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Dr. Kelly

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Austin & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in League City, Texas, which is located between Houston and Galveston. Even though I love living in Austin, I enjoy going home to see the ocean. As a child, I loved animals and knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity. It wasn’t until I was older and started to learn about biology and how the body works that I considered medicine as a career path. Veterinary medicine was the perfect fit since I love animals and science.

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from Texas A&M Galveston, and I still dearly love marine life. I thrived in a smaller school setting, which Texas A&M Galveston provided over the main campus. I was also fortunate to meet my husband during our first year of college. After graduating, I was accepted at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I spent four of the hardest, yet most rewarding, years of my life.

After veterinary school, I worked at a mixed animal practice, which provided great and varied experience. However, my husband’s job in downtown Austin prompted a move, and a switch to small animal practice, and then relief work around Austin. When I first started my veterinary career, I thought I would most enjoy the animals. However, I quickly found educating clients to help them make the best decisions possible for their pets to be the most fulfilling aspect. I particularly enjoy helping families make difficult hospice care and euthanasia decisions for their beloved furry family members.

Euthanasia can be one of the most difficult decisions for a family, but also one of the most precious and selfess gifts they can give their pet. Being a naturally empathetic and compassionate person, I find great fulfillment in helping families become comfortable with this decision, and giving pets a dignified and painless peace.

When I am not working, I enjoy exploring Austin and traveling with my husband, Logan. We have a French Bulldog named Rocky and a Devon Rex named Winky—after the Harry Potter character—who love exploring with us. I am an avid reader of all book types, but the classics are my favorite.

Pronouns: She/Her

Our services

We’re here to support you when you need it

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

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Anna

Tustin, California

Dr. Charlie helped my sweet Giselle get her angel wings, and while it was one of the worst days of my life, it gave me so much comfort that she was able to pass so peacefully on her bed at home with the help of such a kind, caring doctor. Dr. Charlie explained everything as he went and reinforced in my mind that I was doing the right thing for my best pal. He also was very patient in letting us bring our other dogs in to say goodbye to their friend. The staff was wonderful in helping me set up a last minute appointment after a holiday and in communicating what the next steps are. This was my first experience being able to say goodbye at home, and being able to have my sweet girl spend her last moments comfy in bed, made the transition so much easier.

Kristine

Lexington, Kentucky

Dr Kendra preformed a difficult service for us this past week having to put to sleep , after a long and tiring fight , our beautiful princess Lacey. Her compassion for us, as well as our girl, was beyond words. To think I could keep my girl here at home, quiet and calm, and with her family, avoiding those chaotic and hectic moments one must undertake at the last moments of our pet’s life. It can be extremely hard for both you and your family to be uprooted and brought to the Vet in those final hours . Instead, Lacey was home with those whom she loved and loved her back. My heart was blessed. Dr Kendra even took Lacey’s remains herself, to be delivered to me on a later date , so that I could mourn my cat rather than having to run her to a crematorium in my emotional state of mind. Thank you is truly not enough. You are a Godsend in our time of need. Out pets are definitely family as well and our loved ones deserve the best. Gd bless all that you do.

Stephanie

Miami, Florida

Dr. Gutierrez was so kind and compassionate. She walked us through the whole process, and was so incredibly sweet to our little Minnie. She truly has a gift. It felt like she had known Minnie by how she cared for her. We were so heartbroken, but with Dr. Gutierrez by our side, we felt confident that she would be in good hands. Thank you Dr. Gutierrez for everything!

Brian

Cary, North Carolina

Dr. Hampton, Words cant express how thankful we are to have you help Stuey enter Doggie Heaven. Her compassion reassured us that we were making the right choice in helping him be at peace. Stuey has been a part of our lives for 14 years and it was hard to let him go, understandably so. But Dr. Hampton was never pushy and allowed us to dictate the pace of the process. We know Stuey was appreciative of a compassionate heart at the end as well

Sara

Des Moines , Iowa

While it was one of the hardest things we’ve had to go through - putting our Zachary (cat) down - we are so thankful to Dr. Beth and team for all the support and guidance. We found out this service just started in our area in February of 2022 and without the ability to do this at home, it would have been a lot harder for all involved!

