FAQs

What is Kindest Farewell and what services do you offer?

Kindest Farewell is an in-home veterinary end-of-life care practice serving families across Connecticut and New York. We offer a comprehensive end-of-life consultation, pet hospice and palliative care, in-home euthanasia, and cremation and aftercare services. Every service is delivered in the comfort of your home, so your pet can spend their final chapter in the place where they feel safest and most loved.

Who is Dr. Kimberley MacDonald?

Dr. Kimberley MacDonald is the founder of Kindest Farewell and a licensed veterinarian with training from the Atlantic Veterinary College and additional certifications in canine rehabilitation, acupuncture, and chiropractic medicine. She founded Kindest Farewell after experiencing the loss of her own pet, Charlotte, in an unfamiliar clinical setting while traveling abroad — an experience that inspired her to create a better option for families. Learn more about Dr. MacDonald here.

Why should I choose in-home end-of-life care over a veterinary clinic?

In-home care removes the anxiety that car rides, waiting rooms, and unfamiliar clinical environments can cause for a sick or aging pet. At home, your pet is surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, smells, and the people they love most. This typically results in a calmer, more peaceful experience for your pet — and allows your family to say goodbye in a private, meaningful space rather than a shared clinical setting. There is no right or wrong choice, but for many families and pets, in-home care makes an enormous difference.

What types of pets do you provide services for?

Our primary focus is on dogs and cats. However, some of our veterinarians are able to assist with other species as well. If you have a rabbit, bird, or other companion animal, please call us at (203) 451-5616 to discuss your specific situation, and we will let you know whether we can accommodate your pet’s needs.

What areas do you serve?

Kindest Farewell serves families throughout Connecticut and New York. In Connecticut, we cover Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties. In New York, we serve Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Visit our service area page for more detail, or call (203) 451-5616 to confirm coverage in your specific location.

Are you available for same-day or emergency appointments?

Yes. Kindest Farewell is available for same-day and emergent appointments throughout our service area. We understand that a pet’s decline can be sudden and unpredictable, and we are committed to being accessible to families when they need us most. Please call (203) 451-5616 directly for the fastest response in an urgent situation.

How do I know if it’s the right time to consider euthanasia for my pet?

This is one of the most painful questions a pet owner can face, and there is no single universal answer. Signs that your pet may be suffering or no longer experiencing quality of life include persistent pain or difficulty breathing, refusal to eat or drink, inability to stand or move without distress, loss of interest in people or activities they once loved, and incontinence without awareness. We strongly encourage families who are unsure to schedule a comprehensive consultation — this gives you a supported, no-pressure space to ask questions and get a professional assessment of your pet’s quality of life.

What is a comprehensive end-of-life consultation and do I need one?

Our comprehensive consultation is an in-depth, structured conversation designed to help you understand your pet’s prognosis, define your goals for their remaining time, and build a personalized care plan. It is ideal for families who have received a serious or terminal diagnosis and want to feel informed and prepared — rather than reactive in a moment of crisis. It is not required before scheduling euthanasia, but many families find it deeply valuable.

What is pet hospice care and how is it different from euthanasia?

Pet hospice care is ongoing comfort-focused support provided from a serious or terminal diagnosis through your pet’s natural passing or a decision for assisted euthanasia. The goal is symptom management, pain relief, and quality of life — not curing illness. In-home euthanasia is a single appointment in which a veterinarian peacefully and humanely ends a pet’s life. Hospice care and euthanasia are not mutually exclusive — many families pursue hospice support first, and then choose euthanasia when their pet’s quality of life has declined significantly.

What happens during an in-home euthanasia appointment?

When our veterinarian arrives, they will take time to address your questions and complete any necessary paperwork — there is no rush. You then have as much time as you need for final moments with your pet. When you are ready, a gentle sedative is administered first, allowing your pet to drift peacefully into a relaxed sleep. Once they are completely comfortable and at ease, the final injection is given. The entire process is calm, quiet, and handled with the deepest care. Family and friends are welcome to be present throughout.

How much does in-home euthanasia cost?

Our in-home euthanasia service is $600. This includes travel to your home, all medications and supplies, a keepsake glass vial with a lock of your pet’s fur, and a note to your primary veterinarian. Additional fees may apply for extended travel distances, evening appointments, weekend scheduling, or holiday visits. Call (203) 451-5616 for specific pricing details for your location and preferred timing.

Can I be present during the euthanasia?

Yes, absolutely — and we encourage it if you feel comfortable. Being present allows you to provide comfort to your pet in their final moments and can be an important part of the grieving process for many families. You are also welcome to step away at any point if you need to. There is no expectation, and our veterinarian will support whatever feels right for you and your family. Children are welcome as well — we simply ask that the environment remain calm and gentle for your pet.

What cremation options does Kindest Farewell offer?

We offer three options through our partner, Compassionate Care Aquamation: private cremation, communal cremation, and aquamation (water cremation). Private cremation ensures only your pet is present during the process and their ashes are returned to you in an urn of your choice. Communal cremation is a lower-cost option where ashes are not returned. Aquamation is an eco-friendly, water-based alternative to flame cremation with no fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions. Full pricing is available on our cremation and aftercare services page.

How long does it take to receive my pet’s ashes after private cremation?

Following private cremation, your pet’s ashes will be hand-delivered by Kindest Farewell in approximately 10–14 days. We coordinate directly with Compassionate Care Aquamation to ensure your pet is handled respectfully throughout the process and that the return of their remains is as personal and meaningful as possible.

What if my pet passes away at home before I can schedule an appointment?

If your pet passes away naturally at home, Kindest Farewell offers retrieval and transportation services. Standard service is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for $350. Additional charges may apply for after-hours, weekend, or holiday requests, extended travel distances, or pets over 100 lbs. Call (203) 451-5616 and we will guide you gently through next steps.

Do you provide aftercare planning as part of your services?

Yes. We encourage families to discuss aftercare options during the comprehensive consultation or as part of a hospice care plan, so those decisions are made thoughtfully in advance rather than under pressure in a moment of grief. Our team will walk you through all options — cremation type, urn selection, paw print keepsakes — with no pressure and complete transparency.

Does Kindest Farewell provide a note to my regular veterinarian after the appointment?

Yes. Included with our in-home euthanasia service is a written note to your pet’s primary veterinarian to inform them of your pet’s passing. This ensures your regular vet is aware and can update their records accordingly, sparing you from having to make that difficult call yourself.

How do I prepare my home for a euthanasia appointment?

There is no formal preparation required. We recommend choosing a spot in your home that your pet loves — their favorite couch cushion, their bed, a sunny spot on the floor. Have their favorite blanket nearby if they have one. If you would like other family members or close friends present, let them know the timing. Our veterinarian will take care of everything else. The goal is simply that your pet feels safe, comfortable, and surrounded by love.

What if I have questions or concerns after the appointment?

Our care for your family does not end when we leave your home. If you have questions after the appointment — about grief, about what to do next, or anything else — please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (203) 451-5616. We are here to support you through every step of this difficult time, including the days that follow.

How do I schedule an appointment with Kindest Farewell?

Kindest Farewell is available for same-day and emergent appointments. You can call us directly at (203) 451-5616 or visit our appointments page to request a time. We serve families across and throughout Connecticut and New York, and our compassionate team is here to help you whenever you are ready to reach out.