FAQs

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. <embed class="calc" src="https://www.inhomeeuthanasia.net/calc/calculator.html" type="text/html" width="800" height="300"/>

<p>Basically, the procedure is the same that would happen in a veterinary clinic, we are just doing it in a setting that is more comfortable for you and your pet.</p> <p>When I get to your home, I will go over the procedure in detail with anyone who wishes to be present.  There is plenty of time for questions.  We will complete paperwork and payment at this time as well.</p> <p>I can work wherever everyone is most comfortable (all I require is light to work by).  I do not need any special set-up.  I give every patient a sedative first (it just goes in like a vaccine, and once it takes effect, your pet will not even know the second injection is happening).</p> <p>I bring all the medical supplies that I need.  One thing you may want to consider having on hand is an old towel or blanket (after the procedure, your pet may lose its bladder).</p> <p>There is no set time frame. I do my best not to rush anyone. The procedure itself can take varying amounts of time, because the sedative can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to take complete effect. I am with families anywhere from 20-90 minutes.</p> <p>If I will be helping your family with transport to the crematory, I will give you time to say final goodbyes, if you wish, and then we will move your pet to my car when everyone is ready.</p> <p>I recently had a client who wished to photograph the procedure. He and his family have graciously offered to share the photos with me so that families can use Nacho's experience if they want to know in advance what to expect.</p> <p><a href="https://www.inhomeeuthanasia.net/nachos-procedure/">Please click here to see the photos.</a></p>

<p>.I am happy to serve most of Massachusetts & Rhode Island (Unfortunately, I am not licensed in other states) . Please use the map below to find your city and see the associated travel fee for it.  Requests for appointments outside of the service area will be honored only if time & schedule allows.  <em>Please call for schedule & travel charges outside of the regular travel area (anything beyond the dark green areas).</em></p> <p><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=140j4YZp1FhtfM8GEBKpQBc7fal-DJC8" width="100%" height="480"></iframe></p>

<p>Yes, currently I only provide end of life care and euthanasia services. I find I can be much more flexible with scheduling if I am not providing full-service care.</p>

Yes, I am a veterinarian, licensed in MA and RI. 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: <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201611/do-dogs-grieve-over-the-loss-animal-companion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Psychology Today - Do Dogs Grieve Over the Loss of an Animal Companion?</a>

<p>I do not currently offer paw prints. If you would like to make a print on your own, here is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJuTZ-BKGzo">YouTube video</a> on how to do it.</p> <p>If you want to buy a ready to use kit, <a href="http://www.sculpey.com/product/keepsake-frame-sets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this kit</a> is the best one I have used. It is available at Amazon and Michaels craft stores.</p> <p>Additionally, Forget-Me-Not can provide your family with either an ink or a clay paw print for an additional charge.</p>

<p>This is a very individual decision. Some families want to make their own arrangements, whether that is for burial or cremation. If you can't or don't wish to make your own arrangements, I can help with cremation arrangements.<br /> I will transport the remains to <a href="http://forget-me-notpetcrematory.com/">Forget-Me-Not Pet Crematory</a> and handle all the details for you.<br /> <strong><br /> UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, 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.</strong></p> <p>All details for prices and options for cremation are available on the <a href="https://www.inhomeeuthanasia.net/index.php/services/">Services </a>page</p>

<p style="text-align: left;">I 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:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.inhomeeuthanasia.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Consent-form-2021.docx">Euthanasia Consent Form</a></p>

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p>

<p>I am willing to assist pets with severe behavior issues.  Please be aware of the following requirements:</p>
<p>*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).</p>
<p>*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.</p>
<p>*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.</p>

<p>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).</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In regards to scheduling, please note the following:</p>
<p>*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.</p>
<p>*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</p>

<div>I do not take payment in advance or a deposit, simply because I realize that things can change.</div> <div></div> <div>As far as cancelling appointments or making changes to appointments, I try to be as flexible as possible.  Please give me as much notice as you can if you need to cancel or make any changes, but I do not charge any cancellation fee unless:</div> <ol> <li>I am physically on my way to your home when you call to cancel or</li> <li>I get to your home and no one is home/alternate arrangements have been made/etc.</li> </ol>

<p>This is a very individual decision. Ultimately, it is up to you what is best.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Here is an article about talking to very young kids about pet loss: <a href="https://www.familyeducation.com/family-life/an-age-by-age-guide-to-explaining-the-death-of-a-pet-to-children">An Age-By-Age Guide to Explaining the Death of a Pet to Children</a></p> <p>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.</p>