pReparing for the at-home ViSit (before and after the procedUre)
How to Prepare for the Euthanasia Process:
The process itself, from when Dr. Holt comes into your home to when she leaves, is usually about 30 minutes. During that time period we will go over paperwork (see “Forms to fill out” before the appointment) and take payment. Dr. Holt will start by giving sedation (this is an intra-muscular injection). It should take about 3-5 minutes for the sedation to take effect. Then Dr. Holt will place an intravenous catheter in order to gain venous access. The final injection will be given through a vein and typically takes about 10-20 seconds to stop the heart. We try to mimic your pet just “going to sleep” as much as possible. It is very peaceful and your pet will feel no pain at any point during the procedure.
Update on COVID-19: We are continuing to perform in-home euthanasias under very strict conditions. We ask that you please read the following information to ensure the safety of everyone:
Please leave the closest parking spot available for Dr. Holt‘s car so that she can easily transport her belongings into the house and the remains into her vehicle afterwards. We also ask that you please remain in your home and not come to Dr. Holt’s vehicle for any reason unless directed to do so otherwise. The reason for this is to give Dr. Holt time to get organized and gather her equipment. The goal is to ensure that Dr. Holt’s equipment remains clean and to avoid any cross contamination between home visits. If you have any questions about this policy, please do not hesitate to ask.
Masks are no longer required unless you are showing symptoms of COVID. If you wish for Dr. Holt to wear a mask, please let her know prior to her arrival.
We are no longer performing euthanasias in bedrooms at this time.
Dr. Holt will need a clean, hard surface (such as a large table, dining room table or countertop) to work on for her supplies. The table is not for your pet. If you choose to use a short table/coffee table, please provide a chair for Dr. Holt to sit.
Weather permitting, we can also perform euthanasias outside. If you choose to have the euthanasia performed outside, please have a water-proof tarp/blanket for Dr. Holt to kneel on while she works on your pet. This is to keep her equipment and her clothes dry if we are to be on the grass or dirt. We do not perform outdoor euthanasias in the rain or the snow, or if the temperature is below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees.
We may not always be able to bring a technician with us so if your pet is over 25 lb please be prepared to help Dr. Holt transport the remains to her vehicle after the euthanasia. To decrease any risk of transmitting diseases, we will no longer be taking any bedding/blankets with the remains (a towel to cover up your pet is fine)..
Due to liability we are no longer euthanizing pets due to behavior problems including aggression without an up-to-date rabies vaccination, a full blood panel and a letter from a board certified veterinary behaviorist indicating that Euthanasia is the best option for the pet.
If your pet has recently been bitten by another animal including a raccoon, skunk, bat, fox, coyote or another animal, or if a human or another animal has been bitten BY your pet within the past ten days, we will not be able to assist you. In the event that your pet has been bitten by another animal or your pet has bitten another animal/human, we will require documentation of a current Rabies vaccine (Rabies Certificate or medical records/invoices from your veterinarian) prior to our arrival. We are in strict compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in regards to Rabies Laws and Regulation. If you have any questions into the protocols that are required by the state, please visit mass.gov Health and Human Services subcategory Rabies Control Plan. IF YOUR PET HAS BITTEN A PERSON OR ANOTHER PET WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE EUTHANASIA, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Make sure all pets in the household are contained or put in a separate room/outside prior to our arrival. This of course does not apply to the pet that is being put to sleep.
Please have your method of payment ready. We take credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or we take cash with a 5% discount. We do not accept checks unless discussed prior to the appointment.
We will coordinate and arrange the care of remains, if you wish, to have your pet cremated. If you decide you would like to arrange for a different method for care of remains, you will be responsible for making arrangements yourself. Please refer to your city’s ordinance on at-home burial of pets. We are not responsible for your pet’s remains if you decide to personally dispose of the remains.
We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time. We deeply care for the well-being of your pet as well as your satisfaction with our services. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
The process itself, from when Dr. Holt comes into your home to when she leaves, is usually about 30 minutes. During that time period we will go over paperwork (see “Forms to fill out” before the appointment) and take payment. Dr. Holt will start by giving sedation (this is an intra-muscular injection). It should take about 3-5 minutes for the sedation to take effect. Then Dr. Holt will place an intravenous catheter in order to gain venous access. The final injection will be given through a vein and typically takes about 10-20 seconds to stop the heart. We try to mimic your pet just “going to sleep” as much as possible. It is very peaceful and your pet will feel no pain at any point during the procedure.
