Our dog had a very fast turn for the worst at 5am in the morning. We were scheduled to have her put down at the end of the week, but were suddenly in need of someone asap. I called every number possible before the sun was even up. After being told no availability at least 7 times, and leaving a dozen voicemails, Marlene got back to us within the hour. She was already fully booked, but was able to squeeze us in to help out. Though I do feel like she overexplained everything, I get that she needed to. She was at our home within a few hours and helped put our sweet Hana to peace. She was the hero we needed that day. Super grateful. read more

Marlene Martin, DVM provided the best euthanasia experience possible for our beloved dog, Lulu, and us, her people. She answered her phone promptly, agreed to come on our timetable, gave us excellent information and advice over the phone about how to handle it all with our second dog and children (if at home), the process of euthanasia and about "aftercare." She arrived prepared, gave us as much time with Lulu as we needed (sat cross-legged, hands in lap, head down, eyes closed, silent). When we signaled for her to proceed, she was immediately ready and explained everything she was doing and what Lulu was experiencing. She moved along at our timing and treated us and our dog with immense respect and caring. She admired Lulu, spoke of the power of love between pets and people and expressed sincere condolences. I'd been worried because our ongoing home-visit vet wasn't available but Dr. Martin was as good as any vet could have been. I cannot recommend anyone more highly for this vital service than Marlene Martin, DVM. read more

Marlene Martin, DVM - Lulu McBoingBoing - Veterinarians Near Me

It is months later and I am only now finally able to write a review. I don't like doing this, but I am writing this now to hopefully let others decide if this 'style' euthanasia is for them and their pets. I don't know if this doctor is simply clueless or insensitive, either way, I had a terrible experience with Dr. Martin - that is still bothering me. In the final moments of my 17.5 year old dog's life (a border collie mix), as he lay on my floor, having just had a seizure, she talked over him like she was having a casual/fun conversation over a water cooler at an office - inane, non-stop chatter about cell phone batteries, etc. (I asked her if I could have silence several times, but after a short period of silence, she would start back up again). She was extremely rushed and practically tapped her foot as she sat there, while I took a few minutes to say good bye to my best buddy. I tried to have silence and peace as I said goodbye to him in his last moments - but she apparently was rushed and had better things to do. If that is the case, she should not have taken the last minute call to euthanize him (my poor old-man dog, who actually had an appointment a few days later for euthanasia with another vet, Rainbow Bridge, had a seizure and I knew it was time...). Also, as I tried to hold my sweet dying dog in my arms (again, he was very still and calm due to the seizure), she kept yelling "get your face away from him, get your face away from him" over and over - each time she administered the two drugs. Horrible. (This was the icing on the cake): Afterwards, when I carried my deceased dog to the back of her pickup truck with a cap, with windows on all sides, she had me place him in an open cardboard box, and then she asked for directions to run errands. Apparently, she was not taking his body straight to the vet (when I asked if she was leaving him in the truck, where people could clearly see the him, she said "It will only take a few minutes")! I felt sick to my stomach. I was really was a bit in shock at that point. It was one of the worst moments of my life. I'm sorry my sweet baby. read more

Called her after a few days of starting to look into putting down my 12 year old Siamese cat who had heart failure.Her lungs were filling up with liquid and she could barely breath, and she told me it was time . Her condition went down hill so fast and I couldn't stop crying when I called the doctor and told her I couldn't bare to put my baby Blue in a car and I needed help fast. She came over THAT DAY. Like in a matter of hours. I put a blanket down in the back yard and she came and sat with us and was so understanding. She knew when to talk and when we needed a moment. She asked me questions about my loved pet and really made me feel validated in being so distraught about loosing my best friend. blue Blue went on the second shot and when she was finally at peace, she put her paws over her face in a sleeping pose that was so cute and walked away yo give us time for our goodbyes. she had other appointments, but never rushed us . She but her in a cute little basket. Putting Blu Blu down at home was the best decision. When you realize that it's time and your looking for solutions for your baby, this is the best way. It seems expensive, but when it's time, it's worth every penny. She came back a few weeks later with a sealed box with ashes , 3whiskers that i asked for, and paw impression. I am forever grateful. read more

