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Dr. Rachel

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Born and raised in Florida, I spent most of my childhood in the Lakeland area. I have always enjoyed having animals and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we had several pets in our family, including: our dog (the most patient pup you'd ever meet!), two snakes, and my cat, which I begged my parents for when he decided to adopt us.

In college, I never wavered from my dream of wanting to become a veterinarian. I received a Bachelors in Science from Florida State University and then attended the University of Florida, where I obtained my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, I completed a two-week externship with Lap of Love and was amazed by the compassion and peace that I witnessed at one of the most difficult times in these families lives. That experience remained in the back of my head, and heart, as I graduated and became a veterinarian. After graduating, I moved to Tampa with my husband and three cats, where I worked at a feline-only practice. As much as I loved seeing kittens, I found the utmost fulfillment helping the senior cats and their families as they navigated their golden years and final moments.

It is truly a gift we have as veterinarians to be able to relieve suffering and provide a peaceful passing to the pets we love. I am honored to provide support, care, and comfort for both you and your pet through these delicate moments.

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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Bryan

Leonardo, New Jersey

I cannot express enough appreciation and gratitude towards the entire Lap of Love staff that I spoke with during this extremely difficult time for my family and I. I spoke with Pat, Shelley and Dr. Suzanne, who all walked me through the process. It's never easy saying goodbye to a loved one, and this was my first time losing a pet that was truly my own. My dog passed away after 12 wonderful years, and without fully understanding the entire process of how to say goodbye, how to go through 'next steps'... this entire staff couldn't have been more sympathetic, understanding, and supportive from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this company to anyone feeling lost , whether it's the 'how to cope' or how to get through this process as a whole. I'm forever grateful to have met these three people, and Lap of Love. Thank you. Much appreciation, and God Bless, Bryan

Jana

St. Charles, Missouri

I had to say goodbye to my first baby, Alfie, one month ago today. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life, but Dr. Dawnetta really helped ease my mind. We did a hospice consultation and only a few days later, she had to return for a final visit. It was her day off, but she still came out and helped us that day. She was not only a wonderful veterinary, but she was also a great counselor and friend:) We will never forget her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond. Thank you!

Salem, Oregon

Dr. Lori was amazing, she was so kind and caring and gave us the gift of a peaceful transition for obi. We so appreciate her commuting to give this gift for pet owners.

Fenton, Missouri

Trying to navigate this excruciating process was impossible until our family reached out to Lap of Love. There are many options available so we reached out to close family and friends who had travelled this difficult path before us and each one spoke very highly of Lap of Love. Dr. Carrie Roberts' professionalism goes without saying, but her knowledge and calm, patient demeanor was exactly what we needed at a very emotional time. From the initial contact with Lap of Love through the day after "thinking of you" message, they make sure your loving pet will not be forgotten. Our family is truly grateful for all both Lap of Love and Dr. Carrie provided for us during this very difficult time. We owed it to our beautiful, loving, loyal girl to give her a proper farewell.

Jenny

Grove City, Ohio, Ohio

Dr. Nellie was wonderful with our sweet old dog. Dobber lived a long life with us (14 years). His final day was such a blessing. He was spoiled with ice cream at breakfast, and a chocolate cookie as he was administered medications to begin the procedure. Dr. Nellie was informative and willing to work at any pace to make us comfortable. I have no regrets at all and I really appreciate all that Dr. Nellie and Lap of Love did for us and our old pup.

