In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Phoenix & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in Southern California and always had a general love for animals. During my undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona, I was very fortunate to experience working with animals hands-on, which is when I really developed my passion and understanding that I wanted to become a veterinarian.  I have so many unforgettable experiences during college from livestock, foal watch, exotic species, companion animals, and even spent a summer in South Africa learning about wildlife.  

I attended the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine with an open mind as to what future career path I would take, but I found myself gravitating towards emergency medicine. After earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine as well as a Master’s in Public Health, I completed my internship focused on small animal emergency. While working in emergency medicine, I faced many challenging cases that have allowed me to utilize some amazing skills, but it was the times when I was able to help a family say goodbye to their best friend that I felt I was able to truly provide a service that was immensely meaningful and important.  

When it does come time to say goodbye, having the opportunity to bring peace to your family and special companion while in the comfort of your own home is something so special and truly an honor for me to be a part of. 

I’m a rare Arizona native who grew up in the east valley. As a kid, I loved science and medicine and knew I wanted my career to be in a service to help others. I, like many kids, went through all the different ways I could help - I wanted to be a police officer, a firefighter, then a paramedic, then a pediatrician. It wasn’t until I was almost a teenager that I realized what I really wanted was to be a veterinarian. Animals are one of the best things in life, one of the most pure hearts and they need someone to have a voice for them. I knew with absolute certainty that I wanted to be that voice, and that was when I decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian. 

I attended Arizona State University for my undergraduate degree and then moved to the island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After vet school, I moved back to Arizona to do an internship in Emergency and Critical Care, and continued to practice in this niche of medicine for 7 years. It was through this practice that I realized how much I valued being there for families when it was time to say good-bye to their furry family members.

I’ve always been thankful for the gift of euthanasia. While never an easy decision, it is one we make out of love for our pets, to ease or prevent suffering and let them pass in peace. Being able to provide this service in the comfort of their own home is something I truly value and I’m grateful and honored to be able to help.

My husband and I have three cats and two dogs. Our most recent addition is our chihuahua, Daryl, who has a terminal illness. We are so happy to rescue this little guy and give him a forever home until it is time to say good-bye. In my spare time, besides hanging out with my hubby and fur babies, I love being outdoors and experiencing new food and cultures.

Growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I remember dressing up in my mom’s white shirt—my “lab coat”—and using a stuffed dog and a plastic stethoscope for first grade show-and-tell. I wanted to heal animals and prevent their suffering. Clearly, I have wanted to be a veterinarian for a long time. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez and attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, where I received my veterinary degree.  

After graduation, I worked in small animal medicine and surgery, and an emergency facility for three years. I then worked in shelter medicine for another three years, and engaged in general practice thereafter. I love taking care of families and their pets, and providing supportive, compassionate end-of-life care. 

As a teenager, I had a Boxer named Lady that suddenly passed, and I hated that I was not there when she needed me most. I know how difficult it can be to lose a pet, and I want to help make this experience one that comforts families and leaves a peaceful memory. 

Outside of work, rowing is my passion, and I row with a local team. I also love cooking and traveling. 

I grew up in Elk River, Minnesota in a house with a big yard surrounded by woods. It was the perfect place for my sister and I to explore with our dogs—Ozzie, a golden retriever mix, and Bailey, a beagle/basset hound mix. Our cat, Cici, often joined in the adventures as well. While I have shared my life with many wonderful animals since, those first childhood pets convinced me at a young age that I wanted to become a veterinarian. 

In college, I discovered a love for science and considered a career in scientific research, but my desire to work with animals eventually led me back to my childhood dream of a career in veterinary medicine. I attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and received my veterinary degree. 

After graduation, I spent the next five years working in general practice, caring for cats and dogs. There is a steep learning curve during the first few years of being a veterinarian, and one of the things that surprised me was how often being a veterinarian required not only healing animals but also supporting their people. 

I grew to love this aspect of the job and learned that every pet and owner is unique, and while I could make the best medical recommendations for their pets, compassion and authentic listening were often more important to pet owners. This was especially true when owners had to make the most difficult decision of all to end their best friend’s suffering. 

While it is never easy to say goodbye to a pet, I feel fortunate to be able to provide pets with the peaceful end-of-life care they deserve. I am honored to be invited into a family's home and to be part of their beloved pet’s final journey. 

I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, which is outside of Phoenix, and I have had my heart set on becoming a veterinarian since I was a child. From a young age, I took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about the field. I participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA) to learn about large animal medicine, worked in a small animal general practice, and volunteered with an equine therapy program for children with disabilities. These experiences taught me that a career in veterinary medicine would allow me to help not only animals but people as well.

I  decided to pursue small animal medicine and completed my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary studies and agribusiness before attending Washington State University Veterinary School, where I received my veterinary degree. 

I have worked in small animal general practice for the last four years. I am passionate about preventive medicine and enjoy helping owners give their pets long, happy, and healthy lives. Being able to support animals and people at the same time brings me so much joy. 

That support is needed more than ever when providing a pet with end-of-life care. Making the decision to end a pet’s suffering is incredibly difficult, and it can be stressful to say “goodbye” to a pet in a loud, chaotic hospital setting. My role at Lap of Love allows me to help pets and their families through this process in the privacy of their home, where they are most comfortable. A peaceful passing is something every pet deserves, and I’m fortunate to be in a position to provide that. 

When I’m not working, I spend my time with my one-year-old son, Charlie. I also enjoy hiking, running, and doing puzzles.