Dr Martin (Marlene) came to our home this past Saturday evening, to help us along with our 16y4m3d old Wheaten Terrier, Triscuit. He'd been suffering with kidney failure for a few months and he let us know he'd had enough on Saturday evening. We cannot say how happy we are that Marlene was able to take time from her schedule, comfort Triscuit (and us) and help him to move on. Triscuit even nuzzled her when he met her, her energy is so kind and compassionate. We would highly recommend her services to anyone that is in this difficult position. We are very pleased that Triscuit was able to pass on, in the comfort of his own bed, in his home, with his loving daddies beside him. Thank you again Marlene! read more

I cannot say enough thanks to Dr. Martin for helping our family through a horrible time, yesterday - the passing of our beloved pet, Apricot. Her care and prompt action to my desperate call will always be a blessing. Apricot was in her late years, but healthy and happy until she took a quick turn for the worse one evening. By early morning it was obvious she was beginning the process of a slow painful death. The thought of having to take her to an ER clinic sickened me as Apricot was always filled with terror when taken to the vet. I didn't want her to die that way. In fact, we had promised ourselves she would die at home and even had a plan and appointment for palliative care evaluation scheduled two weeks from that day. So I began searching the web for a house call vet and found Dr. Martin. I called her office, expecting to get voicemail as it was so early. However, she heard my voice and answered my call. I said how we needed help that very day - she said she couldn't come until the next day, so she gave me a list of vets to try for a same day visit. Nobody could come and one even said to stop trying as nobody did house calls for exotic animals. Yes. Apricot was exotic because she was a fancy bred Dumbo ear rat. I called Dr. Martin back and asked if she could at least still come the next day, almost in tears thinking how much Apricot was suffering. Dr Martin's response? She listened and said she'd come by noon that very day. She did. And she was amazing. She turned a terrible situation into a serene hospice environment. She examined Apricot, confirmed our fears, but calmly and lovingly helped us say goodbye to our beloved little one. After some time for kisses and hugs, we nodded and Dr. Martin started to euthanize our pet. It was a beautiful heartbreaking sobering experience. With Apricot, unlike some of my other pet rats, I was able to hold her. I was able to console her. And I was able to stay with her as long as I wanted after she peacefully passed in my arms. I didn't have to walk out into a waiting room of animals, animated and jarring to one's heart when one has just seen their little loved pet die. Dr. Martin took care of everything, including after life actions for Apricot's body. I could go on an on in my grief. But I just wanted to post this now, in case there is someone else out there, desperate and not knowing what to do when everyone says NO. we cannot help you today, or any day with your end of life needs for your animal. She simply is the best. read more

You have great respect for this doctor. She helped you with your best friend of 18 years pass into the Summerlands. You would highly recommend her. read more

I had no idea she was on yelp. I was just talking to a coworker whose dog is facing the end soon. I googled Dr. Martin and saw this yelp page. I had to write a review. Last year in September, I had to put down my Dingo Dog, who was suffering from lymphoma. Dr. Martin came and was so compassionate and kind and gave us plenty of time. I took Dingo across the street to the beach one last time. The end was the best, so peaceful. 2 months later my 17 year old cat had to be put down. I did not hesitate in the least to call Dr. Martin. I have to say...this is a hard fact about having pets, but this was the best way possible. I have taken them in before, but this is SO MUCH better. No scary car ride, bright lights, etc. Just home with loved ones. Thanks. read more

Horrendous. Over the years I have had my dogs and cats euthanized at home. I'm in my seventies.This was incredible. She wanted to shave his leg for the shots and couldn't find her razor. I found it under my dog facing upwards into him. Then she kept throwing a heavy quilt over my little bichon-poodle mix to give the sedative first. That panicked him. She seemed unable to figure out how to do it. When she gave him the "death shot" I could not hold him in my arms because she asked me to make a tourniquet of my hands for her instead around the leg she was using. When she carried his body to the car she asked if I would help her. I declined. She left a trail of his white curls that had been shaved down my front stairs as they fell out of the towels he was wrapped in. i found those when I had to bring her medical bag down to the car for her later. I picked them up on my way back into my house. Oh, yes, she also left me several business cards as though I would carry them with me and distribute to . . . exactly who? There was more, but this should suffice as a warning to all. No other vet ever did anything remotely like this and all others were kind, quick and thoughtful. read more

