Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the hardest things a family ever does — and the cost of doing it gently, at home, should never be what stands between your companion and a peaceful ending. This guide covers every available path: free and reduced-cost options, financial grants, how in-home euthanasia works, and who to call today.
If you’ve arrived here during one of the hardest moments of your life, here is what matters most — answered directly, without making you read through material you don’t need right now. The programs are below; the answers are here first.
1 Can I really get in-home pet euthanasia for free, or very close to free? In-home euthanasia itself is rarely free — but grants from IMOM and RedRover Relief can cover the cost. True free or very low-cost euthanasia exists at humane societies and county shelters, though it’s typically done at the facility, not at home. ▼
2 What exactly happens during in-home euthanasia? Will my pet be frightened? The process is the same medically as in-clinic euthanasia — but in your pet’s own environment. Most in-home vets arrive in casual clothes, not scrubs, and spend significant time letting your pet settle before beginning. Pre-sedation is typically offered first. ▼
3 Should I be present for my pet’s euthanasia? I’m not sure I can handle it. There is no right answer. Veterinarians say both choices — staying or stepping away — come from love. What matters is that your pet is not alone and is held or comforted by someone they trust, whether that’s you or a family member. ▼
4 How do I know it’s truly time? I’m second-guessing myself constantly. The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale — Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days Than Bad — gives you an honest framework. A score below 35 out of 70 suggests quality of life is compromised. Your vet can walk through it with you. ▼
5 What happens to my pet’s body afterward? What are my options? The most common paths are communal cremation ($30–$75 at humane societies), private cremation ($150–$400 depending on size), home burial where legal, and natural burial. In-home vet services typically handle aftercare transport for you. ▼
6 My pet died at home before I could arrange anything. What do I do now? Call your county animal services or animal control office — many provide free or very low-cost pickup of deceased pets from the home. Also call your local humane society and ask about aftercare options. Don’t leave your pet alone for long in warm conditions. ▼
7 My other pets will witness or be present for the euthanasia. Is that okay? Many veterinarians and animal behaviorists recommend allowing surviving pets to be present or to see the body briefly afterward. It gives them sensory information that helps process the absence — rather than sudden unexplained disappearance. ▼
Understanding exactly what will happen before the day arrives makes the experience less frightening for everyone in the family. There are no surprises in a well-managed in-home appointment — every step is explained and every moment is on your timeline.
In the hours before the veterinarian arrives, prepare the space where your pet is most comfortable — their bed, a favorite blanket, a spot on the couch, or in the yard in good weather. Gather anyone who wants to be present. Have water available for yourself. Some families light a candle or play soft music; others prefer quiet. Have your pet’s favorite treats or comfort object nearby — many vets bring these to offer before beginning. Put your other pets in another room unless you’ve decided they’ll be present. Have a small box or bag ready if you plan to keep a collar, tag, or other memento. Most importantly: have nothing on your schedule afterward. Give yourself the rest of the day.
Most in-home veterinarians arrive in casual clothes, not white coats or scrubs, to minimize the clinical association that can trigger anxiety in pets and their families. The vet will first spend time with your pet — letting them sniff, settle, and relax before anything medical begins. They will explain each step at your pace and check that you’re ready before proceeding. Pre-euthanasia sedation is typically offered as a first step — your pet receives a relaxing injection and gradually becomes deeply drowsy or unconscious in your arms. After a few minutes, the final medication is given. The process is rapid, peaceful, and painless. The vet will confirm that your pet has passed, and then allow you as much private time as you need before gently handling aftercare. Most appointments last 30–60 minutes total.
The range in euthanasia costs is wide and often surprising. At a local humane society or SPCA, fees typically run $35–$120 and sometimes less for hardship cases — the most affordable option in almost any community. Clinic-based euthanasia at a private veterinary practice averages $120–$250 depending on location. In-home euthanasia through national networks averages $350–$500 for the base visit, with after-hours, same-day, large-dog, and private cremation add-ons bringing totals to $500–$1,200 or more. The higher cost of in-home service reflects a licensed veterinarian’s travel time, undivided attention, the flexibility of your timeline, and the absence of a clinical environment — for many families, that experience is worth every dollar. For families who cannot afford it, the programs below can close that gap.
