In-Home Euthanasia

When our beloved 14 year old dog deteriorated very quickly we went back and forth on what to do. We have always bought our previous dogs to the vet to be put down but this seemed so traumatic — the car ride, the wait, leaving them alone with a tech in the room on a metal table and then walking out of the hospital with just a collar and leash and no sense of closure. So we were happy to find out that in-​home services were now available/​legal in the state. In the end it was a no-​brainer. I reached out to Dr. Maxfield and explained the situation. She assessed the situation clinically, made us feel assured that he was in end-​stage medically and then walked us through the process of how to get her when the time came.
When the day came that our dog couldn’t walk or drink water anymore and was clearly past the point of no return, Dr. Maxfield came to our home. She explained the process step by step. She was incredibly kind and you can tell she has a true love and respect for animals and also understands what we as pet owners are going through in moments like these. She made our dog so comfortable that the experience of his passing and saying goodbye is actually a memory I will cherish. We got to say goodbye to him while he was in his dog bed surrounded by those that loved him and just as explained he passed quickly without any pain or awareness of what was happening. It was dignified and peaceful in a way I could never have imagined.
I hope more people utilize this service for their pets in need. It’s sad day when we have to let go of a pet but I take some solace in knowing we did what was best and in a very humane and special way. I applaud Dr. Maxwell for what she does, it can’t be easy seeing this day in and day out and I have the utmost respect and gratitude for her.

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Maxfield and the service she provides. I witnessed what quality end of life care was with humans when my uncle was passing away with lung cancer and our experience with Dr. Maxfield helping the suffering of our 16 year old cat was the same type of amazing experience (coincidentally, or not, our cat ended up having lung cancer and departing from us on the exact date as my uncle 4 years ago). It was above and beyond my expectations.
You immediately know somebody caring, true and genuine is in your home to help you with what is the most difficult time in our lives for many of us.
My baby angel passed how I had always wanted and imagined. Surrounded by her closest loved ones in her favorite spot on my/​her cozy bed we shared our most peaceful and loving times in. We got to pet and kiss her and talk her through letting go peacefully and painlessly. She was very ready anyway. She kept telling us in her own kitty ways. Today was a day of angels, and Dr. Maxfield is nothing short of angel. She gave us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes and feel comfortable at letting her pass when we were ready, as well as after the procedure. Beforehand we shared stories and she really eased us through the grief. This was actually an amazing experience during the hardest time of our life. Words can’t express my level of gratitude.
The way I found Dr. Maxfield was nothing short of a miracle either. I felt hopeless when I saw the astronomical fees of some other similar services, and when I gave my last resort to a Google search and found her I knew we had found our vet for this task. Everything was right about it. This Dr. is an angel amongst humans and carrying out all our wishes wouldn’t have been possible without her.
And as another reviewer had said, she felt like one of the family. God bless this saint. I don’t know how she does it. You can tell she feels your pain. You truly have to love animals to be as wise and compassionate as she is about not wanting them to suffer. I watched my baby decline so rapidly and suffer so badly, worse with every hour till she came and put us all at peace, in the way we had always hoped for, at home with us able to sooth her so much.
I wouldn’t think twice with my next pet. If you are in a similar situation, don’t think twice about contacting this Dr. What was initially a nightmare ended in a way I can only describe as beautiful and special. I am forever grateful, Dr. Maxfield. So much love to you.

I agree wholeheartedly with every positive comment that has been shared about Dr. Maxfield in the previous reviews. I am so thankful to her for offering this service and for being there to help my cat and me through this difficult time, importantly with only two hours’ notice. I would absolutely recommend her to other pet owners who want their pets’ final moments to be as peaceful as possible.

Thank you Dr. Maxfield for offering such a wonderful service for pet parents. I contacted Dr. Maxfield via email to learn about her services. When the time came for my cat, we were able to schedule for her to come the next day in the morning. Dr. Maxfield was right on time. Something I appreciated as I was feeling extremely anxious about the fact that these were my last moments seeing my cat alive. I certainly didn’t want to be nervously waiting.
I was actually present via a video call. I live across the country. Dr. Maxfield was kind enough to consider my virtual presence and if I had any questions as well. She went over her entire procedure with my family. One injection to put my cat to sleep and one inject to stop her heart. I definitely appreciate their being a sleeping injection so my cat didn’t have to be put through the vet trying to find her veins for the final one.
My cat died on our porch in my mom’s lap. She loved the fresh air. If I had to do it again, I would say home euthanasia every time.

