Howard County, MD
FAQs
There is no question too big or too small. We have answers to some of our most common questions.
What Does AYS do? Are they right for me and my pet(s)?
What is a mobile veterinarian?
AYS is a single veterinarian mobile veterinary service. Traveling from home to home to meet with clients about their pets. The services may take place inside a mobile veterinary clinic or inside the client’s home. At Your Service the Mobile Veterinarian currently offers in-home services.
What kind of client is a good fit for a mobile veterinarian?
A mobile veterinarian is best suited for people who work from home, have issues with transportation, have health issues that prevent them from traveling, etc. A mobile veterinarian is also best suited for pets who have anxiety, don’t tolerate car rides, etc.
What kind of animals does AYS evaluate/treat?
AYS strictly sees dogs and cats at this time.
What kind of pet is not a good fit for a mobile veterinarian?
If the pet is large, aggressive/fractious, can’t be given oral sedatives by the owner, and/or is unable to be muzzled, then it may not be possible for a solo mobile veterinarian to examine them safely. Our number one aim is to prevent undue stress/anxiety for an already nervous pet.
Will AYS travel to my area?
AYS is based in Howard County, Maryland, and will travel within a 20-mile radius of our home base. Dr. C can travel to areas outside of the home base but this is on a case-by-case basis. View our service map to see if you fall inside this area. Feel free to contact Dr. C to see how she can accommodate you.
What services does AYS provide?
Presently we offer humane euthanasia with options for home burial, group cremation, and private cremation. More information is provided on the services page.
We hope to offer well visits and minor, acute, non-urgent illness visits soon.
Questions About Euthanasia
I’ve never euthanized a pet at home before. How do I prepare?
Ensure that your pet is in a comfortable, open space (i.e. living room, outside in the backyard, on the porch., etc). Most clients find the pet’s favorite blanket or toy to be a comforting presence during this time. Additionally, some clients offer a favorite meal, take some memorable photos/videos, etc.
What happens during the euthanasia procedure?
A sedative is given to relax your pet so that they do not feel any pain. This sedation is usually given SQ (i.e. under the skin) or IM (i.e. into the muscle). Once they are sedated, the final euthanasia solution is usually given IV (i.e. into the veins).
If you have never said goodbye to a pet before, the veterinarian will discuss the different things that can be observed during the procedure as well as other routes of administration for the final euthanasia solution if we are unable to obtain IV access.
What happens after euthanasia?
After your pet has crossed the rainbow bridge, we will give you some time to spend with your pet.
If your pet is greater than 30 lbs, we may ask for your assistance in transporting your pet to the AYS SUV. If you are unable to assist us directly, you can arrange assistance (i.e. neighbor, relative). In the event that is not possible, AYS will arrange for assistance at an additional fee.
If I elect to privately cremate my pet, how long does it take before we are reunited?
It usually takes about 72 hours to complete the cremation process itself. It may take some additional time for you to receive your pet depending on the delivery method you select. Some owners elect to have the remains of their pet mailed to their home. Some owners elect to schedule a delivery to their home using either Agape or AYS. Some owners elect to travel to the Agape Crematorium to retrieve their pet’s remains. If you have established care with a primary veterinarian (and they partner with Agape), you will be able to have your pet’s ashes delivered there and then you can pick up the ashes directly from them.
How do I know that I am receiving MY pet back if I choose private cremation?
At Your Service partners with Agape Pet Services. They have a tracking system called “Paws e-Track” that documents every step of the cremation process from pick-up to transport to delivery of your pet’s remains. Paws e-Track has several safeguards in place to prevent any mix-ups or confusion when it comes to pet owners being reunited with the remains of their beloved pets.
Does AYS offer grief support?
Yes, we do offer grief support through our partnership with Agape Pet Services. It is free of charge.
What kind of animals are not euthanized at AYS?
We do not euthanize animals based on convenience or behavioral issues. We only euthanize chronically ill or otherwise debilitated animals.
How long can I expect Dr. C/AYS to stay?
We never rush end-of-life services however we find that we spend about 1 to 2 hours for these appointments on average.
Pricing and Payment
Is there a difference in cost between services provided by a mobile veterinarian versus a veterinarian who works out of a brick-and-mortar hospital/clinic?
Traditionally, having a mobile veterinarian travel to your home to care for your pet is more expensive. There is often a standard travel fee (aka the house call fee) that covers gas, tolls, mileage, etc. The physical exam/consultation fee may be slightly more than what is charged at a general practitioner but less than what is charged for a physical exam at the Emergency Room.
Does AYS accept payment plans or pet insurance?
We do not accept Payment Plans.
In most cases, payment (or deposit) is due at the time of your appointment. In other cases (pre-arranged with Dr. C) payment is due before we depart from your residence. If you have Pet Insurance, we are happy to sign your Insurance Claim Form so that you can submit it to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Can I use my pet insurance for reimbursement of euthanasia?
Some insurance companies will reimburse you for euthanasia. Please reach out to your insurance company for more information.
What is the cost for euthanasia?
The cost of euthanasia only at AYS ranges between $325-$400. This option is best suited for clients who wish to bury their pets at home. Visit our pricing page for more information.
What is the cost of cremation?
The price of cremation varies as this depends on what you wish to do with your pet’s remains. The cost also depends on the weight of your pet. Group Cremation is often less expensive than Private Cremation.
Please see our pricing page for more information.
What form of payment does AYS accept?
We accept cash and credit cards only at this time.
Other Questions
Does AYS provide emergency services?
We are often able to accommodate requests for same-day euthanasia appointments.
If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency (i.e. bleeding, difficulty breathing, unable to urinate, collapse., etc) and is in need of medical attention we can refer you to the closest Veterinary Emergency Hospital.
We are a solo, mobile veterinarian and due to the traveling nature of our work, we are unable to accommodate medical emergencies if we are far away.