Comprehensive Horse Farewell Services
At EarthPet, we know that horses are more than just animals — they are intelligent, loyal partners, powerful athletes, gentle friends, and deeply loved companions. When the time comes to say goodbye, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a specialised, respectful, and compassionate farewell service to support horse owners through one of the most difficult moments of their journey.
In 2024 we acquired a customised veterinary vehicle for horses, purpose-built to handle every step of the farewell process with care and dignity. We are currently the only service provider in the Western Cape (to our knowledge) offering euthanasia, transport, and bio-burial — all managed seamlessly in a single, specialised service. This integrated approach reduces stress and ensures a smoother, more respectful experience for both the animal and the people involved, guided by our caring and experienced veterinarian.
EarthPet Vet
SAVC registration number: D95/3712
Practice registration number: CV22/16353
Our complete horse farewell offering includes:
- Home euthanasia: A compassionate veterinarian and vet assistant will come to your stables or premises to perform a peaceful and gentle euthanasia, minimising stress for both horse and owner. Our vehicle is equipped with straps, water supply and lighting in all compartments. An additional locked compartment contains medicine and supplies and carries everything required to perform the euthanasia.
- Immediate Transport: Using our custom-built vehicle, we transport your horse with the highest level of care, treating their body with the same respect they were given in life. Our specialised vehicle has a powerful winch that only requires one person to operate as it comes with remote control. First we strap the horse in a way so that when being pulled up force is directed to the body and not the neck. In addition this only take a few minutes to complete so that transport can happen immediately after euthanasia and you do not need to barricade the area after our visit.
- Bio-Burial and Return Of Compost options: At our facility, your horse is laid to rest through an eco-friendly Bio-Burial, allowing their remains to return naturally to the earth with a state-of-the-art composting process. With the Return of Compost service, we can even return the humus your horse has contributed to - planting a beautiful tree or garden can be a symbolic way of honouring their continued presence in the cycle of life and help with grieving your loss.
If you would rather bring your horse to us, euthanasia can be performed at our premises as well. We unfortunately do not transport live horses.
Want your own horse veterinarian to perform the euthanasia?
If you would like your veterinarian to perform the euthanasia, our vehicle is available for rental with our accompanying supportive services. We can liaise with your vet ahead of time to make sure of their requirements and our availability before we confirm your booking. This will prevent you from having to hire another party for transport afterwards. Alternatively your veterinarian is welcome to perform the euthanasia at our premises when pre-arranged.
Our easy pricing structure
At EarthPet, we honour horses, the gentle giants of our world, with deep compassion, professionalism, and an understanding of the unique place they hold in our hearts. Whether through a quiet farewell at home or at our premises, we’re here to help you say goodbye with grace and love.
Service Costs - The euthanasia service, transport and burial service options are provided to you in a comprehensive all-inclusive quotation which is customised based on the weight of the horse and travel distances.
Horse Euthanasia Fee
The fee is based on the distance the veterinarian needs to travel, as well as the cost of necessary supplies. The weight of the horse determines the amount of medication required for the procedure.
Transport Fee
We have a handling and transport fee of R15.77 per km (ex VAT) per round-trip from our premises at Pellmeadow Estate, Klapmuts. The rate only applies to our facility at our head office in Klapmuts. Also note that the rates apply to our standard operating hours, after hours support may incur a surcharge which will be quoted on a per case basis.
Horse Burial Fee
Options include a standard Bio-Burial or Return of Compost. With the Return of Compost, the humus your horse has contributed to can be collected after the natural bio-burial process has been completed (typical 5 months to a year). The horse remains are separately wrapped in a mesh and clearly marked. The compost can then be scattered in your garden or you can plant a tree in honour of their memory. Rates for the options are listed below and are excluding VAT. Rates are based on the size of the animal for the bio-burial.
Bio-Burial Pricing
All weights are rounded up to the nearest whole kg.
| 100+ | R7 per kg |
Return of Compost (ROC) Pricing
All weights are rounded up to the nearest whole kg.
| 100+ | R7.50 per kg |
Please note that animals weighing less than 100 kg will be treated as small animals. Please refer to our general services page for pricing.
Euthanasia Pricing
This sample quote are provided to help you understand the available options and expected costs.
Euthanasia services are grouped by animal size — Small Animals (under 100 kg) and Big Animals (100 kg and over) — and only one size category should be selected.
Aftercare options - Bio-Burial and Return of Compost are shown separately, and only ONE aftercare option can be chosen.
(These are highlighted in grey on the quote examples below.)
Please note that the amount of medication required is calculated based on the animals’s weight, so it is important that this information is as accurate as possible.
Any travel-related costs are based on the round-trip distance between our clinic and the collection address.
Additional fees may apply for services provided after hours, depending on whether the euthanasia takes place at a clinic or at home.
Office hours Monday to Friday 08:00 - 18:00, Saturday 08:00 - 14:00.
Day after hours Saturday 14:00 - 18:00
Sundays and public holidays 08:00 - 18:00.
Night after hours 18:00 - 08:00.
(These are highlighted in green on the quote examples below.)
Please note we work on appointments only.
All other items shown are standard components of the service and are included to offer clarity and transparency.
Sample Quote
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Earthpet’s Bio-Burial is the only certified, environmentally responsible bio-burial solution in the country, conducted within our custom-designed, contained Earthpet Bio-Chamber. Please refer to our certification for verification.
How to Book
We understand you may have many questions and we encourage you to ask. Use the Whatsapp button - bottom left on this website to chat to us or give us a call. When you are ready, proceed to our booking section to arrange our service.
Planning ahead with a Pet Farewell Plan
Did you know we offer a Pet Farewell Plan specifically for horses? This policy allows you to prepay for the Bio-Burial or Return of Compost service in three manageable installments. When the time comes, the burial portion of the service is already covered, easing the financial burden during a difficult moment — leaving only the euthanasia fee to be settled at the time of need. Read more about our Pet Farewell Plan here.
Vehicle Rental Available for Veterinary Professionals
Our vehicle is available for rental to veterinary professionals, providing added convenience and support for your services. Key benefits include:
A secure, lockable compartment equipped with essential medical supplies.
Optional access to scheduled medicines, safely stored in a coded safe accessible only by the attending veterinarian.
Assistance from our experienced veterinary assistant, well-versed in standard procedures.
Support from our staff to safely strap and transport the remains.
Immediate removal of remains, with respectful transport to our facility.