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Dr. Shantelle

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Growing up just outside of St. Louis, MO, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 6 years old. I received a degree in Animal Science from Mizzou and continued there to achieve my doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. After obtaining my degree, I began working at a Small Animal practice with cats and dogs for 3 years. I then moved to the Tampa area to begin helping families with Lap of Love.

I have been inspired throughout my life and career by the strength of the human-animal bond. During my time in veterinary school my own ferret, Slinky, became very ill and deteriorated quickly until I had to make the choice to let him go. At that point it became clear to me how important end of life care is. I have been dedicated to making the passing of each patient I help peaceful and dignified.

When not helping families, much of my spare time is spent with my husband and our furry (and scaly) family of eleven. We have two German Shepherds (Max and Petra), a cat named Gadget, three ferrets (Mr. Bones, Noodle, and Oliver), and five hermit crabs. When not caring for our pets, you can find us at the beach or visiting family.

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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Lori

Long Beach, California

Dr. Tina took wonderful care of sweet Callie in her last hour. Dr. Tina was incredibly kind and made sure Callie's passing was peaceful and without pain. She also helped me let go of the guilt I was feeling--it’s an extremely difficult decision to end the life of a pet even when it’s necessary. She helped me see I was the only one who could make this decision for Callie—giving her a loving gift. Dr. Tina’s words of wisdom and comfort were also a gift to me. I miss my sweet girl every day and still find myself on auto pilot when it comes to her daily activities—prepping meals, cleaning the litter box, brushing her soft fur, waking up to her impatient meows. I still wait for the meows, look for her at the door when I come home from work, reach for her brush, and head to her room without thinking, only to sadly remind myself she is no longer here. She is so missed! I’m very grateful to Dr. Tina for helping us through this sad moment in our lives. She is amazing!!!

Laura

West Hollywood, California

Although I don’t remember how I found Lap Of Love, I’m glad I did. In the years, months and days nearing the end, I wanted Max to pass away peacefully at home, so I contacted Dr. Tina Olivieri, DVM, who responded promptly and sympathetically. After discussing Max on a Friday, we made an appointment for euthanasia two days later on Sunday afternoon, but when the hour approached, I wasn’t ready. Although Dr. Tina was concerned, I just wanted one more night with Max and felt it would be "easier" for all of us to make this transition in the morning. When she arrived, Max and I were calmly resting on his bed in the living room together. No anxiety anymore, it was as if he was ready, too. Then Dr. Tina left with my *rockstar* Max, I petted and kissed his salt-n-pepper face one last time, and she hugged me warmly goodbye. Since the next time we see each other will probably be for my other senior, Chet, I told her that I hoped it wouldn’t be too soon! Yet it’s good to know that she’s nearby, available and ready to help us through this “twilight time” again when we need her. Thank you, Dr. Tina Olivieri, for doing what you do.

Denise

Methuen, Massachusetts

Today we said goodby to Coby. Thank you Dr. Sally for making this sad day a calm, beautiful, peaceful experience for all of us. We will always remember your kindness. Thank you for using your gift of compassion to benefit grieving families. Rest In Peace Coby!!!

DEBORAH

TUCKER, Georgia

Saying goodbye to my Chester was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But being able to do it at home, where he was comfortable and familiar did help ease the process. It would have been terribly stressful to have someone help be get Chester to the car and then into the Vet office where he always got nervous. When Dr Cary entered the house, Chester lifted his head and wag his tail as if to say "thanks for coming". Dr Cary was very caring and sympathetic. Chester passed easily and peacefully. I couldn't have thought of a better way to say good bye to him. He will be missed greatly. I loved him with my whole heart. Deb Mueller

Doug

Clifton, New Jersey

Dr. Shannon was kind and compassionate. She was very caring with Dakota and made a difficult easier.