Christopher

Babylon, New York

On the 1st of November, I had to say goodbye to the center of my universe. My 12 1/2 year old Golden Retriever had started to lose his battle with kidney disease after successfully staving it off for 2-3 years. This was the hardest decision I ever had to make in my 33 years, bar none. For a few weeks, we had some good days, but mostly days where it was clear that Hunter was declining and becoming a shell of the energetic, exuberant dog he had been since I was 20. I tried everything I possibly could to help him, but I eventually came to the painful realization that there was no way for me to improve his quality of life at the stage he had reached. I promised myself I would never let him suffer or get too sick when this day came. As such, I placed a call to Lap of Love after hearing about an incredibly positive experience from a neighbor just a few weeks prior. I was immediately greeted by a kind, compassionate voice on the other end. Sarah knew how difficult it was for me to even make the call in the first place and was extremely comforting. I wanted Hunter to be comfortable when he passed. I didn't want him to be in a foreign room in the back of the vets office where he'd feel scared, anxious, or confused. I wanted him to be at home in a spot where he felt relaxed and at-ease. Dr. Heather arrived the following day and took immediate interest in Hunter - she wanted to know all about his life. We talked about our best memories of him, how he was as a young puppy, what he loved to do the most, and more. She pet him with us and he laid down, ready to move onto the next life. Dr. Heather was never in a rush and never made it seem like a job or obligation. Hunter was very comfortable around her and his passing was incredibly peaceful and serene. She gave us as much time as we needed to say goodbye, pet our boy, and give him all of the love we had to give. Saying goodbye to my best friend and a dog I spent the vast majority of the past 12+ years with was extremely hard for my family and I, but we have no regrets about our decision to contact Dr. Manfredi and Lap of Love. They reinforced to us that we were doing the best thing possible for Hunter and they were right. We know we can always take solace in that. We are truly thankful for all of the time we spent with Hunter and are glad we were able to send his spirit off in the most peaceful, humane way possible. Dr. Manfredi also followed up afterwards to tell us she was thinking of us and her e-mail was incredibly kind - she went above and beyond to make sure we were all okay and to reiterate to us that we did the right thing for our sweet boy. To Sarah and Dr. Manfredi, we cannot possibly express how grateful we are for your assistance in such a difficult time. Thank you so much. Every dog deserves the same end of life quality that Hunter received.

Tony

Logan Township, New Jersey

I do not think I can write a testimonial good enough to describe our gratitude for what you helped us through but I will try. Doctor Bates is one of the most caring, respectful and understanding doctors I have ever met. I am sure he must have been through this type of situation hundreds of times. However, he made us feel unique. He addressed every concern we had, talked us through our options and did not rush us to make a decision. He gave us a much time as we needed to be with our big boy before we said goodbye. Thank you for helping us through one of the most difficult times in our lives.

ELIZABETH

Longwood, Florida

Calling Lap of Love wasn't the hard decision,, but deciding to let our precious 13-year-old, Shayna, go with dignity before she suffered was incredibly difficult. You'd think it's a no-brainer. We wouldn't want anyone we love to suffer, yet we'll do everything in our power to keep them alive, even if they no longer have quality of life. Shayna was still fairly functional, but she stopped eating and there were other signs that were impossible to miss. We had to set aside our selfishness and do what was right for her; what she depended on us to do for her. From the first call until Dr. Amanda drove away with her body,Lap of Love was a godsend. They speak with you gently and with sensitivity. There's no misconception that if you're calling them, you're considering doing one of the hardest things you'll ever do and the pain and guilt are undeniable. Yes, they are a true blessing. They spend as much time as you need talking. They have trained grief counselors who understand the bond between humans and animals. Never condescending and always professional, as well as sensitive. Yesterday, when I watched Dr. Amanda's car arrive, my adrenaline spiked and I knew this was it. Shayna had one last, albeit impressive rally of barking and protecting her home before Dr. Amanda gave her a sedative which calmed her down and allowed us to say our goodbyes while she was still conscious, but relaxed. When she gave her the second, and final shot, we held her and kept telling her how much we loved her. After a few moments, Dr. Amanda listened for her heartbeat, pulled her face-mask down and said, "she's at peace." She wrapped Shayna in a blanket, moved her gently onto a stretcher and we all bore her out the car. There was nothing "easy" about this but I thank God such an organization exists where our beloved pets can pass with grace and dignity in their own home, surrounded by their family, our smells, our voices, all that's familiar. I made the mistake with my last dog before her, waited too long and had to rush in the middle of the night to an Emergency Vet clinic. We were all traumatized. Not sure if we will get another pet at this stage in our lives, but if we do, at least I know now that when the end comes, it will be exactly what I would want for myself.

Laurie

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

My husband passed away in 2003. Needless to say, my children and I were devestaded. Shortly after, we decided to welcome a puppy into our family. Hershey was 8 weeks old and full of love and personality. Before we knew it, he had us all laughing and brought so much love and life back into our home. For that, I am forever grateful to him. So when he bacame so ill, I knew I had to look into our options as painful as that was. I found Lap of Love and I am so glad I did. They were caring, compassionate and professional. Dr. Jordan was very gentle with Hershey and us! He made a very difficult time for us easier. It meant a lot to us to let Hershey pass away peacefully, in the comfort of his own home. After all, I did owe him! With Lap of Love and Dr. Jordan, Hershey passed over the rainbow bridge with his family by his side at the age of 13. The clay paw print is a sweet and special remembrance of our boy!

