Home Euthanasia for Pets
Still River Home Euthanasia for Pets is a veterinary practice solely dedicated to providing families the opportunity to say goodbye to their cherished pet in the privacy and comfort of home.
Founded by Dr. Leslie Neville, Still River Home Euthanasia for Pets serves Harvard, Massachusetts and nearby communities.
I graduated from Tufts University Cummings School Of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 and have had the opportunity to care for a wide variety of animals since then, from beloved dogs and cats, to little blue penguins and endangered sea turtles. I have been fortunate to spend time working at private veterinary clinics and the New England Aquarium. In both settings, I never took lightly my role in caring for animals and helping to decide when euthanasia is the most humane option. Animals enrich our lives in so many ways, and as a veterinarian I consider my ability to perform euthanasia a privilege of our profession. Although I always tried to accommodate families when they asked me to euthanize their pet at home, a busy clinical schedule often didn’t afford me this flexibility. I often wished I knew of a local, mobile veterinarian I could recommend when I or my colleagues weren’t available.
Education:
Wheaton College, 1987.Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 1993.
Small Animal Medical and Surgical Internship, 1994.
The New England Aquarium Aquatic Animal Internship, 2001.
By establishing Still River Home Euthanasia for Pets, I’m now able to offer this option to families and local veterinarians within Harvard and the surrounding local communities. I’m honored to be part of such an intimate and emotional decision and to have the opportunity to spend more time with families and their pets during the process. With my own pets, I have grappled with the decision of euthanasia and know how it can feel like an overwhelming responsibility as a pet owner. I have learned to take comfort knowing that it’s also the final act of caring. Each animal I have been fortunate to know has enriched my life and given me the gift of many fond memories.
Deciding when euthanasia is appropriate is a very personal and emotional decision. I offer a phone consultation to discuss your pet’s health, the option of euthanasia, and guidance with a decision process that feels best for you and your pet. I’m also available to speak with your local veterinarian. At your home, there will be time to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have, as well as to talk about the procedure in as much detail as you would like.
My priority is to make you and your pet as comfortable as possible. To help alleviate any pain or anxiety your pet may have, I am able to provide a sedative injection prior to euthanasia. Most pets don’t mind the injection, but there may be some momentary discomfort similar to receiving a vaccination. A pet will typically fall into a deep, sleep-like state within five to 20 minutes after the sedation is administered. It is rare for a pet to have an adverse reaction to the sedative, and I will discuss any possible reactions with you beforehand. When you and your pet are ready I will administer the euthanasia solution. Animals typically don’t close their eyes, and there may be a few deep, reflexive breaths or some muscle twitching.
The owner (or authorized agent) must be present to complete and sign a consent form, which asks if your pet has bitten anyone within the past 10 days. This question is a requirement of the Massachusetts State Rabies law. Please indicate your choice of aftercare arrangements if you have made that decision. I’m able to discuss the different options with you in advance.
Preferred payment is check (to Dr. Leslie Neville) or cash, though I’m able to accept a credit card through Square at the time of service.
The typical cost of the home visit, sedation and euthanasia is $350. There will be an extra charge for pets over 100 pounds and for service during holidays. I will let you know your specific cost before you schedule an appointment.
I’m able to take your pet with me afterwards and arrange for cremation at Forget-Me-Not Pet Crematory in Northborough, MA. They offer both Private and Group Cremation services.
Private Cremation – your pet is cremated separately, and their ashes are returned to you in a complimentary bamboo urn. Your pet’s ashes can be returned to your local veterinarian, or you can pick them up at the crematorium.
Group Cremation – your pet is cremated with other pets, and their ashes are scattered at the Animal Rescue League’s Pet Cemetery. There will not be any ashes to return to you.
Forget-Me-Not offers clay-and-ink paw or nose prints, along with decorative urns, engraving and other keepsake items. If you would like one of these items, I’ll note that request and have Forget-Me-Not contact you for payment.
Please note: most items you’re able to choose after your pet’s cremation, except for the paw/nose prints.
The following is a summary of the cost for Group and Private Cremation based on your pet’s weight:
| Weight, in lbs. | Group Cremation Price | Private Cremation Price |
| <20 | $100 | $200 |
| 20-49 | $125 | $250 |
| 50-99 | $150 | $300 |
| 100-150 | $175 | $325 |
| >150 | $200 | $375 |
Call or text: (978) 855-1494
Email: drneville@stillriverpet.com
Appointments are primarily scheduled within 15 miles of my home in Harvard, MA.