I was devastated at the thought of having to euthanize my 16-​year-​old Mini Eskimo dog, and avoided making the decision for as long as possible. Finally, when I knew her quality of life was deteriorating and she was probably in pain, I searched the internet for someone who could provide the kindest and most peaceful experience for both of us. (I did not want to have to take my pet to a clinic, where I knew she would be nervous and afraid.) I am so grateful that I found Dr. Maxfield. She was so kind and caring, and did not rush the process. She took time to talk with me about my pet’s health condition and quality of life, and her knowledgable answers to my questions gave me the information I needed to know I was making the right decision. The euthanasia process itself was very peaceful, with my pet being sedated first (while I held her), and then, when fully sedated, receiving the injection that would put her to sleep. We carried her to Dr. Maxfield’s car on her doggy bed, where I knew her body would be treated with care and respect as she was taken to be cremated. I am grateful for Dr. Maxfield’s warm and caring personality, and her obvious love for animals. The service she provided was exceptional, and the price was very reasonable (about half of what another house call veterinarian would have charged me). I would recommend In-​Home Euthanasia to anyone.

Dr. Christine was so kind and loving with our 15-​year-​old-​lab who was at the end of her life, and she was very sensitive to our needs as well. She addressed our doubts (you always have them in these situations) and assured us that we were doing the right thing by explaining how badly our dog was feeling. It was a very peaceful, loving passing for our beloved pet who was able to spend her last moments in her favorite spot in the kitchen surrounded by the people she loved. It was so much better than bringing our dog to a cold, sterile vet’s office where she would be anxious on top of feeling sick. One thing that really impressed me was when I made the initial call to Dr. Christine and she told me that if our dog took a turn for the worse before our appointment, then I should call her and she would come immediately — even in the middle of the night. Also, her rates are very reasonable (not that you want to put a price on this, but some vets charge twice what she does) and she’s flexible about the appointment time. Her love for animals and her desire to help ease their suffering is very touching. She’s an angel on earth!

Dr. Maxfield helped us through a very rough time with our beloved dog. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we knew we were making the right decision but there is always that guilt and questions if you’re doing the right thing for your pets. She made the whole process dignified and we are grateful. We are lucky to have her in this area.

We’ll add another five-​star rating. Dr. Maxfield is nothing short of a phenomenon. This past weekend we had to help our elderly cat to pass peacefully, and this was our second experience with Dr. Maxfield for the same reason. Her procedures are flawless. Our pets experience complete love and compassion. They are able to move on in their favorite room, on their favorite bed — or in their favorite spot in the yard — in the beach grasses or the shade of the family’s apple tree. Dr. Maxfield goes where you and your pets need her to. She speaks lovingly and respectfully to them, holding them honorably. She creates a space of peace and invites family members — both human and animal — to take part in everything. She directs the situation with utmost professionalism but with such a gentle hand. Her kindness is palpable. And all of our fears dissipate, our animals’ and ours, when she walks in.

We just put down my cat of 17 years. Dr. Maxfield was warm and friendly. She was patient and let me talk about my cat (basically my child) until it was finally time. Everything went as she described and it was peaceful. She was wonderful and I would (although hopefully won’t have to) have her come again.

We recently moved to the area and had to rely on the internet to choose someone to help us bring peace to our lovely elderly cat. As sad as these times can be, we could not have been more fortunate to have found Dr. Maxfield.
Dr. Maxfield is an extremely caring, compassionate professional who truly understands how precious our pets are to us. She took the time to listen to our needs and to explain everything during an emotional time. Her schedule is flexible and she arrived on time. Dr. Maxfield’s experience and personal love of animals is obvious, and really made us feel at ease. We were not rushed at all and we were given plenty of time and space to spend our last times together and say our goodbyes. Dr. Maxfield provided great comfort to us with her demeanor and expertise. We utilized the cremation service she provides, and found it recommendable as well.
Our precious little girl, was laid to rest in the comfort of our home, in my partner’s lap, surrounded by love. This would not have been possible without Dr. Maxfield.

The world is a better place thanks to people who choose to dedicate their careers to things like hospice care for the elderly, cancer treatment for children, at-​home euthanasia for our beloved pets. Dr. Maxfield is a saint.
I lose my dog to kidney disease this week. She spend a few days in the hospital while we monitored her numbers for improvement. They didn’t. I ultimately decided to take her home to let her live out her remaining days with her human and creature family at my childhood home in Worcester. The last 4 days I spent with her were painful — while she was still able to walk (slowly), she was not eating and she was becoming increasingly lethargic. I fretted over when her time would come. I found Dr. Maxfield through an internet search on at-​home euthanasia. Dr. Maxfield listened patiently as I told her about Hermione’s illness and expressed concern over not knowing the right time to let her go. She listened through my tears, gave me great advice and calmed my fears about the whole experience. Her schedule was flexible and she came the next morning.
The experience was painful, but it was appropriate. Dr. Maxfield came over on time, explained the procedure, and let me have some time to say goodbye to my dog. She was extremely patient and kind. No miserable drive to vet, Hermione was very comfortable lying in her bed throughout the experience.
While I don’t look forward to calling Dr. Maxfield again, I would do so for my cat and whoever I end up adopting next.
I don’t know if this is everyone’s experience, but it was certainly mine: Coping with a sick dog is far worse than coping with a lost dog. The dread and the anxiety you experience when your pet is dying is far more painful than dealing with their loss. Once Hermione was gone, I felt an enormous sense of relief, and I felt good about making the right decision and easing her passage out of this life without a painful medical crisis. While I get teary-​eyed looking at her bed and leash (I can’t get rid of them, not yet), I was able to eat, smile and sleep that very night. I hope this helps anyone going through what I did.