Amy and Scott

Winter Park, Florida

Our beautiful Abigail was part of our family since she was about 3 weeks old and we made arrangements to adopt her and her sister (when they became old enough). A non-stop talker, our shadow and protector, a friend at all times, she was happy to be with us until the end. Abby loved those she chose to love more than most animals and we decided that dragging her from her home would have been so unkind to her. Thus, we contacted Lap of Love and Dr. Elizabeth wasted no time in coming to our aid. Thankfully, the time Abby's quality of life and pain were too much for her was short. We thank Kelly, who answered our call, and Dr. Elizabeth for their kindness and support to Abby and her humans.

Jessica

Westerville, Ohio

I wanted to say thank you for being wonderful on Friday. This was probably the hardest thing I had to do ever in my life. We loved Chyna very much and our house feels very lonely. I appreciate how great you were and I am very happy with Lap of Love. I think it was the best way for Chyna to go to Heaven. The more I think about it the more I am glad we chose Lap of Love. Chyna deserved the best, and I am glad we chose having you come to our home. Chyna didn't know any different and went to sleep very happy from eating Reese's cups. :-)"

Natasha

Concord, North Carolina

We were incredibly sad about having to say goodbye to our fur baby after 9 years spent together, but Dr. Jen and the support staff at Lap of Love were the most patient, compassionate, and caring people throughout the whole process and made the experience as soothing as it could be. I 100% recommend them when the time comes for your furry friend to pass peacefully.

Laura

Jacksonville, Florida

Thank you so much Lap of Love and Dr. Katie Stender for helping our beloved Poet transition over the Rainbow Bridge. I can't recall who I spoke to on the phone when I called to schedule the appointment, but THANK YOU! You were so patient and allowed me time to cry in between taking my information. Dr. Katie was so respectful, gentle, and patient with us as she discussed the process and actually took time to sit with us and see pics/hear stories of Poet through the years. She made such a heartbreaking decision into a loving moment of goodbyes and reverence.

Lori

Long Beach, California

Dr. Tina took wonderful care of sweet Callie in her last hour. Dr. Tina was incredibly kind and made sure Callie's passing was peaceful and without pain. She also helped me let go of the guilt I was feeling--it’s an extremely difficult decision to end the life of a pet even when it’s necessary. She helped me see I was the only one who could make this decision for Callie—giving her a loving gift. Dr. Tina’s words of wisdom and comfort were also a gift to me. I miss my sweet girl every day and still find myself on auto pilot when it comes to her daily activities—prepping meals, cleaning the litter box, brushing her soft fur, waking up to her impatient meows. I still wait for the meows, look for her at the door when I come home from work, reach for her brush, and head to her room without thinking, only to sadly remind myself she is no longer here. She is so missed! I’m very grateful to Dr. Tina for helping us through this sad moment in our lives. She is amazing!!!

Laura

West Hollywood, California

Although I don’t remember how I found Lap Of Love, I’m glad I did. In the years, months and days nearing the end, I wanted Max to pass away peacefully at home, so I contacted Dr. Tina Olivieri, DVM, who responded promptly and sympathetically. After discussing Max on a Friday, we made an appointment for euthanasia two days later on Sunday afternoon, but when the hour approached, I wasn’t ready. Although Dr. Tina was concerned, I just wanted one more night with Max and felt it would be "easier" for all of us to make this transition in the morning. When she arrived, Max and I were calmly resting on his bed in the living room together. No anxiety anymore, it was as if he was ready, too. Then Dr. Tina left with my *rockstar* Max, I petted and kissed his salt-n-pepper face one last time, and she hugged me warmly goodbye. Since the next time we see each other will probably be for my other senior, Chet, I told her that I hoped it wouldn’t be too soon! Yet it’s good to know that she’s nearby, available and ready to help us through this “twilight time” again when we need her. Thank you, Dr. Tina Olivieri, for doing what you do.

