FAQs
What is hospice for animals? How is it different than for people?
Hospice care focuses on treatments that improve the comfort of the patient, rather than trying to cure the disease process. We take the whole family and its goals into consideration when developing a plan. In animal hospice, the pet stays at home with his/her family, rather than in a hospital/hospice center. Also, when we can no longer keep our pets from suffering, we are able to choose to humanely euthanize them. This article from PetMD does a great job at explaining pet hospice and its benefits.
Why should I use your services, rather than my regular vet?
Regular vets only have a limited amount of time to discuss complicated situations, and very few can make house calls on a regular basis. Our services are designed to provide time for those difficult discussions, in your own home, and the ability to think about the whole picture of your pet and family’s quality of life. We are going to talk a lot, and then come up with a comprehensive plan. Your regular vet cares about you and your pet — but the system just doesn’t let him/her offer this kind of service. They are still great at routine and emergency care!
Do you offer same-day or emergency euthanasia appointments?
We offer scheduled in-home euthanasia services to our current clients during normal business hours. We may be able to schedule during evening or weekend hours, but we do not routinely check messages outside of business hours so that we can take the time we need to regroup and recharge. We will only schedule a euthanasia after we have completed an initial consult (ie, once you are a client) so that we can ensure it is the right choice for your family. When to euthanize a beloved pet is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make, and the main focus of our services is helping you all the way through this difficult time.
Do you only treat cats and dogs?
The vast majority of our patients are cats and dogs. However, Dr. Renée is very comfortable seeing small mammals as well, including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats/mice. (Her family has 3 goofy little rats of their own!) However, birds and reptiles are out of her scope, as are large animals such as horses, cows and llamas.
What is your regular service area?
Twilight’s service area includes the following towns (roughly within 30 minutes drive-time from downtown Portland, Maine):
Biddeford
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth
Freeport
Gorham
North Yarmouth
Old Orchard Beach
Portland
Pownal
Saco
Scarborough
South Portland
Westbrook
Windham
Yarmouth
We may be able to see patients further afield, depending on scheduling availability. Additional travel fees will apply.
Do you only take care of animals in Maine?
Dr. Renée is more than happy to discuss quality of life issues for any pet, anywhere in the world. However, she can only legally prescribe medications for those pets she has visited in person, within the state of Maine.
Do you offer “regular” vet care, like vaccines and surgery?
Nope. Just quality of life care. Which includes a lot of things: pain management, physical rehabilitation, weight loss, education, a lot of discussions … so that keeps Dr. Renée plenty busy.
Do you only see old animals?
Not all animals that need hospice care are old. Life-limiting diseases can come on at any point in our pet’s lives. Problems such as arthritis and obesity can vastly impact our pets quality of life at any age.
What do I do with my pet’s body after euthanasia?
Many people do not have to ability to bury their pet at home (regulations vary by town). And that’s ok! We offer a water-based cremation service through a local, family-owned company in Scarborough, Maine. It is eco-friendly, and your pets remains are hand delivered to your door, usually in less than a week.