Before booking any in-home service, ask these questions directly so the final bill has no surprises. First: is aftercare (transport of your pet’s body) included in the quoted price, or billed separately? Second: is there a travel zone surcharge based on your distance from the vet? Third: is the pre-sedation included or an additional charge? Fourth: are the fees different for evening, weekend, or same-day appointments? Fifth: does the quote include a paw print and fur clipping, or are those extras? Most reputable services quote a flat fee that covers everything except aftercare cremation — but ask explicitly. CodaPet shows live cost estimates during the booking process so you can see the full number before committing. Lap of Love’s regional vets will walk through the full cost breakdown when you call 1-855-933-5683.
A pet that becomes anxious, reactive, or aggressive at the veterinary clinic may actually respond differently to a home visit, because the home environment removes the clinical smells, sounds, and stress associations that trigger that behavior. Most in-home vets are experienced with anxious patients. Tell the vet about your pet’s personality when you schedule — they can plan accordingly, bring appropriate calming protocols, and adjust their approach. For very anxious pets, an oral pre-sedation can sometimes be administered by you at home before the vet arrives, so your pet is already calm when the door opens. Ask specifically about this option when you call. Many families who chose in-home euthanasia because their pet would have suffered greatly at the clinic describe it as the most peaceful decision they made for their pet.
The most affordable euthanasia options in every community are humane societies, SPCAs, and county animal services — consistently the lowest fees available, sometimes free for hardship cases. These are typically done at the facility rather than at home, but they provide a humane, dignified goodbye at a price that should never be a barrier.
Local humane societies and SPCAs are the most consistently affordable euthanasia option in the country — fees typically run $35–$120 depending on your location, pet size, and whether aftercare is included. Many maintain hardship assistance funds specifically for low-income, elderly, and disabled pet owners that can reduce or waive the fee entirely. These funds are almost never advertised publicly — you access them by asking directly: “I’m facing financial hardship — do you have a hardship fund that could help with the cost?” Most will say yes, or refer you to the right person to speak with. Call your local humane society or SPCA first before going anywhere else. Bring your pet in a carrier or on a leash; ask whether a private room with time for goodbye is available — most will offer this.
County animal services departments provide euthanasia services directly, often at significantly lower cost than private options and sometimes at no cost for documented low-income residents. Some county services also provide free pickup of deceased pets from the home for residents who cannot transport their pet. To find your county animal services, search your county name plus “animal services” or “animal control” — or call 311 in most metropolitan areas. Be honest about your financial situation when you call; many county programs have hardship provisions that are only accessed by asking. County services vary significantly by location — a quick call to confirm current fees and availability is always worthwhile before making the drive.
Fees vary meaningfully by location, so calling before visiting is essential. To illustrate the range: SPCA Monterey County charges starting at $55 for small animals (831-373-2631 for cat/dog pricing). Sacramento SPCA charges $110 for euthanasia without owner presence and $200 with pre-medication and owner-present appointment (916-383-7387). Spokane Humane Society offers euthanasia at $200 for qualified low-income owners, with a separate contact for assistance (509-467-5235 x219). Humane Society of West Michigan includes communal cremation at no extra charge with their service. These are examples only — every location sets its own fees. Always call your nearest location and ask what their current fee is, what’s included, and whether they have any assistance for families in hardship.
Nonprofit veterinary practices like Emancipet (in Texas and expanding states) provide euthanasia at sliding-scale or reduced fees for income-qualifying families — using the same standard of care as any private practice. Their stated policy is that no client is turned away for inability to pay, and this extends to end-of-life services. For families who have already been receiving care through a nonprofit clinic, asking directly about euthanasia through the same provider can provide continuity, familiarity, and lower cost compared to a separate specialist service. Search PetHelpFinder.org with your ZIP code — it lists nonprofit clinics in your county including those that provide sliding-scale euthanasia. Call the clinic and be honest about your financial situation.
If you have an established relationship with a private veterinarian, they may have more flexibility than you realize. Many practices maintain internal hardship funds or accept reduced-cost payment for end-of-life services for long-term clients facing genuine difficulty. The words that work: “I’ve been a client here for years and I need to be honest — I’m in financial hardship and I cannot afford the standard fee. Is there anything you can do, or is there a hardship fund?” The worst they can say is no. Some practices will also arrange in-home euthanasia themselves for established clients — at a lower cost than national networks because there is no platform markup. Ask: “Could you come to our home for this? It would mean so much to our pet.” Many family practices will say yes.
