Home | Lap of Love

In-home
euthanasia

Quality-of-life assessment

Testimonials

Pet memorials

Blog articles

Family resources

Our veterinarians

Helping you and your pet is our passion

Viewing Lap of Love Vets

Loading

Dr. Kayla

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Oceanside & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I grew up in Oswego, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. In junior high, I was intrigued and challenged by my science classes, and in high school, I fell in love with anatomy and physiology. My passion for science and love for animals made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. I have worked in a small animal emergency practice, caring for pets and their families during the most stressful and critical times. I also worked at a small animal general practice, where I provided wellness and preventive care, and helped manage pets with a variety of illnesses. My favorite part of being a veterinarian is connecting with clients on a personal level, and the most rewarding and intimate moments have come from helping families. Each pet and family is different, and I value the ability to give each the time and type of support they need and deserve.

When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and taking my dog to the beach.

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.

This video content is currently blocked by your cookies settings. You can at any time.

Loading

Melissa

Miami, Florida

Saying goodbye to my best friend for the last 15 years has to have been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Princess developed an oral tumor around the end of last year and her health had just deteriorated little by little. Her nickname was fatty because she was always at your side whenever you were eating and absolutely loved ham and bread. So the minute we started noticing she just wasn't herself anymore, that's when we knew it was time to start thinking about how her quality of life was. The idea of having princess spend her last moments of life in a vets office, with all those barking dogs around her was something I refused to do to her. Princess was too much of a loyal friend to have her last moments be in terror. That's when I found lap of Love. I spent a night reading all these testimonies on this website and hearing about everyone's positive experience with this company even during such a horrible time made me realize this was the best way to say goodbye to my pup. Princess was never fond of strangers entering the house but with Dr. Lizmarie it was as if princess had known her for years. She walked up to her and let Dr. Lizmarie pet her for a bit before she decided she wanted to lay down again. Dr. Lizmarie made the entire process very easy for us and listened to everything we had to say. Seeing how calm princess was during the entire process made it easier to cope with her loss. She took her final breath in her favorite bed, wrapped up in her favorite blanket and surrounded by all her toys and loved ones. I will truly miss her running up to me and greeting me at the door every day and snuggling up next to me whenever I was in the couch. I'm very happy I found Lap of Love and was able to give this gift to my best friend.

Joyce

Chicago, Illinois

We want to thank Dr. Kara for her kindness, warmth, patience, gentleness and understanding. She became a part of the circle of love surrounding our beloved Walter, the incorrigible Corgi. She gave meaning and dignity to the very painful experience of losing our dear companion with the short legs, big ears, big bark and big heart. We will miss him terribly. But we are forever grateful to Dr. Kara for the gift of a peaceful, loving goodbye.

Traci

Tampa, Florida

Thank you so very much, Dr Amy. Everything about you-from your voice to the way you touched and moved Zuzu, to your unhurried demeanor exuded peace, kindness and respect. I’m utterly despondent without my sweet girl right now but I have the knowledge that until the very end I did the very best I could for her- and you were a big part of that. Please know that what you do and how you do it is such a blessing. I know the healing and comfort that we’ve experienced this far is largely attributable to you. Knowing we’d given her the gift of your presence has made all the difference in the world. God bless you for what you do. I know it’s probably not an easy job but please know how much peace you brought us.

Danielle

Gainesville, Florida

We made the decision on Wednesday night to call Lap of Love to help end Chloe's suffering. Jennifer took my call and was incredibly calming and understanding. She really helped put me more at ease with my decision. Dr. Jen was able to come to our house the next morning. Dr. Jen is such a sweet and calming person. She was considerate and understanding and helped Chloe go peacefully at home in her favorite chair. I am so grateful for Dr. Jen and Lap of Love.

Maryanne

Leola, Pennsylvania

June 30, 2017 was one of the most difficult days of my life. How do you say goodbye to your best friend of 15 years? Piper was one of a kind! She was a beautiful, strong, independent, loyal, devoted, true companion. Wherever I went… Piper was right there by my side. We enjoyed countless walks around our neighborhood, traveled thousands of miles in the car and experienced many unforgettable adventures together. In her last few months on earth, Piper became anxious when riding in the car so we stayed close to home to help her remain calm and comfortable. Recognizing that Piper was slowing down I wanted to provide her with a stress free experience in her last moments on earth. The Lap of Love organization and Dr. Jo Parr were an answer to my prayers. The kindness and compassion of Lap of Love was amazing! Dr. Jo was extraordinary!! Dr. Jo provided Piper with the most gracious and loving entry to peace that I could have ever imagined. My heart was broken and overflowing with joy at the same time. Thank you Dr. Jo! I am forever grateful for your care and support during this difficult time. You are a very special person and will never be forgotten.

Jodi

Naples, Florida

The most wonderful way to let you’re dog go is in you’re home with music playing totally relaxed. Dr. Thomas was fantastic like an angel she made everything so soothing and loving she was perfect. I only wish I had done this with all my other dogs I had to put to sleep I will always do it again always. It was just an unbelievable experience even though it was a terrible experience losing your dog but she made it beautiful

Melissa

Miami, Florida

Saying goodbye to my best friend for the last 15 years has to have been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Princess developed an oral tumor around the end of last year and her health had just deteriorated little by little. Her nickname was fatty because she was always at your side whenever you were eating and absolutely loved ham and bread. So the minute we started noticing she just wasn't herself anymore, that's when we knew it was time to start thinking about how her quality of life was. The idea of having princess spend her last moments of life in a vets office, with all those barking dogs around her was something I refused to do to her. Princess was too much of a loyal friend to have her last moments be in terror. That's when I found lap of Love. I spent a night reading all these testimonies on this website and hearing about everyone's positive experience with this company even during such a horrible time made me realize this was the best way to say goodbye to my pup. Princess was never fond of strangers entering the house but with Dr. Lizmarie it was as if princess had known her for years. She walked up to her and let Dr. Lizmarie pet her for a bit before she decided she wanted to lay down again. Dr. Lizmarie made the entire process very easy for us and listened to everything we had to say. Seeing how calm princess was during the entire process made it easier to cope with her loss. She took her final breath in her favorite bed, wrapped up in her favorite blanket and surrounded by all her toys and loved ones. I will truly miss her running up to me and greeting me at the door every day and snuggling up next to me whenever I was in the couch. I'm very happy I found Lap of Love and was able to give this gift to my best friend.

