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.
Due to shoulder surgery I will be unavailable January 21, 2026 through mid-May.
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.
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. 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.
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.
The typical cost of the home visit, sedation and euthanasia is $400. 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 Final Gift (formerly Forget-Me-Not Pet Crematory) in Northborough, MA. They offer both Private and Group Cremation services.
The crematory will send you a confirmation email from Paws E-track+ shortly after your appointment. You have 48 hours to make any service changes and purchase memorial items (paw prints, special urn, engraving) before they complete the cremation.
Private Cremation – your pet is the only pet in the cremation chamber. Your pet’s cremains are returned to you in a complimentary urn or in the decorative urn you purchase. Your pet’s cremains can be returned to your local veterinarian, you can pick them up at the crematorium, or they can be sent to you for an additional charge of $35.
Group Cremation – your pet’s cremains are not returned to you and are interred through Memorial Reefs, a coral-reef restoration project.
Cremation fees are in addition to the home euthanasia appointment.
Final Gift offers paw and nose prints, along with decorative urns, engraving and other keepsake items.
You are able to order any of these items through the confirmation Paws E-Track+ email you will receive from the crematorium shortly after your appointment.
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 | $125 | $225 |
| 20-49 | $150 | $275 |
| 50-99 | $175 | $325 |
| 100-150 | $225 | $375 |
| >150 | $250 | $425 |
Call or text: (978) 855-1494
Email: drneville@stillriverpet.com
Appointments are primarily scheduled within 15 miles of my home in Harvard, MA.
Due to shoulder surgery I will be unavailable January 21, 2026 through mid-May.