If your pet is in acute distress right now and you have no money and no access to other options, call the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and be completely honest about the situation. Emergency hospitals are legally obligated to assess an animal in distress, and many maintain charitable funds specifically for humane euthanasia of suffering animals whose owners cannot pay. This is not a widely advertised option — it requires you to be direct about the financial reality and to ask specifically: “My pet is suffering and I have no money. Is there any provision for humane euthanasia in cases like this?” Most will not turn away a genuinely suffering animal. Call rather than arriving unannounced — a call allows them to prepare a compassionate response rather than handling it at the front desk.
AVMA-accredited veterinary teaching hospitals are open to the general public at 20–50% below private practice rates, and this extends to end-of-life services. Many vet schools also run community medicine programs that offer sliding-scale fees for low-income families. Call your nearest vet school and ask two things: “Do you provide euthanasia services to the public, and do you have a community medicine or financial assistance program for families who cannot afford the standard fee?” Teaching hospitals are also the most likely setting to have a veterinary social worker or animal hospice specialist on staff who can guide families through the decision-making process — a resource rarely available at private practices. Find all accredited schools at avma.org/education/accredited-veterinary-colleges.
The Shakespeare Animal Fund pays veterinary bills directly for elderly individuals, disabled adults, and veterans at or near the federal poverty guideline — and this includes end-of-life and euthanasia costs. No repayment is ever required. Income eligibility is generally around $35,000 per year for a single person. This is one of the only programs that specifically and primarily serves senior pet owners, with an income threshold that reflects fixed-income reality rather than deep poverty. Apply at shakespeareanimalfund.org or call 775-342-7040. Applications need to be submitted before the service is performed — call as soon as you know you’ll need help.
pets.findhelp.com is maintained by the same platform used by social workers and community health organizations, and it shows every pet assistance program in your specific county — including financial help for euthanasia, pet food banks, and surrender prevention programs that don’t appear in any standard internet search. Enter your ZIP code rather than your city for the most accurate county-level results. Programs update their own listings, so the information stays current. No account creation required. This is the fastest tool available for finding local resources specific to your area that a national guide cannot capture for your specific county.
These services bring a licensed veterinarian to your home so your pet can pass in a familiar, comfortable environment surrounded by the people and smells they love. Ask each provider about financial hardship accommodations — many have flexibility they don’t advertise publicly.
Lap of Love was founded in 2009 and is the first and largest organized at-home veterinary hospice and euthanasia service in America, now operating in 37 states with over 350 veterinarians. Every appointment includes a paw print and fur clipping keepsake. Vets arrive in casual clothes, spend unhurried time with the family, and handle aftercare coordination. Lap of Love also provides free Quality of Life consultations by phone — you can call their line to discuss whether your pet’s condition has reached the point where euthanasia is the kind choice, with no obligation to book. Ask about financial hardship accommodations when you call — some regional vets have flexibility. Also ask about their free weekly online grief support groups, which continue after your pet’s passing. Call 1-855-933-5683 or visit lapoflove.com.
CodaPet is a growing national platform that distinguishes itself by showing upfront pricing, vet profiles, patient reviews, and available appointment times before you commit — so there are no surprises when you call. The platform has particularly strong coverage in mid-size cities and rural communities that larger networks sometimes underserve. All vets on the platform are licensed, and every appointment includes the owner present, a full explanation of each step, and aftercare coordination. CodaPet’s booking flow shows a live cost estimate as you select your appointment — no hidden fees discovered after booking. Search by ZIP code at codapet.com. Ask about any financial hardship accommodations when you view available vets; some have flexibility at the individual vet level.
Many private veterinarians who don’t advertise in-home services will agree to come to your home for a long-term client’s final appointment, particularly if your pet is elderly, anxious, or physically difficult to transport. This is also often the lowest-cost in-home option because there is no platform or network fee — just the vet’s time, which many are willing to charge at or near their standard appointment rate as a courtesy for an established relationship. Call your regular vet and say: “My pet is near the end and I’d like to give them a peaceful goodbye at home. Is there any possibility you could come to us for this appointment?” You may be surprised by the answer. The familiarity your pet already has with their vet can also make the visit calmer than meeting a stranger.