Chris

St. Louis, Missouri

We cannot thank Dr. Chris (Chris Scudder) enough for her support and calming presence during one of the most difficult days of our lives. It was a very difficult decision to put our beautiful 17 1/2 year old Australian Shepard to sleep. Having Dr. Chris come to our house and walk us carefully through every step of the process was reassuring...we knew that our dog Reese was in good hands, not stressed and not feeling any pain. Dr. Chris has a comforting approach...she knows when to provide aid and when to sit back, observe and let us be alone with our dog in her final moments. Dr. Chris, I want to thank you for your support through this very difficult time. Having you come to our house made an awful situation more palatable. Your calming and soothing presence was very much appreciated. Chris and Jon Bomze

Robin

Charlotte, North Carolina

Dr. Jen, The house is very empty and quiet and it will definitely take some time to learn a new routine that doesn't revolve around Oliver! 16 plus years - I don't remember life without him being here. I want to thank you for making the final moments with Oliver the best they could possibly be under the circumstances. Knowing he went from eating treats to sleeping - all in the comfort of his own home with no stress or anxiety - gives me tremendous peace. I don't have any regrets about the home I gave him or the way he died. I just miss him an awful lot! I will be letting all my friends with pets know about Lap of Love. It was such a good experience. And I got Oliver's ashes back right away. The whole process was very easy on me. Thank you for what you do. Robin

Bill

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I had no doubt when Dr. Brad knocked on our door in April that he came with a bountiful knowledge of veterinary medicine. However, when he walked through the door, it was clear what he brought into our home. Something, sadly not easily found; what I saw was an abundance of compassion. So together we developed a loving, caring and special plan for keeping Ike’s tail wagging as long as possible. From massage techniques, to peanut butter kongs, to ergonomic enhancements. I was assured it was as comfortable as humanly and “caninely”possible. Sadly at the time, I had not realized that Ike had just several weeks left. Dr. Brad helped keep those weeks special, comfortable, loving and dignified. My only regret is not knowing Dr. Brad sooner, because I think our family could have benefited from his services many months ago. With three dogs ranging from the age of 12 to nearly 18, I often would say we ran a dog hospice. I actually had no idea that in home animal hospice care support network existed. Watching Ike in his final few days was difficult, and there has been an overwhelming concern as our other two dogs venture on into their senior years. While I realize there may be some difficult times ahead, I’m confident our dogs will live out these years more comfort able now that we have come to know Dr. Brad and I cannot say enough that this confidence helps reduce my anxiety about the future.

Bryan

Leonardo, New Jersey

I cannot express enough appreciation and gratitude towards the entire Lap of Love staff that I spoke with during this extremely difficult time for my family and I. I spoke with Pat, Shelley and Dr. Suzanne, who all walked me through the process. It's never easy saying goodbye to a loved one, and this was my first time losing a pet that was truly my own. My dog passed away after 12 wonderful years, and without fully understanding the entire process of how to say goodbye, how to go through 'next steps'... this entire staff couldn't have been more sympathetic, understanding, and supportive from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this company to anyone feeling lost , whether it's the 'how to cope' or how to get through this process as a whole. I'm forever grateful to have met these three people, and Lap of Love. Thank you. Much appreciation, and God Bless, Bryan

Jana

St. Charles, Missouri

I had to say goodbye to my first baby, Alfie, one month ago today. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life, but Dr. Dawnetta really helped ease my mind. We did a hospice consultation and only a few days later, she had to return for a final visit. It was her day off, but she still came out and helped us that day. She was not only a wonderful veterinary, but she was also a great counselor and friend:) We will never forget her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond. Thank you!

Fenton, Missouri

Trying to navigate this excruciating process was impossible until our family reached out to Lap of Love. There are many options available so we reached out to close family and friends who had travelled this difficult path before us and each one spoke very highly of Lap of Love. Dr. Carrie Roberts' professionalism goes without saying, but her knowledge and calm, patient demeanor was exactly what we needed at a very emotional time. From the initial contact with Lap of Love through the day after "thinking of you" message, they make sure your loving pet will not be forgotten. Our family is truly grateful for all both Lap of Love and Dr. Carrie provided for us during this very difficult time. We owed it to our beautiful, loving, loyal girl to give her a proper farewell.