Anna

Tustin, California

Dr. Charlie helped my sweet Giselle get her angel wings, and while it was one of the worst days of my life, it gave me so much comfort that she was able to pass so peacefully on her bed at home with the help of such a kind, caring doctor. Dr. Charlie explained everything as he went and reinforced in my mind that I was doing the right thing for my best pal. He also was very patient in letting us bring our other dogs in to say goodbye to their friend. The staff was wonderful in helping me set up a last minute appointment after a holiday and in communicating what the next steps are. This was my first experience being able to say goodbye at home, and being able to have my sweet girl spend her last moments comfy in bed, made the transition so much easier.

Kristine

Lexington, Kentucky

Dr Kendra preformed a difficult service for us this past week having to put to sleep , after a long and tiring fight , our beautiful princess Lacey. Her compassion for us, as well as our girl, was beyond words. To think I could keep my girl here at home, quiet and calm, and with her family, avoiding those chaotic and hectic moments one must undertake at the last moments of our pet’s life. It can be extremely hard for both you and your family to be uprooted and brought to the Vet in those final hours . Instead, Lacey was home with those whom she loved and loved her back. My heart was blessed. Dr Kendra even took Lacey’s remains herself, to be delivered to me on a later date , so that I could mourn my cat rather than having to run her to a crematorium in my emotional state of mind. Thank you is truly not enough. You are a Godsend in our time of need. Out pets are definitely family as well and our loved ones deserve the best. Gd bless all that you do.

Stephanie

Miami, Florida

Dr. Gutierrez was so kind and compassionate. She walked us through the whole process, and was so incredibly sweet to our little Minnie. She truly has a gift. It felt like she had known Minnie by how she cared for her. We were so heartbroken, but with Dr. Gutierrez by our side, we felt confident that she would be in good hands. Thank you Dr. Gutierrez for everything!

Brian

Cary, North Carolina

Dr. Hampton, Words cant express how thankful we are to have you help Stuey enter Doggie Heaven. Her compassion reassured us that we were making the right choice in helping him be at peace. Stuey has been a part of our lives for 14 years and it was hard to let him go, understandably so. But Dr. Hampton was never pushy and allowed us to dictate the pace of the process. We know Stuey was appreciative of a compassionate heart at the end as well

Christopher

Babylon, New York

On the 1st of November, I had to say goodbye to the center of my universe. My 12 1/2 year old Golden Retriever had started to lose his battle with kidney disease after successfully staving it off for 2-3 years. This was the hardest decision I ever had to make in my 33 years, bar none. For a few weeks, we had some good days, but mostly days where it was clear that Hunter was declining and becoming a shell of the energetic, exuberant dog he had been since I was 20. I tried everything I possibly could to help him, but I eventually came to the painful realization that there was no way for me to improve his quality of life at the stage he had reached. I promised myself I would never let him suffer or get too sick when this day came. As such, I placed a call to Lap of Love after hearing about an incredibly positive experience from a neighbor just a few weeks prior. I was immediately greeted by a kind, compassionate voice on the other end. Sarah knew how difficult it was for me to even make the call in the first place and was extremely comforting. I wanted Hunter to be comfortable when he passed. I didn't want him to be in a foreign room in the back of the vets office where he'd feel scared, anxious, or confused. I wanted him to be at home in a spot where he felt relaxed and at-ease. Dr. Heather arrived the following day and took immediate interest in Hunter - she wanted to know all about his life. We talked about our best memories of him, how he was as a young puppy, what he loved to do the most, and more. She pet him with us and he laid down, ready to move onto the next life. Dr. Heather was never in a rush and never made it seem like a job or obligation. Hunter was very comfortable around her and his passing was incredibly peaceful and serene. She gave us as much time as we needed to say goodbye, pet our boy, and give him all of the love we had to give. Saying goodbye to my best friend and a dog I spent the vast majority of the past 12+ years with was extremely hard for my family and I, but we have no regrets about our decision to contact Dr. Manfredi and Lap of Love. They reinforced to us that we were doing the best thing possible for Hunter and they were right. We know we can always take solace in that. We are truly thankful for all of the time we spent with Hunter and are glad we were able to send his spirit off in the most peaceful, humane way possible. Dr. Manfredi also followed up afterwards to tell us she was thinking of us and her e-mail was incredibly kind - she went above and beyond to make sure we were all okay and to reiterate to us that we did the right thing for our sweet boy. To Sarah and Dr. Manfredi, we cannot possibly express how grateful we are for your assistance in such a difficult time. Thank you so much. Every dog deserves the same end of life quality that Hunter received.

