pet Cemeteries

Pine Hill Pet Cemetery, Pine Hill Pet Inc. 3020 Highway 81 N, Bowie, Texas 76230-6347, (940) 872-4701 or
1-800-219-PETS

Virginia -

Virginia Tech Virginia - Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Marion Dupont Scott Equine Medical Center 17690 Old Waterford Road at Morven Park P.O. Box 1938 Leesburg, VA 20177 Telephone: 703-771-6800 Euthanasia and disposal. Private off-site cremation services are available.  Call for current policies and fees.

Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital 2015 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1102 Telephone: 608-263-7600.  Call for current policies and fees.

Memorials                                                               (Top of Page)

Bringing closure and demonstrating respect.  Help for dealing with your loss and resources for remembrances such as horsehair charms ...        Memorials Page                                                                                                            

Other Resources

The Del Camino Products and Services catalog offers some horse products of interest to owners of senior horses.

Horse Welfare Statistics

Equinezone Horse Supply

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