Update on COVID-19: We are continuing to perform in-home euthanasias under very strict conditions. We ask that you please read the following information to ensure the safety of everyone:
Please leave the closest parking spot available for Dr. Holt‘s car so that she can easily transport her belongings into the house and the remains into her vehicle afterwards. We also ask that you please remain in your home and not come to Dr. Holt’s vehicle for any reason unless directed to do so otherwise. The reason for this is to give Dr. Holt time to get organized and gather her equipment. The goal is to ensure that Dr. Holt’s equipment remains clean and to avoid any cross contamination between home visits. If you have any questions about this policy, please do not hesitate to ask.
Masks are no longer required unless you are showing symptoms of COVID. If you wish for Dr. Holt to wear a mask, please let her know prior to her arrival.
We are no longer performing euthanasias in bedrooms at this time.
Dr. Holt will need a clean, hard surface (such as a large table, dining room table or countertop) to work on for her supplies. The table is not for your pet. If you choose to use a short table/coffee table, please provide a chair for Dr. Holt to sit.
Weather permitting, we can also perform euthanasias outside. If you choose to have the euthanasia performed outside, please have a water-proof tarp/blanket for Dr. Holt to kneel on while she works on your pet. This is to keep her equipment and her clothes dry if we are to be on the grass or dirt. We do not perform outdoor euthanasias in the rain or the snow, or if the temperature is below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees.
We may not always be able to bring a technician with us so if your pet is over 25 lb please be prepared to help Dr. Holt transport the remains to her vehicle after the euthanasia. To decrease any risk of transmitting diseases, we will no longer be taking any bedding/blankets with the remains (a towel to cover up your pet is fine)..
Due to liability we are no longer euthanizing pets due to behavior problems including aggression without an up-to-date rabies vaccination, a full blood panel and a letter from a board certified veterinary behaviorist indicating that Euthanasia is the best option for the pet.
If your pet has recently been bitten by another animal including a raccoon, skunk, bat, fox, coyote or another animal, or if a human or another animal has been bitten BY your pet within the past ten days, we will not be able to assist you. In the event that your pet has been bitten by another animal or your pet has bitten another animal/human, we will require documentation of a current Rabies vaccine (Rabies Certificate or medical records/invoices from your veterinarian) prior to our arrival. We are in strict compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in regards to Rabies Laws and Regulation. If you have any questions into the protocols that are required by the state, please visit mass.gov Health and Human Services subcategory Rabies Control Plan. IF YOUR PET HAS BITTEN A PERSON OR ANOTHER PET WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE EUTHANASIA, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Make sure all pets in the household are contained or put in a separate room/outside prior to our arrival. This of course does not apply to the pet that is being put to sleep.
Please have your method of payment ready. We take credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or we take cash with a 5% discount. We do not accept checks unless discussed prior to the appointment.
We will coordinate and arrange the care of remains, if you wish, to have your pet cremated. If you decide you would like to arrange for a different method for care of remains, you will be responsible for making arrangements yourself. Please refer to your city’s ordinance on at-home burial of pets. We are not responsible for your pet’s remains if you decide to personally dispose of the remains.
We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time. We deeply care for the well-being of your pet as well as your satisfaction with our services. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Home Burial Instructions:
- Please go to Mass.gov to double check any rules and regulations in regards to any town ordnances on at-home burial of pets. You may be permitted to bury your pet in your yard, even within city limits, provided you own the property, or have permission from the owner of the private property.
- If you are unable to bury your pet within a few hours of their passing, it is advisable to keep the body in a cold storage area like a refrigerator or freezer.
- It is recommended to dig the hole at least 4 feet deep, but also 4 feet above the ground water table, and cover with at least 4 feet of earth.
- Avoid rocky areas and tree roots
- Maintain a 100-foot separation from wells or waterways
- Also be aware of any buried water, gas or power lines.
- Do not bury in a low-lying area, gully, or ditch that is prone to flooding
- You can bury your pet wrapped in a natural fiber blanket, cardboard or wooden box. Avoid synthetic fibers and plastic bags.
- For added protection from wild animals, you may choose to cover the burial spot with rocks.
- We are not responsible for the remains of your pet if you decide to bury him/her at home.
- if you have any questions about the home burial process please call (508) 375-1234 or email us at [email protected]
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“Some pets come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave paw prints in our hearts and we are never, ever the same.” -Anonymous
