Dr. Cushing helped us say goodbye to our 15.5 year old pup. She showed such compassion and empathy…read morethrough the whole process. She made one of the worst days as good as it possibly could be.

There is nothing like losing your best friend, but Dr. Cushing made the experience as good as it…read morecould be. She was so helpful along the way, when it became clear that our beloved girl was slowing down. When the time finally came, Dr. Cushing was readily available to answer all of our questions, talk with us about what we should expect, and was a great communicator during travel times. On the day of the euthenasia, she was kind, patient, and gentle. She was so caring and made sure that our last moments with our soul dog were beautiful. I can't even thank her enough, and I can't encourage you enough to work with Dr. Cushing when it's your pet's time. We have no regrets--it's worth every single cent to help them transition to death in the comfort of their home and your arms.

Words cannot describe how much we love Dr. Hayes and the phenomenal work she does with grieving…read morefamilies and their beloved pets. This past weekend, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put our cat, Kiki, to sleep after a long battle with her illness. Kiki hated veterinary clinics, and near the end of her life she had been to several. We wanted her final moments to be peaceful, at home, free from the stress of her carrier or the sterile environment of an animal hospital. Dr. Hayes responded to my inquiry immediately: a phone call, a voicemail, a text, and an email with thoughtful resources and her availability. When we finally spoke about Kiki's condition, she was calm, compassionate, and professional. She walked us through every option and was transparent about pricing from the start. What also set Dr. Hayes apart was her availability over the weekend, something that is genuinely difficult to accommodate and not something every provider offers. Her flexibility during what is already an impossibly hard time is noteworthy and deeply appreciated. The day itself was one of the hardest our family has faced, but Dr. Hayes brought a quiet, somber grace to it that was genuinely comforting. She was extremely patient with us, never once making us feel rushed, and gave us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes to Kiki, something that meant more than words can express. As someone who works in medicine myself, I was especially moved by the care and respect she showed Kiki's body after she passed, it did not go unnoticed. She was also wonderfully gentle with our 10-year-old and with Kiki's brother Mason, who wanted to be there to say goodbye. I highly recommend Dr. Hayes to any family navigating this painful decision. Her compassion, professionalism, and flexibility make her exactly the kind of vet you need by your side in those final moments. We are so grateful she exists and does this work. If you are facing this impossibly hard decision, you could not be in more caring hands.

Dr. Hayes is incredible. She is both professional and warm. When we reached out to Dr. Hayes…read moreinquiring about at home euthanasia and quality of life for our 13 year old family dog Lexi, she was responsive, compassionate and knowledgeable right from the start. Dr. Hayes reached out to our Vet directly to obtain all of Lexi's medical records. Dr. Hayes made herself available via text and phone late into the evening to talk through meds as we tried to make Lexi comfortable during her last couple of days. When the time came to say goodbye to Lexi, Dr. Hayes showed up to our house with empathy and calmness as she explained every step of the process. While saying goodbye was one of the most gut wrenching experiences filled with lots of tears, we somehow all found peace in having Lexi comfortable in her home surrounded by her entire family. Dr. Hayes made this possible. There is no shortage of amazing animals, but this world needs more humans like Dr, Hayes. Truly, thank you. -Lexi's Family

A review I wish I never had to write. Our fur baby, Panini, was nearing the end of his fight with…read morelymphoma and we made the decision to say goodbye to him at home, where he could be with us and our other kitty in his familiar surroundings. We reached out to Betsy and planned for her to come the afternoon the next day; immediately, on the phone, I was soothed by her calm, compassionate manner and knew Panini would be in good hands. The night before, the ER vet let us know Panini was declining faster; we went over to BluePearl in Waltham (which I also recommend) and texted Betsy if she could come in at her earliest. She responded promptly and said she could. With sick pets operating on a very fluid schedule, we really appreciated her accommodating us. I thank Betsy for walking us through the procedure and explaining the steps. She had an incredible bedside manner and gave us time to grieve. I'm not sure how she does it but I'm so glad and grateful for how kindly she treated both us and Panini during this time. We had a ton of questions before, during, and after, and she answered them all with patience. If you need someone to give the best for your pet and to treat them as if they were her own, please call Betsy.

