In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Philadelphia & Surrounding Areas

People often ask me why I do what I do. For me, the ability to help pets and their loving families through a difficult time, and in doing so provide more comfort for everyone involved, is more than enough reason. It is a huge honor to help pets spend their last days or weeks or even months in more comfort, and with their families by their side. Everyone speaks of the difficulty of providing hospice care, but for me it is never difficult. Each and every pet and family I help shows me a deeper appreciation for the human animal bond. I feel the love between a family and a pet every time I step into a new home. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of, and to make a difficult situation better is exactly the reason I became a veterinarian. 

I received my veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Although I have experience in a wide array of small animal care, end-of-life and hospice care has truly been a calling for me. I'm so grateful that I can share my experience and understanding to you.

Like most veterinarians, my home consists of many pet children: I have 3 cats and a chinchilla. Like most pet parents, I understand the fear involved when they are sick. The fear of not knowing what to do, how to help, what is too much and most importantly when is it an appropriate time to let them pass peacefully. These are tough decisions, and you need the assistance of someone that will focus on you and your pet specifically. I offer the service I would want in return when those sad days happen to me. Being at home, surrounded by loved ones, and a peaceful goodbye.

One thing I’ve learned after being blessed with such great pets in the past, is that you have to enjoy the time you have with them. Time is less important than quality of time. I remember my little Laker. He was a sickly kitten, born with FeLV infection. He was sick with a severe respiratory infection due to his diminished immune system. His mother had to push him away from the litter. I cared for him and nursed him to health and he became a happy healthy kitten. But at aged 2 he developed lymphoma secondary to FeLV. Poor Laker was quite sick and I tried to help. But there was no medicine that could make him better. Once I thought his quality of life was diminishing and not improving, I let him pass peacefully with the help of my colleague. It was the most difficult day of my life, and that time was the most difficult time of my life to this day, and probably forever. But the thought of him suffering or becoming sicker was worse. I thank the stars every day that I was able to let him pass peacefully before he suffered to death. He will be in my heart forever.

Spoil your pets and enjoy the laughs they bring when they are silly. Honor and remember them when they have passed. I never think of the day I will be without my pets. It helps that every day they make me laugh and smile. 

Dr. Brad - In the News:

"Pet Hospice Helps Owners Say Good Bye" ~ USA Today, December 11, 2013

"Philly veterinarian offers in-home pet hospice" ~ Philly.com, October 9, 2013

I am originally from the Jersey Shore and, as many kids do, I grew up wanting to be a Veterinarian. Once I got to high school, though, I became interested in human geriatric medicine, so I started my college career at NYU as a pre-med student. During college, I realized my one true passion was in the veterinary field. I transferred to the University of Maryland College Park to major in Animal Science and then went on to obtain my degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. It’s exactly what I was meant to do.

Immediately following veterinary school, I completed a rotating general internship and a specialty internship in Internal Medicine at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. It was there that I met my incredible husband, and we (and our combined five cats!) started a fantastic journey together that would take us to Florida, Chicago, New York City, and eventually landing happily in the Philly suburbs. Along the way, we heartbreakingly had to say goodbye to three of our loving cats but also joyously welcomed three beautiful (human) babies into our home. 

While working in Emergency Medicine, I discovered my interest in veterinary hospice and end-of life care. The experience of connecting with families to assist them and their beloved companions during such an emotional time was beyond rewarding. It made me realize how passionate I am about being able to help guide pets and families through the difficult journey of saying goodbye. It moved me to join Lap of Love, where I am honored to provide this care to you and your family.

Taking care of three young boys and two geriatric kitties leaves little time for hobbies, but in my precious spare time, you’ll find me cooking, working out, or at the shore.

I was raised on a small beef cattle and hay farm in a town named California, in the middle of Missouri. But, don’t get confused by the name—I’m a Midwest girl through and through. Growing up on a farm with many family members who were agriculture educators taught me the importance of caring for animals of all kinds from a young age. My entire childhood was filled with cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs. I was very involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA), and spent my summers raising show lambs.

I attended the University of Missouri, where I received my bachelor’s degree in animal science, agricultural leadership, and entrepreneurship before completing veterinary school and earning my veterinary degree. During college, I developed an interest in cow-calf management, and I conducted many research projects that focused on preventing dystocia (i.e. prolonged, difficult labor) with interventional technology. 

Despite my extensive experience with larger animals, I found that I also enjoyed caring for small animals, and I began working in a general practice setting. I appreciate the relationships I form with pets and their people while educating pet owners to ensure a high quality of life for their pets. 

I grew up with a collie mix named Dottie who had been around since before I was born. No matter what life changes occurred, Dottie was a constant for us all, and saying goodbye to her was difficult, yet special. Our local vet came out to the farm, and I’ll never forget the compassion he showed Dottie as she laid in my mom’s arms for the last time. We were thankful Dottie was able to pass peacefully at home without leaving her turf, and I believe it is a part of my life's purpose to provide that same end-of-life experience to other pets and their families. 

Outside of work, much of my spare time is spent with my cats or helping out with feline rescue efforts. I also love spending time on the water, fishing, crafting, trying new foods, and gardening. 

𝅘𝅥𝅮In West Philadelphia, born and raised𝅘𝅥𝅮 (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans can appreciate this.) Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was surrounded by pet cats, dogs, and a turtle who lived for 10 years. I began helping animals at a young age and officially decided I would become a veterinarian at 5 years old, after finding an abandoned baby bird in our backyard and nursing it back to health. My love for animals and affinity for all things STEM—I’m a self-proclaimed math and science nerd—solidified my decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in laboratory animal science from North Carolina A&T State University and completed veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. I’ve followed a bit of an alternative path in veterinary medicine, and my first job after receiving my VMD was in the federal regulatory sector. I’ve also spent time practicing preventative small animal medicine at community vaccine clinics. No matter what area of veterinary medicine I’m working in, I enjoy helping animals and connecting with the people who love them.

I know firsthand how difficult a pet’s passing can be. It truly feels like you’re losing a family member. Before I began working for Lap of Love, I used their services to say goodbye to my own cat, Miss Marbles. It was my first experience with in-home end-of-life care, and it was the best decision I could have made. The veterinarian was caring, professional, and supportive, and it meant so much to me that Miss Marbles passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. Now that I’m a part of the Lap of Love team, I like knowing I can create this same experience for other families by providing a peaceful and dignified passing for their beloved pets. 

When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures, listening to music, and watching a good television series—I consider myself a bit of a TV show buff. I also enjoy reading, spending time in nature, watching sports—I’m a diehard Eagles fan—cooking, playing trivia, and spending time with friends and family, including my two cats, Deuce and Chloe. I’ve recently begun meditating and strength training, and they are both wonderful forms of self-care.