Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Kristine Peters
I was raised in an in-home Iguana Rescue in Maryland and spent many years volunteering at my local zoo and mixed animal veterinary practice. My passion for animals of all shapes and sizes led me to become a Certified Disaster Rescue Specialist and I rescued pets after Hurricanes Katrina/Rita, the Windsor Tornado, lost dogs in the wilderness, and many others. I also dedicated myself to becoming a Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator and have volunteered in both domestic and wildlife rescues for many years. I finally realized my dream of becoming a Veterinarian after returning to Colorado State University and completing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences and Zoology with a Minor in Biomedical Sciences, summa cum laude with Honors Distinction, in my early 30’s. I then graduated from Colorado State University with certifications in Small Animal Medical Acupuncture and Medical Massage, and High-Quality, High-Volume Spay and Neuter.
I have lived in multiple states following veterinary school in order to develop my skills in general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, and hospice/palliative care and I have volunteered both domestically and abroad to bring wellness and spay/neuter to pets in underserved communities. I am passionate about pain management, creating a fear free environment for patients, educating clients, and end of life care. I have endured the loss of several of my own beloved pets over the years, some crossed the rainbow bridge in a clinic and some at home, but all have paved my way to joining Lap of Love. My goal is to ensure that every pet has a voice and relief from fear, pain, and suffering during their hospice and euthanasia journey, and each family has the most peaceful experience of transition for their beloved family member as possible. To this end, I am Fear Free Elite Certified, Human Animal Bond Certified and am working towards certification in Advanced Pain Management to add to my toolbox. It is a true honor and privilege to serve the families and pets of Northern Colorado in the comfort of home.
I live in Fort Collins with my husband, senior dogs, Taz and Kayku (who is blind), and I am so grateful to have just helped my own 18.5yr old "heart" kitty, Kiernan, to peacefully cross the rainbow bridge at home. I enjoy keeping our pets comfortable and happy, going on long walks along the river, kickboxing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, funny comic relief puzzles, anything with glitter/sparkles/bright colors, and Dutch Bros fancy coffee drinks! I am also really enjoying learning American Sign Language!
About Dr. Lauren Rodriguez
I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a kid growing up in a small Chicago suburb. I began working in veterinary clinics when I was 13, and I was completely intrigued after observing my first surgery, and later witnessing my first “miracle” case. My time working in veterinary clinics reinforced my desire to work with animals in the future.
Following my dream, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned my veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
I am Fear-Fear certified and practice small animal medicine. I am most interested in physical rehabilitation, emergency, and critical care. I enjoy helping animals live their fullest life to their best physical ability for as long as possible—some of my favorite patients are the "old, crunchy" senior pups because I know I can make a difference in their daily quality of life. I also enjoy being there to help pets and their owners through emergencies. I like being that support for families during one of the hardest times of their lives.
My family pet was put to sleep at home, and it brought such solace and peace to our family to say goodbye to our sweet dog in the place where she had spent most of her days. It is an honor to be able to provide that same sense of comfort and peace for other families and their pets.
Outside of work, I am an avid gardener, tending to my 40+ plants—I have so many I‘ve stopped counting! I enjoy hiking, yoga, pilates, and spending time with my two greyhounds—Ollie, the chill, awkward, and endearing retired racer, and Oakley, the incredibly playful, boisterous puppy who always keeps me on my toes!