Dr. Marlene Martin was a God send to my husband & I when we called her last minute in the early morning to euthanize our sweet black cat Blackie. She arrived within 45 minutes of our call, and was so compassionate. She had such patience and understanding. She was very contemplative of our cat. Her demeanor was exactly what you would hope for in this sort of situation. She explained all the things we should expect, and never made us feel rushed. She was very informative, gave us wonderful suggestions, and hugged us both when she left. She made such a hard moment, a little bit easier for us. We are so grateful to her for and her services. Hopefully we wont need her services for years & years to come, but if we ever do, she'll be the one we call. One last thing that really stood out to me, while putting our other cat Lady into another room when Marlene arrived I got rather scratched up all over one of my breasts. Marlene was quick to offer proper cleaning materials and since she knew I had a young child, she offered some education about how a bad cat scratch can affect your breast milk. Which I greatly appreciated! Marlene, if you read this, you are an Angel and Zack & I thank you. So does Blackie. read more

I made the hardest phone call of my life today. Dr Martin came to my house and was wonderful. She was compassionate and patient. She reminded me I could back out at any time, and did a thorough exam and agreed with me that it was time for my kitty to cross the rainbow bridge. Although I am unspeakably sad tonight, I am peaceful, because my sweet boy did not have to go to the vet's glaring bright office, nor did I have to leave a vet's office and drive home alone. It's all very natural and peaceful. She let me grieve with my kitty, never ever rushed me. She's worth her weight in gold. When the time comes for my other kitty, I intend to call her again. Thank you, Dr. Martin. You are an angel to our beloved pets, and to us. read more

Like other reviewers, we met Dr. Martin under the worst possible circumstances, but we really couldn't have asked for a better experience. Our nearly 15-year old Weimaraner (Cooper) was ready to go. My wife made the arrangements with Dr. Martin, who was very prompt and courteous in emails and on the phone. When she came to the house the next day, she couldn't have been nicer. She agreed it was Cooper's time and she even pointed out some additional problems we hadn't noticed to back up her opinion. But even then, she reminded us that we could change our mind, reschedule, etc. if we had any doubts or hesitations. And then she gave us plenty of time for hugs and kisses to say goodbye. When it was time, she explained everything and told us exactly what to expect each step of the way. I've seen pets put to sleep before, and it always amazes me how quickly it happens. But with Cooper, it was even quicker and calmer than I've seen before. Dr. Martin said that meant he was ready to go. He went peacefully and quickly with his head in my lap and my wife petting him, and it was over in just a couple of minutes. Afterward, she gave us plenty of time to grieve, say goodbye and regain our composure. I carried Cooper to her car, and she took him to a vet for aftercare. It was a horribly sad day for us and I still tear up just thinking about it. But I can't recommend Dr. Martin highly enough. I can't imagine how much worse this would have been for us and for Cooper if we had to take him to a vet clinic where his last minutes would have been filled with stress and fear. We should all be so lucky to go so peacefully and surrounded by our loved ones. read more

Dr. Marlene Martin is the finest, most compassionate, gentle, understanding, and professional veterinarian. Like other reviewers, I had to euthanize my pet. Dr. Martin traveled from Berkeley to Fremont, and was on-time. She explained everything that she was going to do, and explained each step during the process. Even though I had been through the euthanasia process a few times in my life, her explanations were still helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Martin. She has a lot of experience, and is really nice. She understands animals AND people. She even gave me advice on how to explain our pet's absence to my 4 year-old, and her printed information on grief was also great to have. read more

Dr. Martin helped transition our 16y/o blue heeler out of this world today. I cannot thank her enough for her kindness and generosity of spirit, to show up on a Sunday morning on a holiday weekend, to help us. Thank you Dr. Martin. I highly recommend her services. read more

Marlene Martin was very kind and understanding when she came to help our 15 year old German Shepherd Mix with cancer pass. She waited quietly in the next room while we said goodbye one last time and when we were ready she explained everything that she was doing, making sure we were comfortable before moving on. Very sweet, gentle and kind, I would recommend her! She also has 45 years of experience and has rescued hundreds of cats out of her own expenses that her skills help to fund! read more

