Choosing to say goodbye to a cherished pet in the quiet comfort of home is a profound act of love. My name is Dr. Maxfield, and my mission is to ensure that your companion’s final moments are calm, painless, and surrounded by the people and spaces they love most.
I graduated from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Over my decades of practice, I have cared for thousands of animals and the families who love them. While clinical veterinary medicine is vital, I realized that my true calling lies in supporting families through the most difficult chapter of pet ownership: the end-of-life journey.
I understand firsthand that a veterinary clinic—with its bright lights, unfamiliar scents, and cold tables—can often cause unnecessary anxiety for a sick or elderly pet. By bringing this gentle care directly to your living room, favorite backyard spot, or cozy rug, we remove the stress of transport and allow your pet to pass with peace and dignity.
Beyond my medical training, I hold a deep personal reverence for the human-animal bond. Pets are not just animals; they are family members, anchors of unconditional love, and witnesses to our daily lives.
When you invite me into your home, I am there not just as a medical professional, but as a supportive partner. I move entirely at your pace, respect your family's unique emotional needs, and handle your companion with the absolute utmost gentleness and respect from the moment I arrive until the moment we say our final goodbyes.
Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion, or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that loved one. You do not have to carry this weight alone.
You can use this calculator to get an estimate of cost.
*Please verify all costs and services with Dr. Maxfield. This calculator is for estimates only. See below for additional information about the services offered.
I am happy to serve Massachusetts and Rhode Island, (Unfortunately, I am not licensed in other states). Requests for appointments outside of the service area will be honored only if time & schedule allows. Please call for schedule & travel charges outside of the regular travel area.
Service Area
Yes, I am a veterinarian, licensed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Because the drugs we use for euthanasia are controlled substances, only a licensed veterinarian can perform this service. After graduation in 2006, I spent 4 years in general practice. I spent another 2½ years working in spay/neuter clinics and shelters before starting In-Home Euthanasia.
While this is an individual decision, I do believe that it is important for other pets in the house to be able to say their goodbyes. While they do not necessarily need to be present throughout the procedure, they should be allowed to see their companion after so they know what happened. Pets do grieve, and if they do not know what happened (that is, if they think their friend "just disappeared"), it will be a lot harder for them to work through that grief. Here is a recent article on grief in animals: Psychology Today - Do Dogs Grieve Over the Loss of an Animal Companion?
I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH CARRYING LARGE DOGS TO MY CAR. IF YOUR DOG WEIGHS OVER 25 LBS, AND YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO TRANSPORT THEM TO THE CREMATORY, YOU WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO CARRY THEM TO MY CAR
All details for prices and options for cremation are available on the Services pageI have a consent form that must be filled out by the owner before an euthanasia can take place. While I usually have families complete paperwork before the procedure, if you would like to download the consent form and fill it out in advance, you can do so below:
YES!! I can work with almost any situation that works best for you and your loved one. If you want to hold him or her, have them on your lap, in a favorite bed, outside in a favorite spot....whatever is best.
I feel very strongly that the human families I help should be able to be with their furry loved ones at the end. Please, if you or anyone you know is ever told that you are not allowed to be present at your pet's euthanasia, PLEASE know that this is not standard practice and you do have an alternative. There are many, many caring wonderful vets who will help and will allow you to be with your pet through their last moments.
I am willing to assist pets with severe behavior issues. Please be aware of the following requirements:
*If your pet has bitten,(human or animal) we will need to schedule the euthanasia at least 10 days after the bite. This is per state law. If you do not wish to wait 10 days, or do not feel that you can keep your pet from biting again for 10 days, you will need to arrange a euthanasia with a traditional clinic so they can do a rabies test (this is a test I am not able to provide).
*I require in all behavior cases that I speak with a veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, or trainer who has evaluated your pet for the behavior problem. Euthanasia should not be taken lightly, and I seek to ensure that we are making the right decision for everyone involved. While I am willing to help, I want it to be the right thing to do.
*In the event that we decide that euthanasia is the appropriate course of action, I need to be able to safely approach your pet to administer sedation. You are welcome to speak with your current vet about options for pre-appointment oral sedatives. I can not provide sedation to be given prior to the appointment (it is illegal to prescribe medications for a pet we have not examined). Please notify me if you feel that this cannot be safely done.
To make an appointment, simply call or email me and we will find a time that works for your schedule and mine. I do not require a visit prior to the euthanasia, nor do I require records from your vet (unless you would like a second opinion/consultation).
My schedule changes frequently as I often get last minute appointment requests or cancellations. I generally book out couple of days (sometimes 3-5) so please do keep this in mind when planning.
In regards to scheduling, please note the following:
*Weekends tend to be busy and can fill up by Thursday or Friday. If you know in advance that you need a Saturday or Sunday appointment, please call in advance.
*I do not take off time for holidays. If I will be unavailable for any period, notice will be given on my voicemail & email well in advance
This is a very individual decision. Ultimately, it is up to you what is best.
I have had children of all ages be present. I think being open and honest about the loss of a pet is the most important part of this process.
If you are considering having your kids present, the first thing to consider is their age. Kids 7 and under will have a hard time fully understanding the procedure and processing the loss. That doesn't mean they can't be there--it just means we have to tailor the information to their level.
Here is an article about talking to very young kids about pet loss: An Age-By-Age Guide to Explaining the Death of a Pet to Children
For kids 7 and older I think it's ok to ask them how they feel about being present. Briefly discuss what will happen, (you can use the photos in the FAQ section of Nacho if they are visual learners, or even a youtube video), and let them decide on whether or not they would like to be there.