The American Veterinary Medical Association maintains a searchable database of licensed veterinarians at avma.org. For families not served by Lap of Love or CodaPet in their area, searching for “mobile veterinarian” or “house call veterinarian” plus your city often surfaces independent local vets who provide in-home services outside of national networks. Independent mobile vets frequently charge less than network services because there is no franchise or platform overhead — their prices reflect their own costs rather than a national pricing structure. Call and ask whether they provide in-home euthanasia, what the process looks like, and whether they have any provision for families in financial hardship. Many independent mobile vets built their practice specifically around compassionate end-of-life care.
The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care maintains a directory of certified animal hospice professionals, including veterinarians and veterinary social workers who specialize in end-of-life care. These practitioners have completed additional training beyond standard veterinary licensure specifically in palliative care, quality of life assessment, and family support during the dying process. Lap of Love is an IAAHPC member organization, and many independent practitioners in the directory work outside of national networks. Search at iaahpc.org/resources for hospice-trained vets in your state. Families dealing with prolonged hospice periods — days or weeks of decline rather than a sudden decision — often find these specialists especially valuable because of their experience managing comfort care leading up to euthanasia.
For families who cannot pay the full cost of in-home euthanasia in one payment but can manage monthly installments, two financing options are worth knowing. CareCredit is accepted at many veterinary providers including Lap of Love regional vets, and offers promotional 0% interest periods if the balance is paid within the promotional window. Scratchpay checks your options with a soft credit inquiry only — it does not affect your credit score to see what plans are available. Both can also be applied to aftercare costs — cremation, urns, and memorial items — not just the euthanasia itself. Apply at carecredit.com or scratchpay.com. Neither requires collateral and neither is limited to clients with perfect credit histories.
Aftercare options range from community cremation at humane societies ($30–$75) to private cremation with ashes returned ($150–$400) to aquamation (a gentler, water-based alternative to flame cremation, available in many states at similar cost to private cremation) to home burial where permitted. Most in-home euthanasia services transport your pet’s body from your home when you’re ready — you do not have to manage this alone. Booking directly with the crematory rather than through your vet office typically saves $50–$120, because vet offices add a coordination markup. Your in-home vet can often recommend a local crematory directly. A paw print and fur clipping are standard keepsakes included by most in-home services at no extra charge.
Several nonprofit organizations specifically fund euthanasia and end-of-life care for families in genuine financial hardship. These programs must almost always be contacted before the service is performed — not after. Apply early.
IMOM was founded in 1998 with a single, direct mission: ensuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. They provide financial assistance for veterinary care including end-of-life services. Critically, applications must be submitted before the animal has been treated or euthanized — contact them as soon as possible, not after the fact. IMOM reviews applications carefully and focuses on families facing genuine financial hardship — their process is thorough but their mission is clear. Their phone line is staffed during business hours; representatives will walk you through the application. Call 866-230-2164 or visit imom.org. Also see their Facebook-based request process for urgent situations.
RedRover Relief’s Urgent Care grants average $200–$500 and are designed to cover urgent veterinary costs — including end-of-life care when euthanasia is the medically recommended course of action. Income eligibility is household income under $60,000 per year. Response time is typically 1–2 business days, and the grant is paid directly to the veterinary provider. Applications are online only at redrover.org — do not call to submit an application. Apply as soon as you know you’ll need assistance, not after the appointment. If your pet’s suffering is acute and time is short, mention that urgency clearly in your application — reviewers take acute distress into account. Phone for general information: 916-429-2457.
Brown Dog Foundation assists families who were financially stable until a sudden event — job loss, medical crisis, unexpected major expense — hit at the same moment their pet needed end-of-life care. This program is specifically for temporary, not chronic, financial hardship. Applications must be submitted within 7 days of care being rendered. If your financial hardship is recent and connected to a specific event, Brown Dog Foundation is worth contacting alongside other programs. Apply at browndogfoundation.org and be specific and honest about the nature of the setback in your application — the program evaluates circumstances rather than just income thresholds.
