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Dr. Aimee

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in West Chicago

Growing up in Elgin, Illinois, I always had a special bond with animals. I decided when I was 8 years old that I wanted to become a veterinarian and kept my sights set on that goal throughout high school and college. After graduating from veterinary school at The Ohio State University and completing a rotating internship and a specialty internship in surgery, I worked in several different areas of veterinary medicine, including general practice, teaching, emergency medicine, and telemedicine. I strive to practice the best medicine for my patients and always put their needs first. I see myself as an advocate for dogs and cats, since they don’t have a voice of their own. I enjoy educating pet parents so they fully understand what is going on with their pets and can make the best decisions. Unfortunately, I have lost several of my own pets. The experience is genuinely heartbreaking and like losing a family member. Having gone through the process myself, I share deep empathy with others navigating this experience. I am so thankful that in veterinary medicine, we have the option to end our pets’ suffering. Being in the comfort of their owner's home, surrounded by loved ones, is the most peaceful ending one could hope for. I enjoy spending time with my husband, two daughters, and three dogs—a miniature schnauzer named Britta, a soft-coated wheaten terrier named Odin, and a goldendoodle named Mack. I also enjoy running to stay in shape and have participated in several races, including half marathons.

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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Angie

Jacksonville, Florida

Dr Katie was wonderful, compassionate and caring. She took her time helping Pippen get her Angel wings. It takes a special person to help so many pets reach there final rest. Although I hope to never be in that situation again, I would personally recommend this service, It made all the difference from having to go to the vets office and has left me with a pleasant memory of the last moments with my pet.

Sharon

Crofton, Maryland

Both sadly but gratefully I have had to use Lap of Love and the most caring Dr. Kelly's services twice in the past 2 years. My elderly (21 and 16) cats (Chip aka Little Bit) and today Mini, had given me so much unconditional love for all those years and I knew that this step was the one thing I could give back to them when it was time. I cannot recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Kelly enough! Each time Dr. Kelly has helped me confirm my decision was the best for the situation. She so loveingly and caringly handled their passing as if they were her own fur babies. I am so grateful for her and your organization at this most difficult time. Thank you all for your love and support.

Grandma

Westland , Michigan

Thank you for being with us a second time. We love your heart and gentleness.

Woodland Hills, California

Losing our beautiful Charlie has left us very sad, but we’re grateful for the joy, love and companionship he gave us for 12 ½ years. We, therefore, truly appreciate your consideration and kindness in making our parting time with him special. Thank you. The house does seem a little emptier and a little quieter, but we’ll look forward to completing the process by scattering Charlie’s ashes in his favorite meditation spot. Yes, to the delight and amazement of everyone who know him, Charlie did meditate almost daily in the late afternoon in his spot in the yard. He sat with his eyes closed and nose pointed skyward for several minutes; you could almost hear him chant “ohm”. He would then smile (see pix) and walk off. We think of him now as being at that great tennis ball chase in the sky doing what he loved doing best. Thanks again for your special attention and for making a difficult process easier to bear.

Denise

Aurora, Colorado

I had my beloved doodlebug, Dudley, for 13 years. After being diagnosed with cancer he slowed down just a little. But then he had a seizure. He started to go downhill fast. My heart was breaking and I called Lap of Love to talk to someone about his condition. Everyone I talked to on the phone was very supportive and caring. We made the difficult decision to have Dr. Kim come out to our home. Dr. Kim is a very kind and caring person. She was so gentle with Dudley. Our baby passed peacefully. Dr. Kim was so compassionate it made a difficult situation a little easier. She was so kind to him and gave him love and just treated him with so much respect. I miss him so much. If you have to make this awful decision, Lap of Love will take great care of your fur baby. Thank you Dr. Kim for giving us our last moments with Dudley knowing he was no longer in any pain.

Andrew

Indianapolis , Indiana

Dr. Candace was very patient and kind while assisting with Marvin's passing. She was very understanding and helped make an incredibly difficult situation as easy as possible. In addition those I spoke with on the phone were incredibly helpful and respectful. Marvin was a horrible patient and I will be forever grateful that your services allowed him to cross over in a familiar environment surrounded by people who loved him.

Angie

Jacksonville, Florida

Dr Katie was wonderful, compassionate and caring. She took her time helping Pippen get her Angel wings. It takes a special person to help so many pets reach there final rest. Although I hope to never be in that situation again, I would personally recommend this service, It made all the difference from having to go to the vets office and has left me with a pleasant memory of the last moments with my pet.

Sharon

Crofton, Maryland

Both sadly but gratefully I have had to use Lap of Love and the most caring Dr. Kelly's services twice in the past 2 years. My elderly (21 and 16) cats (Chip aka Little Bit) and today Mini, had given me so much unconditional love for all those years and I knew that this step was the one thing I could give back to them when it was time. I cannot recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Kelly enough! Each time Dr. Kelly has helped me confirm my decision was the best for the situation. She so loveingly and caringly handled their passing as if they were her own fur babies. I am so grateful for her and your organization at this most difficult time. Thank you all for your love and support.

Woodland Hills, California

Losing our beautiful Charlie has left us very sad, but we’re grateful for the joy, love and companionship he gave us for 12 ½ years. We, therefore, truly appreciate your consideration and kindness in making our parting time with him special. Thank you. The house does seem a little emptier and a little quieter, but we’ll look forward to completing the process by scattering Charlie’s ashes in his favorite meditation spot. Yes, to the delight and amazement of everyone who know him, Charlie did meditate almost daily in the late afternoon in his spot in the yard. He sat with his eyes closed and nose pointed skyward for several minutes; you could almost hear him chant “ohm”. He would then smile (see pix) and walk off. We think of him now as being at that great tennis ball chase in the sky doing what he loved doing best. Thanks again for your special attention and for making a difficult process easier to bear.

Denise

Aurora, Colorado

I had my beloved doodlebug, Dudley, for 13 years. After being diagnosed with cancer he slowed down just a little. But then he had a seizure. He started to go downhill fast. My heart was breaking and I called Lap of Love to talk to someone about his condition. Everyone I talked to on the phone was very supportive and caring. We made the difficult decision to have Dr. Kim come out to our home. Dr. Kim is a very kind and caring person. She was so gentle with Dudley. Our baby passed peacefully. Dr. Kim was so compassionate it made a difficult situation a little easier. She was so kind to him and gave him love and just treated him with so much respect. I miss him so much. If you have to make this awful decision, Lap of Love will take great care of your fur baby. Thank you Dr. Kim for giving us our last moments with Dudley knowing he was no longer in any pain.

Andrew

Indianapolis , Indiana

Dr. Candace was very patient and kind while assisting with Marvin's passing. She was very understanding and helped make an incredibly difficult situation as easy as possible. In addition those I spoke with on the phone were incredibly helpful and respectful. Marvin was a horrible patient and I will be forever grateful that your services allowed him to cross over in a familiar environment surrounded by people who loved him.

Angie

Jacksonville, Florida

Dr Katie was wonderful, compassionate and caring. She took her time helping Pippen get her Angel wings. It takes a special person to help so many pets reach there final rest. Although I hope to never be in that situation again, I would personally recommend this service, It made all the difference from having to go to the vets office and has left me with a pleasant memory of the last moments with my pet.

Helpful resources

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

Explore all of our resources

When to put a dog down — Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Home pet euthanasia — Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Cat euthanasia — Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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