Seacoast veterinarian makes house calls for dying pets
DOVER — A local veterinarian, Dr. Brie Dichter, said the choice for euthanasia is the hardest decision for anyone who loves a pet.
She offers a way to ease a bit of the trauma — for the pet and for the family. Seacoast Home Euthanasia is a service she brings to pet owners' homes, a way to help everyone be a bit more comfortable and offer a compassionate solution to end-of-life care.
"Many people along the Seacoast don't even know that home euthanasia is something that is offered," said Dichter, who lives in Dover and is a staff veterinarian at Sagamore Animal Hospital in Rye. The home euthanasia service is her passion and separate from her day job.
"These days most of our pets are treated like family," she said. "When our pets age, we choose to allow them to pass through humane euthanasia. Driving your pet to a sterile hospital, putting them on a cold table, there's scary noises and smells, this can all lead to panic and anxiety for both the animal and their owner."
Dichter said with home euthanasia, the family pet can be comfortable on their own bed or even outside. She offers the service to pet parents of dogs and cats at the moment.
"I've done euthanasia out in the woods, in a closet, under a table," she said. "Wherever my patients are happiest. It's a beautiful gift to allow them to transition in the peace of their own home. So many people I've met are shocked that this service even exists. I would love every pet to be given this comfort. Losing a pet stays with you, and I am honored to give this service."
Dichter has been a veterinarian for 10 years. She said she has done additional training to be able to offer this home service.
"I have always had a passion for treating geriatric pets," she said. "I love doing palliative and hospice care. When it is time for that decision, I feel honored if I can make it easier for everyone involved."
Dichter has been doing this for about two years. She said she will travel within reason and has gone to Hampton, to Salem and to York, Maine.
"I go alone to the home," she said. "I don't bring a technician. I want as little disruption as possible, to create a calm, quiet, peaceful atmosphere for the entire family. I took an oath to cause no harm, to alleviate suffering and I see this service as a part of that oath. There is so much love between pets and their owners. I do this for love."
Dichter is a Massachusetts native. She attended Northeastern University in Boston and completed her studies at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The cost for Dichter's service can range from $400-$800 depending on the size of the pet, her fee, driving time, transportation and cremation costs.
"I think the personal comfort of this means so much to a family," she said. "I believe it is better for the animal, and I truly do this because I want to give comfort to the family in this terrible event in their lives."
To learn more, email Dichter at hello@seacoasthousevet.com or visit seacoasthousevet.com.