Paws 4 A Cure covers cats and dogs with no breed or age restrictions and no restrictions on the type of illness or situation — including end-of-life costs when euthanasia is part of the care. The grant maximum is $500, with household income under $60,000 per year required. Paws 4 A Cure actively encourages simultaneous applications to other programs — they state this explicitly and do not penalize applicants for seeking help elsewhere. Apply at paws4acure.org. Online applications only. Apply at the same time as IMOM and RedRover, not sequentially — time matters in these situations.
The Eldercare Locator is a federally funded public service for older adults that can connect seniors to local pet assistance programs — including financial help for veterinary end-of-life care — not findable through any internet search. Operators have weekly-updated databases of local programs including senior-specific vet assistance, emergency pet fostering, and financial help for end-of-life situations. Call 1-800-677-1116 and say: “I’m an older adult and I need help with my pet’s end-of-life care — what local programs exist in my area?” Free, confidential, Monday through Friday 9am–8pm Eastern time. This call regularly uncovers resources seniors didn’t know existed in their own community.
Dialing 2-1-1 from any phone in the U.S. connects you to a live operator with real-time, locally updated information on pet assistance programs including end-of-life financial help, surrender prevention resources, and emergency pet care organizations in your specific county. Tell the operator: “My pet is near the end of life and I cannot afford the cost of euthanasia — what local programs exist in my area?” The operator has access to weekly-updated community databases that go far beyond what any website lists. Free, available 24/7 in most states. Especially valuable for seniors without reliable internet and for families in rural areas where online directories are thin.
The question of when is usually the hardest part. Veterinarians, ethicists, and the families who’ve been through it consistently say: acting before suffering becomes severe is more merciful than waiting too long. These tools can help you see your pet’s situation more clearly.
The HHHHHMM scale was developed by veterinarian Dr. Alice Villalobos and is now the most widely used quality-of-life assessment tool in veterinary end-of-life medicine. Each letter represents a factor scored 0–10: Hurt (is pain adequately controlled?), Hunger (is the pet eating adequately?), Hydration (is the pet hydrated?), Hygiene (can the pet be kept clean and comfortable?), Happiness (does the pet still show interest in life?), Mobility (can the pet get around sufficiently?), and More Good Days Than Bad. A total score of 35 or above suggests acceptable quality of life; below 35, or consistent bad days outweighing good ones, signals it may be time. Use the scale regularly over several days — a single snapshot can be misleading. Find the full scale at lapoflove.com or search “HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale Villalobos” for the original version.
Lap of Love offers free Quality of Life consultations by phone for families who are uncertain whether it’s time. A hospice-trained veterinarian will discuss your pet’s specific symptoms, behaviors, eating, mobility, and pain signs — and help you understand what the signs mean clinically, without pressuring you toward any particular decision. These calls are genuinely free and available to anyone, whether or not you intend to book through Lap of Love. Call 1-855-933-5683 and ask about a Quality of Life consultation. If you’re not ready to talk but want to start thinking through the framework yourself, Lap of Love’s website has a detailed Quality of Life assessment tool available at lapoflove.com at no cost. Many families say this call was the thing that gave them clarity they couldn’t find anywhere else.
Pet loss grief is real, recognized by psychologists, and often more intense than those outside the experience realize. Every hotline below is free. If grief feels overwhelming or lasting — beyond the first sharp days — a counselor experienced in pet loss can genuinely help.
Multiple free pet loss support resources are available by phone, online, and through university vet programs. The ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline at 1-877-474-3310 is staffed by licensed social workers and grief counselors. Cornell University’s Pet Loss Support Hotline at 607-218-7457 is available Monday through Friday evenings and weekends, staffed by veterinary students supervised by licensed professionals. Iowa State University’s Pet Loss Hotline at 888-478-7574 operates evenings seven days per week through the school year. Tufts University’s hotline at 508-839-7966 provides emotional support and guidance. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (aplb.org) offers free online chat rooms and moderated support groups. Lap of Love runs free weekly Zoom grief groups open to anyone after a pet loss — call 1-855-933-5683 to ask about the schedule. Every one of these resources is free. Call any of them, call all of them.