I had to have my kitty put to sleep, and I couldn't bear another car ride listening to her meows of distress. I was very happy to have this at home service, and Dr Martin has the best rates. read more

My husband has already written a review about how Dr. Martin helped us with our sweet weimaraner, but I wanted to add my comments too. I was holding back tears when I called Mr. Martin to make the arrangements to come to our house. She was so kind on the phone. She asked me questions about Cooper and was genuinely understanding and very calm. She arrived promptly at our house and when she met Cooper, she looked him over and reassured us that we were making the right decision, but also said we could back out. She gave us time to take him for one last trip outside and she encouraged us to give him kisses and hugs and treats. Afterward she gave us privacy to grieve, and we never felt rushed. We have another dog and Dr. Martin stressed how important it was to let him have a chance to say goodbye to Cooper too. I'll always be grateful to Dr. Martin for her kindness and compassion. She really helped us on a day when our hearts were breaking. read more

Dr. Martin provided professional, thoughtful and considerate services to end our beloved cat's pain in the comfort of our home. We highly recommend her services if you are in the unfortunate position of needing them. I think that it takes away the stress of taking your hurting pet to the vet (at least for our cat, she hated going to the vet, even though they treated her well). I got Dr. Martin's information from the vet, checked her reviews, and then called her to set up the appointment. On the phone she was straightforward and professional and laid out the process, as well as options for after care of the remains. She recommended a course of action depending on what I chose, and even gave me driving directions. She was flexible in her schedule and was able to make the visit that same evening. As for the visit itself, Dr. Martin does not exude warmth in the traditional sense of the word, as I would think it a necessary skill to remain detached from the business of what she does. But she was absolutely caring, thoughtful and considerate of what we were going through. She gave us time to gather ourselves, to say our goodbyes, and we never felt rushed. She was calm throughout, explained the process in advance so we knew what to expect, reassured us that we were making the right decision after learning about our cat's condition, answered all our questions and took into consideration things like our cat's last impression of us. In a very difficult situation, we were grateful for and satisfied with Dr. Martin's care of our darling cat in her last moments. read more

This lovely woman who could not be of service to me, clearly heard the distress in my voice over my concern for our pet..she could not have been kinder, understanding, sympathetic to my needs, she informed me what to ask and what to look for. Even as far as educating me to the best in technology...thanks Dr Martin, you are the best!!! read more

I have had many companion animals pass away with the assistance of a veterinarian. On two separate occasions I've sought Dr Martins help in ending the the suffering of my beloved dogs. Dr Martin IS the gentlest, kindest and most patient of professionals and human beings that I could have ever been so fortunate to have found to facilitate such a heartbreaking process. She both embraces and encourages that difficult and long goodbye, she is deeply respectful of your wishes, and she has a true understanding of the bond held between human and animal. read more

She is the one you want ......... It had been a rough week for my old ' Dude " and I .... A feral cat who adopted me well over a decade ago ..... I had known the time was coming soon and it was just killing me watching him struggle to live ...... She is very comforting and sympathetic with you ..... she talks to you and helps you threw it ......... After we sedated him and he was wrapped up in a towel on my lap still purring she gave him a once over and found that he was suffering even more than I knew .... He didn't have to be traumatized by a carrier and car ride just to die ...... He sat in my lap in his own home ..... It's the only way to go .................. unless you don't care and have no feelings Don't be a dummy and pay the money , It is a small price to pay for PEACE read more

She is not prepared to do large dogs. No stretcher, no helper. We had to put her to sleep in the front yard because of the stairs, then she put our beloved dog in a mortar mixing plastic tray to take her away with our help. Very distressing and disrespectful to a great dog friend of 14 years. read more

Dr. Martin made the end of my beloved 16 year old English Setter's life much easier. Told me what to expect; what to do; where to donate food, treats, pills. Even suggested that I record on my iPhone his very loud snoring after he was sedated! read more

I wrote a review 4 years ago for one cat. Our other cat died last month and once again we asked Dr. Martin to assist in her passing. And once again, the same difficult experience was made as good as possible by the thoughtful and experienced counsel of a wise veterinarian who is good with animals both human and non human. read more