DEBORAH

TUCKER, Georgia

Saying goodbye to my Chester was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But being able to do it at home, where he was comfortable and familiar did help ease the process. It would have been terribly stressful to have someone help be get Chester to the car and then into the Vet office where he always got nervous. When Dr Cary entered the house, Chester lifted his head and wag his tail as if to say "thanks for coming". Dr Cary was very caring and sympathetic. Chester passed easily and peacefully. I couldn't have thought of a better way to say good bye to him. He will be missed greatly. I loved him with my whole heart. Deb Mueller

Amy and Scott

Winter Park, Florida

Our beautiful Abigail was part of our family since she was about 3 weeks old and we made arrangements to adopt her and her sister (when they became old enough). A non-stop talker, our shadow and protector, a friend at all times, she was happy to be with us until the end. Abby loved those she chose to love more than most animals and we decided that dragging her from her home would have been so unkind to her. Thus, we contacted Lap of Love and Dr. Elizabeth wasted no time in coming to our aid. Thankfully, the time Abby's quality of life and pain were too much for her was short. We thank Kelly, who answered our call, and Dr. Elizabeth for their kindness and support to Abby and her humans.

Jessica

Westerville, Ohio

I wanted to say thank you for being wonderful on Friday. This was probably the hardest thing I had to do ever in my life. We loved Chyna very much and our house feels very lonely. I appreciate how great you were and I am very happy with Lap of Love. I think it was the best way for Chyna to go to Heaven. The more I think about it the more I am glad we chose Lap of Love. Chyna deserved the best, and I am glad we chose having you come to our home. Chyna didn't know any different and went to sleep very happy from eating Reese's cups. :-)"

Natasha

Concord, North Carolina

We were incredibly sad about having to say goodbye to our fur baby after 9 years spent together, but Dr. Jen and the support staff at Lap of Love were the most patient, compassionate, and caring people throughout the whole process and made the experience as soothing as it could be. I 100% recommend them when the time comes for your furry friend to pass peacefully.

Laura

Jacksonville, Florida

Thank you so much Lap of Love and Dr. Katie Stender for helping our beloved Poet transition over the Rainbow Bridge. I can't recall who I spoke to on the phone when I called to schedule the appointment, but THANK YOU! You were so patient and allowed me time to cry in between taking my information. Dr. Katie was so respectful, gentle, and patient with us as she discussed the process and actually took time to sit with us and see pics/hear stories of Poet through the years. She made such a heartbreaking decision into a loving moment of goodbyes and reverence.

Lori

Long Beach, California

Dr. Tina took wonderful care of sweet Callie in her last hour. Dr. Tina was incredibly kind and made sure Callie's passing was peaceful and without pain. She also helped me let go of the guilt I was feeling--it’s an extremely difficult decision to end the life of a pet even when it’s necessary. She helped me see I was the only one who could make this decision for Callie—giving her a loving gift. Dr. Tina’s words of wisdom and comfort were also a gift to me. I miss my sweet girl every day and still find myself on auto pilot when it comes to her daily activities—prepping meals, cleaning the litter box, brushing her soft fur, waking up to her impatient meows. I still wait for the meows, look for her at the door when I come home from work, reach for her brush, and head to her room without thinking, only to sadly remind myself she is no longer here. She is so missed! I’m very grateful to Dr. Tina for helping us through this sad moment in our lives. She is amazing!!!

Laura

West Hollywood, California

Although I don’t remember how I found Lap Of Love, I’m glad I did. In the years, months and days nearing the end, I wanted Max to pass away peacefully at home, so I contacted Dr. Tina Olivieri, DVM, who responded promptly and sympathetically. After discussing Max on a Friday, we made an appointment for euthanasia two days later on Sunday afternoon, but when the hour approached, I wasn’t ready. Although Dr. Tina was concerned, I just wanted one more night with Max and felt it would be "easier" for all of us to make this transition in the morning. When she arrived, Max and I were calmly resting on his bed in the living room together. No anxiety anymore, it was as if he was ready, too. Then Dr. Tina left with my *rockstar* Max, I petted and kissed his salt-n-pepper face one last time, and she hugged me warmly goodbye. Since the next time we see each other will probably be for my other senior, Chet, I told her that I hoped it wouldn’t be too soon! Yet it’s good to know that she’s nearby, available and ready to help us through this “twilight time” again when we need her. Thank you, Dr. Tina Olivieri, for doing what you do.

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