In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Chester County

I grew up on Long Island, NY, surrounded by pets big and small since the day I was born. I knew I wanted to be a vet for as long as I could remember. Just recently I stumbled across something I wrote in kindergarten about where I saw myself in 20 years. It read: “as a vet, treating a snowflake white Dalmatian!”. Even though I don’t see many Dalmatians, the sentiment still rings true.

My passion to pursue a career in veterinary medicine led me to Emory University in Atlanta, GA, before traveling to New England for veterinary school at Tufts University. Following graduation, I began practicing in Pennsylvania - not quite as cold as the New England winters, but still close to home. I entered a fast-paced general practice, but found myself longing for a deeper and more personal connection with clients and their pets. I discovered I loved house call appointments because they gave me the opportunity to understand a family’s goals, as well as the pet’s day-to-day life and home environment. I loved knowing that when I entered a home, pets viewed me as a friend and not a scary doctor. 

Whenever I tell people I am a veterinarian, one of the most common stories I hear is of their pet’s final moments. Initially I found this surprising, but after practicing for years, I have discovered this moment is of the utmost importance in both a pet’s life as well as a family’s. I realized that if I could make those moments absolutely perfect, I could bring both peace and relief to pets and their families. I am honored to have the opportunity to be welcomed into your home to help you through difficult decisions, and, when it’s time, help your pet pass with grace and dignity surrounded by loved ones.

When I’m not practicing medicine, I enjoy hiking, hosting game nights, drawing and painting, and spending time with my own furry and feathered family. I have a fluffy dog named Koda, a mischievous cat named Catrick, and a strong-willed rescue cockatiel named Bobby.

I’m originally from the suburbs just north of Boston, which means I’m no stranger to cold weather. Growing up, I was always drawn toward a career of service, so I started by serving my country. I attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and upon graduation I was commissioned as an officer in the US Army. In the Army I witnessed the awe-inspiring abilities of service animals. I marveled at the human-animal bond between soldiers with PTSD and service dogs. The dedication and loyalty that these animals and humans provided each other compelled me to pursue veterinary medicine. My sense of service grew into a desire to foster and protect this bond.

After leaving the Army, I attended Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. I felt every success and heartache alongside the families we helped. For me, the most fulfilling was serving as the support for a family experiencing the loss of their loved one. I have experienced loss in a variety of ways throughout my life-including several of my own pets. Recently, I said goodbye to my 9-year-old cat, George, who had lymphoma. I am thankful for the time I had with him and miss him every day. He is always in my heart and memories, and I am grateful for the peaceful passing he had.  

The bond between people and our pets is strong, and it is real. I was drawn to a career in end-of-life care to be able to support and comfort families and their loved ones through this process. It is an honor to help families in such a delicate and meaningful way.  

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and running. The beach is one of my favorite places to spend the day with my husband, young son, and our dog.

Growing up in the “Amish country” of Lancaster, Pennsylvania—no, I'm not Amish—I spent most of my time around animals and had almost every pet you can imagine. My father was a high school biology teacher and had countless classroom pets, including snakes, rats, iguanas, and tarantulas. My love for animals and fascination with medicine made a veterinary career the obvious choice for me. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in animal behavior from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster before attending the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. 

After receiving my veterinary degree, I moved back up north with my wife and began a small animal rotating internship with a focus on emergency and critical care. Even with the 12-hour overnight shifts, I loved working in the emergency room and spent four years doing that work. While working in emergency medicine, I performed countless euthanasia procedures. Being able to end an animal’s suffering while helping clients through this difficult time was one of the most fulfilling parts of my work, and it shaped me into a kinder and more compassionate person. 

I’ve had many animals in my life, and dealing with their passing was never easy. But, I’ve learned that having a kind and gentle person who treats your pet with love and respect during the process makes all the difference in the world. In my role at Lap of Love, I aim to be a strong, kind, and gentle presence to help families through this difficult time. 

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, tinkering with my computer, and spending as much free time as possible with my wife and our three cats!