Jenny

Grove City, Ohio, Ohio

Dr. Nellie was wonderful with our sweet old dog. Dobber lived a long life with us (14 years). His final day was such a blessing. He was spoiled with ice cream at breakfast, and a chocolate cookie as he was administered medications to begin the procedure. Dr. Nellie was informative and willing to work at any pace to make us comfortable. I have no regrets at all and I really appreciate all that Dr. Nellie and Lap of Love did for us and our old pup.

Chris

St. Louis, Missouri

We cannot thank Dr. Chris (Chris Scudder) enough for her support and calming presence during one of the most difficult days of our lives. It was a very difficult decision to put our beautiful 17 1/2 year old Australian Shepard to sleep. Having Dr. Chris come to our house and walk us carefully through every step of the process was reassuring...we knew that our dog Reese was in good hands, not stressed and not feeling any pain. Dr. Chris has a comforting approach...she knows when to provide aid and when to sit back, observe and let us be alone with our dog in her final moments. Dr. Chris, I want to thank you for your support through this very difficult time. Having you come to our house made an awful situation more palatable. Your calming and soothing presence was very much appreciated. Chris and Jon Bomze

Robin

Charlotte, North Carolina

Dr. Jen, The house is very empty and quiet and it will definitely take some time to learn a new routine that doesn't revolve around Oliver! 16 plus years - I don't remember life without him being here. I want to thank you for making the final moments with Oliver the best they could possibly be under the circumstances. Knowing he went from eating treats to sleeping - all in the comfort of his own home with no stress or anxiety - gives me tremendous peace. I don't have any regrets about the home I gave him or the way he died. I just miss him an awful lot! I will be letting all my friends with pets know about Lap of Love. It was such a good experience. And I got Oliver's ashes back right away. The whole process was very easy on me. Thank you for what you do. Robin

Bill

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I had no doubt when Dr. Brad knocked on our door in April that he came with a bountiful knowledge of veterinary medicine. However, when he walked through the door, it was clear what he brought into our home. Something, sadly not easily found; what I saw was an abundance of compassion. So together we developed a loving, caring and special plan for keeping Ike’s tail wagging as long as possible. From massage techniques, to peanut butter kongs, to ergonomic enhancements. I was assured it was as comfortable as humanly and “caninely”possible. Sadly at the time, I had not realized that Ike had just several weeks left. Dr. Brad helped keep those weeks special, comfortable, loving and dignified. My only regret is not knowing Dr. Brad sooner, because I think our family could have benefited from his services many months ago. With three dogs ranging from the age of 12 to nearly 18, I often would say we ran a dog hospice. I actually had no idea that in home animal hospice care support network existed. Watching Ike in his final few days was difficult, and there has been an overwhelming concern as our other two dogs venture on into their senior years. While I realize there may be some difficult times ahead, I’m confident our dogs will live out these years more comfort able now that we have come to know Dr. Brad and I cannot say enough that this confidence helps reduce my anxiety about the future.

Bryan

Leonardo, New Jersey

I cannot express enough appreciation and gratitude towards the entire Lap of Love staff that I spoke with during this extremely difficult time for my family and I. I spoke with Pat, Shelley and Dr. Suzanne, who all walked me through the process. It's never easy saying goodbye to a loved one, and this was my first time losing a pet that was truly my own. My dog passed away after 12 wonderful years, and without fully understanding the entire process of how to say goodbye, how to go through 'next steps'... this entire staff couldn't have been more sympathetic, understanding, and supportive from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this company to anyone feeling lost , whether it's the 'how to cope' or how to get through this process as a whole. I'm forever grateful to have met these three people, and Lap of Love. Thank you. Much appreciation, and God Bless, Bryan

Jana

St. Charles, Missouri

I had to say goodbye to my first baby, Alfie, one month ago today. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life, but Dr. Dawnetta really helped ease my mind. We did a hospice consultation and only a few days later, she had to return for a final visit. It was her day off, but she still came out and helped us that day. She was not only a wonderful veterinary, but she was also a great counselor and friend:) We will never forget her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond. Thank you!

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