Two calls to make right now. First: call IMOM at 866-230-2164 and explain your situation — their entire mission is ensuring no pet suffers due to their owner’s financial hardship. Second: call your local humane society and ask about their hardship fund; fees can be as low as $35–$120 and are sometimes waived entirely. If your pet is in acute distress, call the nearest emergency veterinary hospital directly and say: “My pet is suffering and I have no money — do you have a charitable fund for humane euthanasia?” Many do. Apply to RedRover Relief at redrover.org and Paws 4 A Cure at paws4acure.org simultaneously — these can help offset whatever cost remains. Dial 2-1-1 for local programs specific to your county that none of the national directories may capture.
Apply to IMOM (866-230-2164) and RedRover Relief (redrover.org) before making any appointments — both fund end-of-life care and must be contacted before the service is performed. At the same time, call your regular veterinarian and ask whether they would consider an in-home appointment for a long-term client facing financial hardship — many will say yes at a reduced fee. If you’d like to use a national network, call Lap of Love at 1-855-933-5683 or search CodaPet at codapet.com and ask each provider directly about financial hardship accommodations — some have flexibility that isn’t published. CareCredit (carecredit.com) and Scratchpay (scratchpay.com) can cover the cost in monthly installments if a grant doesn’t fully cover it. Also contact the Shakespeare Animal Fund (775-342-7040) if you are elderly, disabled, or a veteran.
Call Lap of Love at 1-855-933-5683 and ask for a free Quality of Life consultation — this call is free and carries no obligation to book anything. A hospice-trained vet will walk through your pet’s specific symptoms with you and help you understand what they mean clinically. Separately, complete the HHHHHMM scale (available at lapoflove.com) over several days — it gives you an objective framework when emotions make it hard to see clearly. The principle most veterinarians return to: when the bad days consistently outnumber the good, and when your pet has lost the ability to do the things that gave them joy — eating, moving toward you, responding to their environment — it is usually time. Waiting until suffering is severe is not more loving. Acting before that point is.
Three calls to make. First: the Shakespeare Animal Fund at 775-342-7040 — they pay veterinary bills directly for elderly, disabled, and veteran pet owners at or near the poverty guideline, with no repayment ever. Second: the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 — federally funded operators have access to local pet assistance programs not findable in any search engine, and can often identify senior-specific end-of-life help in your county. Third: your local humane society — ask about their hardship fund and whether a private room is available for goodbye time. Your regular vet, if you have one, may also waive or reduce fees for a longtime client in hardship — call and ask honestly. IMOM at 866-230-2164 is also specifically designed for situations where financial hardship would otherwise prevent humane end-of-life care.
What you’re feeling is real, recognized, and worthy of care. Pet loss grief carries all the biological and neurological hallmarks of other profound losses — and often comes with additional layers of guilt, second-guessing, and social isolation when others don’t understand. Call the ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline at 1-877-474-3310 — staffed by licensed grief counselors who specifically volunteer for this work. Cornell’s hotline at 607-218-7457 and Iowa State’s at 888-478-7574 are also free and genuinely warm. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement at aplb.org has moderated online groups where others understand exactly what you’re carrying. If the grief feels lasting and pervasive beyond the first acute weeks, a grief counselor or therapist experienced in pet loss can genuinely help — this is not disproportionate, and it is not something to push through alone.
Many veterinarians and animal behaviorists recommend allowing surviving pets to be present during or briefly after in-home euthanasia — giving them sensory information that helps process the companion’s absence rather than experiencing sudden, unexplained disappearance. This doesn’t require force: simply allow them to enter the room at their own pace, and if they show no interest, that’s fine too. After the loss, surviving pets may show behavioral changes — reduced appetite, vocalization, seeking behavior, or unusually quiet behavior — for days to several weeks. Maintain their routine as closely as possible, offer additional attention without forcing it, and give them time. Most adjust gradually. If a surviving pet’s behavior changes are severe or prolonged, mention it to your vet — medical causes should be ruled out, and supportive care options exist. Your grief and their adjustment are happening in parallel; be patient with both.
This guide is independent and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any organization or veterinary service listed. Service fees, program availability, eligibility requirements, and contact information change — always call to verify current details before making arrangements. Grief support hotlines are staffed by volunteers and have variable hours; if you cannot reach one, try another. This content is entirely original and does not reproduce material from any external source. If you are experiencing a personal mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.