I am far to upset to write a review, and this is all to painful to get into BUT I must say this woman is a godsend. Me and my very ill 18rold fuzzy friend are grateful this doctor is around. She does far more than she has to. (thank you for the time you spent with me on the phone this Saturday after business hours) read more

We had been waiting for a year for our 15+ year old Shepherd mix to let us know when it was time for her to go. One afternoon her rear end totally gave out and she could not get up or walk. We tried to get our vet to do an in home euthanasia, but were referred to Dr Martin. The next morning she arrived on time, was very organized, allowed us time to say goodbye and grieve, then transported the remains directly to the vet hospital. I know on Yelp there is always someone not pleased with any service, but can't possibly image an in home euthanasia being more respectful of the people and the lost of their pet. read more

I called on Dr. Marlene Martin to have my kitty put to sleep. She answered my call promptly, and also took the time to discuss my questions about "how do I know it's time?" We scheduled a time for the next day (it was a Saturday), she came, explained the steps involved, and performed the deed very compassionately. She left me a handout on dealing with the loss of my companion, and also gave me some advice on how to give my kitty a nice burial (though she did inform us this was technically illegal in CA, but we told her this was how we were going to proceed anyway). These were all immensely helpful and I am truly grateful for her kind mannerisms and professionalism. She was outstanding. read more

Ditto the other two reviews. Dr. Martin was compassionate, explained things clearly, gave us all the time and space we needed. Our 18 year old dog companion's passing was calm and filled with love all around-Dr. Martin's energy was professional, understanding and deeply loving of both our pet and us. Most incredible, our dog, Seamus, decided it was time Christmas eve into Christmas day. We knew we needed a vet to euthanize Seamus at home. We called Dr. Martin at 650 AM on 12/25. She called us back at 7 AM and was at our home by 9. She was meticulous and deliberate in how she did her work, and involved both my wife and me in the process--something that from the grieving process point of view is powerful medicine. read more

Last year, in May, my elderly dog had liver cancer, and Dr. Martin was recommended to me. I'm very, very grateful that someone suggested to me that I have a vet come to the house--in retrospect I cannot imagine taking my sweet dog-friend of 13 years to a busy and sterile vet clinic for euthanasia. I talked to Dr. Martin a number of times before I made the final decision, as my dog's health was up and down. She was always completely understanding when I called to postpone the time. That was completely necessary for me. I was also grateful that Dr. Martin suggested I keep my dog's body awhile, a day or so even, instead of having her take the body with her. She suggested the extra time would help me. I wasn't sure at the time, and not thinking well for myself, so the suggestion was really needed. I did keep my dog at home, curled up in a box, and needed the extra time and space with her body to grieve. I then drove her up to a crematorium in Napa myself. I can't imagine doing it any other way. read more

Worst doctor ever, if she even is a doctor. Do not trust her with your loving pets. Get a second opinion or I should say, correct opinion. She gave us the wrong diagnosis for our yorkie hair problems and guessed it to be parasites. She then prescribed Ivermectin, which killed our loving pup within days. I am amazed that the medical board for vets would let loose such an incompetent "doctor" to help our pets. I am surprised to see the other reviews, but they mostly deal with the decision of putting pets down. Real easy to do when you don't know how to be a doctor and help them. read more

Dr. Marlene Martin was recommended when we decided that our dearest friend had to be put to sleep due to bone cancer. We were expecting both the experience of watching our dog pass and the pain afterwards to be horrible. We were right about the pain afterwards, but for many reasons including Dr. Marlene Martin, his passing was gentle, compassionate, and felt right. She explained everything, had the most understanding bedside manner, and our pup who can normally be thrown off by anything out of his routine was never made to feel nervous in any way. In fact, it was the calmest we had seen him in a long time. We all knew at that moment that we were really doing the right thing. He passed peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by calmness and love. We cannot imagine having it any other way. We did not want to take him into the vet, because we knew it would have him shaking in terror and anxiety. We were also nervous about having someone come in that we nor our pooch had met before. If you are having any hesitations such as this, rest assured that you do not need to feel that concern for Dr. Martin. You and your animal companion will feel like you've known her for a long time. read more