Euthanasia Assistance
Sometimes the hardest decision is the right one. Unfortunately, the high costs of euthanasia in large animals can prevent owners being able to afford a humane goodbye. The programs below may be able to help.
The EWS Vet Fund covers equines in transition with organizations promoting equine welfare and equines owned by individuals referred by a non-profit, veterinarian or purchased from auction.
The Last Act of Kindness is the final, most responsible decision a horse owner can make to prevent suffering. Unexpected tragedies, such as a severe colic, or the final stages of a chronic condition require an owner to have a plan. Regardless of your circumstance, the Horse Shelter Network is here to support you and your horse in upholding the Full Circle of Life philosophy. Euthanasia is difficult to contemplate, but failing to act responsibly can lead to a horse suffering or facing the horrors of the slaughter pipeline. If your horse requires the Last Act of Kindness, we offer financial assistance paid directly to the veterinarian for the procedure
This fund was created in honor of Sterling, a horse haven rescued from the June 2025 Bowie auction in critical condition. Severely emaciated, fading fast. His time with us was short, but he was given what every horse deserves- a soft landing, a name, a family and the care to pass peacefully, surrounded by love.
Now, Sterling’s legacy helps us offer the same grace to others. To prevent another seventeen hour truck ride to a Mexico slaughter plant, or a similar fate, sadly likely options for American horses who lack legal and cultural protections. To rewrite the ending for horses still waiting.
Euthanizing your horse at home is often the kindest option. Without financial support, even responsible owners may face impossible choices, and horses can end up in unsafe situations such as auctions. Compassionate Endings exists as a safety-net, ensuring every horse receives a peaceful and kind goodbye – regardless of financial circumstances.
We know that cost of euthanasia and burial or disposal is expensive, and sometimes horses suffer because their owners cannot afford to end their pain. We created The Rainbow Bridge Project to help horses and their owners during this difficult time. Due to limited funds, this program is limited to horse owners (not rescues or sanctuaries) in Texas at this time.
If you have an equine who is suffering from a painful chronic or acute lameness, disease, or condition which cannot be reasonably treated but cannot afford the cost of euthanasia and burial or disposal we may be able to help. We will also assist with euthanasia expenses for equines with dangerous behavioral problems on a case by case basis.