We could not have asked for a better person to provide euthanasia services for our dogs. She…read moreattended to our 14 and 13 year old ridgebacks some years apart, one just a few days ago. Betsy is technically skillful but also extraordinarily compassionate, understanding, soft spoken and gentle toward both our beloved dogs and the family members present for our dogs' final moments, one on a familiar couch and one on the grass in the yard he so enjoyed. She clearly understands and feels the trauma we were feeling and made our pet' s passing as easy as possible. She assisted at every step, and stayed to help until all was done. We are very grateful to her for making these difficult steps less painful. We were so very lucky to find her. She is the best.

It took me a while to write this because losing a pet truly feels like losing a family member. We…read morehad the privilege of working with Dr. Mary from Honored Hearts while our beloved cat, Mila, was battling cancer, respiratory distress, and diabetes. Mila was on morphine for pain and steroids to help her breathe, and throughout it all, Dr. Mary was there for us every step of the way. She checked in daily, came by frequently with medications, and always made time to see Mila in person. When it was time to say goodbye, I cannot stress enough how incredible Dr. Mary was -- not only with Mila but with our entire family. Her compassion, kindness, and gentle nature made an unbearable moment just a little more bearable. If you are caring for a sick pet, I cannot recommend Dr. Mary and Honored Hearts enough. She is a truly special person, and we are forever grateful for the care she provided to Mila and to us.

Dr Mary is an Angel. She is kind, compassionate and just gets it. I knew we were in good hands…read morefrom the first communication. She gets what a tough day it can be for people and does everything she can to help make it better. She texts you updates of her eta. She truly cares about you and your pet. So grateful I found her and would highly recommend her. Don't think twice about booking with her, you will thank yourself after for having someone make a tough day a little brighter.

Losing a pet is never an easy thing but HOW you say goodbye MATTERS. We contacted Dr. Susan Holt…read moreat Say Goodbye at Home when we knew our precious little golden, Sailor, was failing. Dr. Holt was absolutely AMAZING. Her love and care for animals and her undertaking of her business says it all. It can't be easy for Dr. Holt to travel to pet owners homes and face tears and anguish every day, but that's exactly why she does what she does. So pet owners can peacefully say goodbye to their pets in the comfort of their own homes. Despite our sorrow, we felt so good about how our little warrior just drifted off in one of her favorite spots in the house. Dr. Holt was extremely caring and gave us time with her..comforting us and assuring us of our decision. If the time ever comes when you have to face this painful decision, I highly recommend Dr. Holt for a caring and beautiful sendoff. Thank you Dr. Holt for your strength and love. We miss our Sailor every day, but you have made us smile as she was so peaceful and ready for her journey to once again be united with her brother Sam over the rainbow bridge.

I messaged Dr Holt on a weekend night and she got right back to me. She came and picked up my baby…read moreParker. Dr Holt is so compassionate and you can see how much she cares and feels your pain. Thank you Dr Holt for taking good care of my baby Parker.

Surell and her team have been caring for my Jack Russels for years! She has improved the lives of…read moreall of my dogs, and I trust her judgment based upon my experiences with her, implicitly! Since we don't ever board our dogs, Surell manages their vaccinations and medications accordingly, and always offers me options regarding their care. Most importantly, however, is that Surell and everyone who works for her are truly compassionate and caring, and it shows every time they come over. We are never rushed, we feel like she and her team are always 110% there, and I'm so grateful that our family found the Hopkinton Home Veterinary Service!

This crew is amazing. We have a very nervous rescue and in-home has been a lifesaver. Dr. Macchi…read moreand Keeghan (sp?) are the best and I can't recommend them highly enough.

I don't know how to express our feelings of gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Kennedy. She was…read morerecommended to me by another doctor. This week we had to make the hardest decision regarding our 16 year old Shepherd mix. He was clearly failing health wise, having breathing problems and could not walk or stand for more than a few minutes. We knew he had no quality of life and was suffering. We called Dr. Kennedy the day before and spoke about our boy and the decision we knew was inevitable and made the appointment. When she came to our home the next day she was kind, gentle and empathetic. She prepared us for the steps she would perform. My son and I stayed with him, loving in him and telling him how much we love him. Within 10 minutes it was over. He went to heaven to run and play with his best friend Diamond who passed in her sleep six months earlier. This was the worst decision we had to make but Dr. Kennedy walked through it with us and we are forever grateful to have been able to allow our boy to go to rest at home.

