Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About In-Home Euthanasia & Cremation Services

What does Dr. Elms need?

A clearly visible at night house number. For dogs: a warm, spacious, and well illuminated area in any room. For cats: a warm, comfortable space.

How quickly can Dr. Elms get to us if we need to have our pet euthanized?

Currently Dr. Elms cannot respond to all calls due to recent ownership of The Cat Hospital in Augusta. Dr. Elms has one 7:30-9pm slot available each weekday night, and only if client lives along her Route 17 commute from Augusta to Camden. On weekends there is late morning and late afternoon availability.

How does euthanasia work? Is it painful in any way?

Your pet will be heavily sedated with an injection in a rear muscle. This may or may not sting for about ten seconds. When your pet is completely unconscious (after approximately 15 minutes) the second injection will be given in an accessible vein in one of their legs. As they drift into unconsciousness the family is encouraged hold their animal and say their goodbyes.

What happens if I change my mind at the last minute?

Dr. Elms will consider this a consultation and will possibly leave you with prescriptions for medications or suggestions for providing your pet with the best quality of life.

Are all religious beliefs honored?

Yes. Dr. Elms encourages caregivers to offer prayers, poems, music and whatever owners feel is appropriate that celebrates the animal’s life and the love it gave.

Is it possible to perform this outdoors?

Yes.

When do I know the moment has come? 

Dr. Elms can help on a case-by-case basis assess your pet’s quality of life. There are many older pets who simply need pain or other medication to significantly extend their lives. In general, when an animal can no longer get up without help or refuses food for several days and/or has recurrent seizures,  this animal needs timely intervention to avoid further suffering.

Isn’t it best to just let an animal die naturally?

Generally not. Just like people, animals can languish in silent pain for long periods of time before expiring naturally. As pet owners, we artificially lengthen our pets’ lives through preventative care and are therefore morally obliged to perform this final act of kindness.

Is it possible that my animal will let me know that it is time for it to pass?

Frequently pet owners tell veterinarians that from one day to the next they saw a drastic change in their pets’ expression as if to say “I’m ready to go. Please help me. I just don’t have the will anymore.”

I know the time is near. Are you willing to make a preliminary visit to get to know my pet beforehand?

Yes. But there is a consultation fee depending on length of visit and distance traveled.

Are there any preparations I can make?

Caregivers are encouraged to personalize the setting so that their animal feels as comfortable as possible. Often this is where the pet normally slept, such as in the living room or bedroom. Often owners will give a final last meal. Occasionally an animal who is high strung will benefit from anti-anxiety medicine similar to valium, which Dr. Elms can give you to administer before she comes.

My pet just died at home and I’m too distraught. Are you available to pick up my animal for cremation?

Yes.

What if my pet passes while Dr. Elms is en route?

Cremation is still an option. There is no charge for the visit, just for the mileage.

Are you involved in the burial?

Generally not, but arrangements can be made for those with physical disabilities who wish to bury at home.

Are my children old enough to witness this?

Children’s preparation for death is a case by case assessment, but generally children under seven years old should not be present.

Questions About Veterinary House Calls

Is Dr. Elms limited to geriatric care and euthanasia?

Yes. Dr. Elms enjoys consultations. Many pets need personalized pain medication and supplements and this is best evaluated in the home setting. Previous medical records are greatly appreciated. Dr. Elms often dispenses a small amount of trial medications and will write a script (local pharmacy or online) and will authorize refills for those medications that have proven effective in improving quality of life.

Do you really see all species, including farm animals?

All species deserve to die with minimal pain and maximum comfort and dignity in a familiar setting. Dr. Elms has euthanized horses and pocket pets, like hamsters, mice, ferrets, rabbits, etc. She will see farm animals for routine care and humane (complete anesthesia) castration of pet pigs/goats/sheep. She will trim donkey hooves and goat/sheep horn with the animals under sedation.

Is it possible to perform this procedure at Dr. Elms’ home lounge?

Yes, some owners prefer to not have the pet put to sleep at home, because passing by a certain area of the house could become triggering. Below is a view of the room available for euthanasia and its view. This can be an alternative to owners facing a long wait at the local emergency clinic. Please call/text for my availability.