Yesterday we had Dr Maxfield come to our home to euthanize our dog, Louis. I had to make this decision a few years ago with another dog and we did it at the vet. It was fine, but not nearly as nice as this was. Louis got to be home in his favorite chair where he loved to relax and nap in the sun. Dr Maxfield was terrific. She was very patient and kind, walked us through the whole process helpfully, and even let our little Yorkie be right there to oversee his buddy’s final moments. Dr Maxfield provides a wonderful service, her rates are very reasonable and the cost was exactly as advertised on her website. There were no surprises, which at a time like this is much appreciated. I hope not to have to do this again for a long time, but will very likely seek out Dr Maxfield again when the time comes. I heartily recommend her.

I have always assumed that this type of service, if available, would be extremely expensive. When my 15 year old cat was rapidly deteriorating due to lymphoma, I began frantically researching our options. I would have paid anything I could to let him go peacefully at home. Finding Dr. Maxfield was a huge relief to me. Even with travel costs (I live North of Boston) this was completely reasonable, and worth every penny.
From start to finish, Dr. Maxfield was exceptionally patient and kind. I cannot express enough how grateful I was to have such an obviously empathetic person do this. The process was not rushed and she allowed me to say goodbye privately. My much loved cat was able to eat breakfast (tuna) in bed and then be put to sleep in my arms, in bed, his favorite place in the world. It was the best possible way to say goodbye. She also transports the remains for cremation if you request it– I did this and the facility she uses, Forget Me Not, would also get the highest possible praise from me.

Dr. Christine Maxfield was above and beyond. My cat has been clearly deteriorating with lung cancer. I was looking up home euthanasia services, because I knew I wanted to do this at home. Dr. Maxfield was amazing. I exchanged a couple of emails with her, and even though my emails were quite of a mess (it’s the right time, it isn’t, I’m not sure), she responded really nicely. I then spoke to her on the phone, and it’s that phone call that made me decide she’s the right person for me and for Bilbo. There was something so «right» about her approach, she made me feel 100% at ease with this incredibly difficult decision and process, there was zero pressure about everything, including where she would take care of the cremation part or me. Initially, I was adamant that I wanted to do it myself, and she was 100% supportive, and shared with me willingly and honestly what she knew or didn’t know about different places where I could do that. Oddly enough, it was that process that made me realize I’d prefer for her to take care of it for me. There is something about her that is just inspiring trust. She very clearly gets what the person is going through, on a very personal level. She was really amazing throughout. From the emails, through the call, and then finally the actual «deed». She showed up right at the appointment time, was incredibly patient, and knew when to step back and give some space. She explained everything really well, and was clearly very loving to my cat. All in all, while I am terribly terribly sad I had to let my furry baby go earlier than I had hoped, I am completely at peace with how it finally happened, and would not hesitate for a second to call her back when it’s time for cat #2 (hopefully not for a while though!). She will travel quite far I think, I’m in Brookline and it was fine. In these very sad circumstances, Dr. Maxfield makes things as smooth (for lack of a better word) as possible. I highly highly recommend her.

I highly recommend Dr. Maxfield for a very sad, but sometimes necessary process. She arrived at our home and sat with us on the floor while we tended to my poor dying Millie. She listened with the patience of one who understands such loss, while we talked, reminisced and cried. Millie was one of several cats who had been with us for 17 years, with us while my son grew from a small boy into a young man. She was gentle and loving as though Millie were her own. I’m grateful to her and the service she offers to allow our loving pets to find their way over the rainbow bridge in the comfort of home surrounded by loved ones.

This is not an easy review to write but it is certainly well-​deserved. When I learned that my precious pet had terminal cancer, I knew that it would be my responsibility to do the right thing for her to ensure that she did not suffer or lose her dignity. When that time came, it was very important to me that her passing be peaceful and in the place where she was most comfortable. Dr. Maxfield was incredible during this very difficult and emotional process. She was compassionate and respectful the entire time. There is no easy way to say goodbye to your beloved pet, but under these unfortunate circumstances, I could not have asked for a more peaceful and dignified passing for my companion. Dr. Maxfield is a very special person.