Tony

Logan Township, New Jersey

I do not think I can write a testimonial good enough to describe our gratitude for what you helped us through but I will try. Doctor Bates is one of the most caring, respectful and understanding doctors I have ever met. I am sure he must have been through this type of situation hundreds of times. However, he made us feel unique. He addressed every concern we had, talked us through our options and did not rush us to make a decision. He gave us a much time as we needed to be with our big boy before we said goodbye. Thank you for helping us through one of the most difficult times in our lives.

ELIZABETH

Longwood, Florida

Calling Lap of Love wasn't the hard decision,, but deciding to let our precious 13-year-old, Shayna, go with dignity before she suffered was incredibly difficult. You'd think it's a no-brainer. We wouldn't want anyone we love to suffer, yet we'll do everything in our power to keep them alive, even if they no longer have quality of life. Shayna was still fairly functional, but she stopped eating and there were other signs that were impossible to miss. We had to set aside our selfishness and do what was right for her; what she depended on us to do for her. From the first call until Dr. Amanda drove away with her body,Lap of Love was a godsend. They speak with you gently and with sensitivity. There's no misconception that if you're calling them, you're considering doing one of the hardest things you'll ever do and the pain and guilt are undeniable. Yes, they are a true blessing. They spend as much time as you need talking. They have trained grief counselors who understand the bond between humans and animals. Never condescending and always professional, as well as sensitive. Yesterday, when I watched Dr. Amanda's car arrive, my adrenaline spiked and I knew this was it. Shayna had one last, albeit impressive rally of barking and protecting her home before Dr. Amanda gave her a sedative which calmed her down and allowed us to say our goodbyes while she was still conscious, but relaxed. When she gave her the second, and final shot, we held her and kept telling her how much we loved her. After a few moments, Dr. Amanda listened for her heartbeat, pulled her face-mask down and said, "she's at peace." She wrapped Shayna in a blanket, moved her gently onto a stretcher and we all bore her out the car. There was nothing "easy" about this but I thank God such an organization exists where our beloved pets can pass with grace and dignity in their own home, surrounded by their family, our smells, our voices, all that's familiar. I made the mistake with my last dog before her, waited too long and had to rush in the middle of the night to an Emergency Vet clinic. We were all traumatized. Not sure if we will get another pet at this stage in our lives, but if we do, at least I know now that when the end comes, it will be exactly what I would want for myself.

Laurie

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

My husband passed away in 2003. Needless to say, my children and I were devestaded. Shortly after, we decided to welcome a puppy into our family. Hershey was 8 weeks old and full of love and personality. Before we knew it, he had us all laughing and brought so much love and life back into our home. For that, I am forever grateful to him. So when he bacame so ill, I knew I had to look into our options as painful as that was. I found Lap of Love and I am so glad I did. They were caring, compassionate and professional. Dr. Jordan was very gentle with Hershey and us! He made a very difficult time for us easier. It meant a lot to us to let Hershey pass away peacefully, in the comfort of his own home. After all, I did owe him! With Lap of Love and Dr. Jordan, Hershey passed over the rainbow bridge with his family by his side at the age of 13. The clay paw print is a sweet and special remembrance of our boy!

Anna

Tustin, California

Dr. Charlie helped my sweet Giselle get her angel wings, and while it was one of the worst days of my life, it gave me so much comfort that she was able to pass so peacefully on her bed at home with the help of such a kind, caring doctor. Dr. Charlie explained everything as he went and reinforced in my mind that I was doing the right thing for my best pal. He also was very patient in letting us bring our other dogs in to say goodbye to their friend. The staff was wonderful in helping me set up a last minute appointment after a holiday and in communicating what the next steps are. This was my first experience being able to say goodbye at home, and being able to have my sweet girl spend her last moments comfy in bed, made the transition so much easier.

Kristine

Lexington, Kentucky

Dr Kendra preformed a difficult service for us this past week having to put to sleep , after a long and tiring fight , our beautiful princess Lacey. Her compassion for us, as well as our girl, was beyond words. To think I could keep my girl here at home, quiet and calm, and with her family, avoiding those chaotic and hectic moments one must undertake at the last moments of our pet’s life. It can be extremely hard for both you and your family to be uprooted and brought to the Vet in those final hours . Instead, Lacey was home with those whom she loved and loved her back. My heart was blessed. Dr Kendra even took Lacey’s remains herself, to be delivered to me on a later date , so that I could mourn my cat rather than having to run her to a crematorium in my emotional state of mind. Thank you is truly not enough. You are a Godsend in our time of need. Out pets are definitely family as well and our loved ones deserve the best. Gd bless all that you do.

Stephanie

Miami, Florida

Dr. Gutierrez was so kind and compassionate. She walked us through the whole process, and was so incredibly sweet to our little Minnie. She truly has a gift. It felt like she had known Minnie by how she cared for her. We were so heartbroken, but with Dr. Gutierrez by our side, we felt confident that she would be in good hands. Thank you Dr. Gutierrez for everything!

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