HomeHeart Vets

My family and I had the worst experience with Dr. Dana Schechter. As soon as she called my mom to tell her she was on her way, we got a bad feeling about her. She showed up to our house, without a vet tech, and in her personal car, to put our cat down. We expected possibly a mobile vet/company car, just a more professional process overall. My mom even saw her get out of the car and start putting together the euthanasia injections right outside of my house. As soon as she came in, she immediately showed no interest or empathy as we spoke to her about our cat, Sunny, and how he had terminal cancer that was progressing very quickly and why we chose this at-home option, before going to start the process. My aunt who was there for help and support, even tried to have a conversation with her, praising vets that go around and do procedures like this for families, and Dr. Dana completely ignored her, acted like she wasn’t there. She was flat and expressionless, did not seem to care at all whatsoever about anything that was going on. I understand having to be emotionally detached in this line of work, but this was actually sickening. It was just business to her. We warned her when she arrived that Sunny was very afraid, so we knew it wasn’t going to be a super easy process, but it was worse than we could have ever imagined. When they went into the room Sunny was in, Dr. Dana and my aunt tried to catch him to no avail for a while, and when Sunny would try to run and hide, Dr. Dana would become very clearly aggravated and say she was afraid he would bite her if she grabbed him, and that “He might have rabies.” I heard her say that and wanted to kick her out right then and there. I should have, and probably even sooner than that. She even made it apparent that she was probably going to leave, but my aunt begged her to stay because my cat was suffering. She was acting as if this was the first time she’s ever come in contact with a sick and terrified dying animal, and not one that was completely immobile with absolutely no awareness to what’s going on around them. When my aunt became upset and with Dr. Dana, she brought up how she thought a vet tech would be there too, and Dr. Dana said “I’m an independent contractor. They usually warn me ahead of time if an animal is like this so I have help.” No one asked us ahead of time if a vet tech might be needed, because we would’ve said yes in a heartbeat. My aunt got so fed up with Dr. Dana, that she took it into her own hands to catch Sunny while Dr. Dana just waited. My aunt did more for us than she did. All Dr. Dana did was traumatize my family and my cat before he passed. The only times Dr. Dana ever showed compassion was when it was just her and I in the room when she was able to administer the euthanasia injection (after my aunt got him) and when I was saying goodbye to Sunny one last time in her car before she brought him to get cremated. All we wanted was for Sunny to pass without having his last real moments not being completely terrified, and that is exactly what happened, which was our worst nightmare. This whole process has left my family, especially my aunt, and I completely traumatized and upset on top of having to say goodbye to Sunny. Sunny deserved to have a better final experience than this. It was all so heartbreaking and unfair. It was probably one of the worst days my family and I ever had to experience, and we’re still reeling from it 6 months later. It’s unfortunate that whenever we think of him, we think of this experience too. I miss him so much. We’ll never forgive ourselves for choosing them and having Dr. Dana come here. How this company still lets her work for/represent them is beyond me. Notice how 99% of the bad reviews that have to do with the doctors for this company are about her? We have another cat as well, and when the unfortunate time comes for her, we are not using HomeHeart Vets again. I would give them 0 stars if I could. This wasn’t even the FULL experience. I had to cut it down for Google due to how unfortunately long and bad it actually was.

I want to thank Home Heart Vet most especially Krystal, Dr. Lori Holland and Kayla for the compassion in handling Cody's final moments with us with utmost respect and dignity. Our Cody has been diagnosed with cancer and his situation took a very sudden turn Friday morning. We knew we had to make that difficult and painful decision. I immediately got in touch with Jasmine who we want to thank also for helping us understand the process from the beginning and responding to us despite her day off. We were then able to speak to Krystal who has been very sensitive and caring to our situation. She was able to schedule us the same day and on very short notice. Dr. Lori and Kayla were very very gentle and sympathetic in how we went through the process. They clearly explained to us the process every step of the way and made sure we have our private time to say our goodbyes. We are so grateful that we did this at home where Cody's final glimpse was us, his family including his brother Snickers. They carefully and respectfully wrapped Cody in a blanket and securely carried him away. The agony to lose your fur baby who is practically your child is so excruciating but we are grateful to Home Heart for in some ways alleviate the pain.

Making this nearly impossible decision was hard enough, but HomeHeart Vets service made the process so much more comforting. I didn't even realize it was an option to do this in the comfort of our home with our whole family by my beautiful Sandy's side. She didn't have to stress getting in and out of the car, going into the cold vet's office or having us be crammed in a small space as we say our goodbyes and let her spirit leave her ailing body. I can not be more grateful for the gentle kindness that every person from HomeHeart Vets provided us in this difficult time. I highly recommend this for anyone who will have to endure this heartbreaking part of our lives.

Jen and Dr. Sara of HomeHeart Vets brought their compassionate, professional care to my family during one of the hardest moments of our lives - saying goodbye to our sweet cat of 17 years. Jen helped talk through options on the phone, scheduled us quickly via text, answered my questions patiently, and offered much-needed clarity and warmth. Pricing was reasonable, $665 total with communal cremation. Tsuki passed peacefully surrounded by family. Dr. Sara communicated everything clearly and even helped us to take paw prints using an ink pad I had brought myself. Afterwards, my parents repeatedly praised Dr. Sara's professionalism, skill, and compassion - I'm so grateful that we can remember our last moments with Tsuki in that light. Thank you to the HomeHeart Vets team!

Dr. Samantha Shone was truly an angel sent from above… she was sweet, soft spoken, gentle, loving, compassionate and so kind to us and our beloved Lulu who passed away at 18 years of age on Saturday. She explained every step with such a gentle, soothing and caring tone. I’m so grateful that Dr. Shone entered our lives on April 23rd…It was the most difficult decision that I ever had to make but Dr. Shone eased my pain and anxiety by touching my baby in such a gentle and caring way. I held my baby in my arms as Dr. Shone stroked and soothed her…it was tranquil... My baby was ready to go….I couldn’t have asked for a more gentle and kind ending… Lulu lived a beautiful life and so richly deserved such a peaceful, gentle and pain free passing. Goodbye my Lulu, my angel…Mama loves you...Until we meet again 💔