My baby, Pebbles, literally wandered up to my front door when she was 6 weeks old. She was with me…read morefor 18 years; through relationships, retirement, moves, and everything in between. Always waiting for me by the front door, always purring in my arms, and always giving me her love. Her time came relatively quickly (within about two weeks) and I wasn't going to force her to endure being put into a carrier and taken to the Vet's Office, afraid, in her final hour. I just couldn't do that to her. She trusted me. I was given a referral for Dr. Kennedy and I'm so glad I reached out. Dr. Kennedy was kind, suggested ways to mediate Pebbles pain, offered cremation, gave me options for an urn, and was both empathetic and, frankly, very sweet. She helped Pebbles to transition as peacefully as possible, giving me time with her and I was holding her as she passed, laying in my bed (instead of a sterile, stainless steel exam table, with dogs barking in the background). When Pebbles finished transitioning, Dr. Kennedy wrapped Pebbles in a blanket, with respect and love, and took her to be cremated for me. Her kindness and sympathy were wonderful and very helpful for my experience. The cost for in-home euthanasia is obviously higher that taking your pet to the Vet, but worth every penny. Considering the love they gave you throughout their lives, how can you consider exposing your loved companion to fear in their last hours ? I would completely recommend Dr. Kennedy. She was wonderful.

Absolutely the BEST sitter I've ever come across; live in with family instead of locked in a kennel…read morealone; pick up and drop off is very flexible with the proper notifications. Both my girls LOVE Candace and always get mopey when we get home because they love their time with her. All dogs are introduced to another to ensure compatibility with the others which makes for an incredible experience for my two clowns. Cost is on point with kennels BUT you get so much more; would you prefer to go away knowing your dogs are alone at night on a concrete floor or wrestling for position on a couch in front of the fire place? Stop looking around, you've already found the best solution for your pets while you're away. Thank you Candace for all you've done; we'll be seeing you shortly!!

Last summer I didn't know what I was going to do when, two weeks before my family was supposed to…read moreleave for our annual trip to South Carolina, our pet-sitting arrangements fell through. I was sooo lucky to have found Candace. She literally opens her home to the dogs in her care. Dogs spend their time at her lovely house and are allowed to come in and out throughout the day. There were a few other dogs staying with Candace at the same time as my dog, and these guys were so sweet and playful. (Candace does a wonderful job screening her clients to make sure everyone is safe, happy, and comfortable.) Leaving your dogs in her care is like leaving your dogs with a family member. My dogs instantly trusted her, and so did I. I was able to enjoy my vacation without worrying about my pets. She even sent me photos to help put my mind at ease. Candace is the BEST, and I highly recommend her to all dog owners who do not want to board their loved ones in kennels.

I bought a plot at Hillside Acre Pet cemetery for my 4 dogs. Just got finished paying it off as I…read morehad a life threatening illness that took me awhile to get through. Dave Gordon that works at the cemetery is a wonderful person that will do anything in his powers to help you out! They ought to be thankful that they have him, such a wonderful man.. When I get back in the area I'll make an appointment to bury my furbabies and have a little graveside service with my husband and myself. I'll also make a donation for Mr. Gordon and his workers to get the much needed supplies they need to care for this Beautiful Resting Place for all our fur babies as well as those brave dogs that were right beside our servicemen and women fighting in wars..May they all Rest in Forever Peace.

My cat Scully passed on Friday. We have a burial plot at Hillside Acre, which was closed for…read moreVeterans Day. My mother emailed Dave Gordon, who responded over the weekend. He arranged for us to bring her remains to Nevins Farm's shelter on Sunday. When we attempted to do so, we had a very distressful situation with a member of the shelter's staff and, therefore, did not leave Scully's remains at the shelter, (see my review of Nevins Farm's animal shelter for more information). Dave personally went to the shelter Monday morning to address the issue. Meanwhile, we went to the shelter and met with Glen Gaccione, who was also very respectful and understanding of what we've been through. Due to what happened the day before - although it wasn't any fault of theirs - Hillside Acre gave us a refund for the cost of the burial. Hillside Acre staff also demonstrated sympathy and compassion three and a half years ago when my cat Mulder passed, as well as several years ago with my parents' cat Lego. Hillside Acre cemetery is large and well maintained. Glen was outside attending to the grounds when we arrived yesterday. The area has a fence. Anyone with a burial plot as a key to the grounds to visit grave sites, which are protected from the general public. They have an office area for business that's apart from a functioning kitchen and a viewing area with comfortable seating. You can now buy grave stones through Hillside Acre. They also offer grief support and memorial tributes. Burials are free for dogs who have served this country in the military.