Joyce

Chicago, Illinois

We want to thank Dr. Kara for her kindness, warmth, patience, gentleness and understanding. She became a part of the circle of love surrounding our beloved Walter, the incorrigible Corgi. She gave meaning and dignity to the very painful experience of losing our dear companion with the short legs, big ears, big bark and big heart. We will miss him terribly. But we are forever grateful to Dr. Kara for the gift of a peaceful, loving goodbye.

Traci

Tampa, Florida

Thank you so very much, Dr Amy. Everything about you-from your voice to the way you touched and moved Zuzu, to your unhurried demeanor exuded peace, kindness and respect. I’m utterly despondent without my sweet girl right now but I have the knowledge that until the very end I did the very best I could for her- and you were a big part of that. Please know that what you do and how you do it is such a blessing. I know the healing and comfort that we’ve experienced this far is largely attributable to you. Knowing we’d given her the gift of your presence has made all the difference in the world. God bless you for what you do. I know it’s probably not an easy job but please know how much peace you brought us.

Danielle

Gainesville, Florida

We made the decision on Wednesday night to call Lap of Love to help end Chloe's suffering. Jennifer took my call and was incredibly calming and understanding. She really helped put me more at ease with my decision. Dr. Jen was able to come to our house the next morning. Dr. Jen is such a sweet and calming person. She was considerate and understanding and helped Chloe go peacefully at home in her favorite chair. I am so grateful for Dr. Jen and Lap of Love.

Maryanne

Leola, Pennsylvania

June 30, 2017 was one of the most difficult days of my life. How do you say goodbye to your best friend of 15 years? Piper was one of a kind! She was a beautiful, strong, independent, loyal, devoted, true companion. Wherever I went… Piper was right there by my side. We enjoyed countless walks around our neighborhood, traveled thousands of miles in the car and experienced many unforgettable adventures together. In her last few months on earth, Piper became anxious when riding in the car so we stayed close to home to help her remain calm and comfortable. Recognizing that Piper was slowing down I wanted to provide her with a stress free experience in her last moments on earth. The Lap of Love organization and Dr. Jo Parr were an answer to my prayers. The kindness and compassion of Lap of Love was amazing! Dr. Jo was extraordinary!! Dr. Jo provided Piper with the most gracious and loving entry to peace that I could have ever imagined. My heart was broken and overflowing with joy at the same time. Thank you Dr. Jo! I am forever grateful for your care and support during this difficult time. You are a very special person and will never be forgotten.

Jodi

Naples, Florida

The most wonderful way to let you’re dog go is in you’re home with music playing totally relaxed. Dr. Thomas was fantastic like an angel she made everything so soothing and loving she was perfect. I only wish I had done this with all my other dogs I had to put to sleep I will always do it again always. It was just an unbelievable experience even though it was a terrible experience losing your dog but she made it beautiful

Melissa

Miami, Florida

Saying goodbye to my best friend for the last 15 years has to have been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Princess developed an oral tumor around the end of last year and her health had just deteriorated little by little. Her nickname was fatty because she was always at your side whenever you were eating and absolutely loved ham and bread. So the minute we started noticing she just wasn't herself anymore, that's when we knew it was time to start thinking about how her quality of life was. The idea of having princess spend her last moments of life in a vets office, with all those barking dogs around her was something I refused to do to her. Princess was too much of a loyal friend to have her last moments be in terror. That's when I found lap of Love. I spent a night reading all these testimonies on this website and hearing about everyone's positive experience with this company even during such a horrible time made me realize this was the best way to say goodbye to my pup. Princess was never fond of strangers entering the house but with Dr. Lizmarie it was as if princess had known her for years. She walked up to her and let Dr. Lizmarie pet her for a bit before she decided she wanted to lay down again. Dr. Lizmarie made the entire process very easy for us and listened to everything we had to say. Seeing how calm princess was during the entire process made it easier to cope with her loss. She took her final breath in her favorite bed, wrapped up in her favorite blanket and surrounded by all her toys and loved ones. I will truly miss her running up to me and greeting me at the door every day and snuggling up next to me whenever I was in the couch. I'm very happy I found Lap of Love and was able to give this gift to my best friend.

Joyce

Chicago, Illinois

We want to thank Dr. Kara for her kindness, warmth, patience, gentleness and understanding. She became a part of the circle of love surrounding our beloved Walter, the incorrigible Corgi. She gave meaning and dignity to the very painful experience of losing our dear companion with the short legs, big ears, big bark and big heart. We will miss him terribly. But we are forever grateful to Dr. Kara for the gift of a peaceful, loving goodbye.

Helpful resources

Informational resources to help you navigate your pet’s quality of life

Explore all of our resources

Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

Find a veterinarian near you

Have questions? Give us a call. One of our Veterinary Care Coordinators would love to help.

Our Lap of Love Support Center is available 24/7, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.