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Dr. Stephanie

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Palm Beach County

I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When I was 6 years old, I moved to Weston, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. My mother is a dog groomer, so I have been around animals my entire life. I grew up riding horses and competing in hunter jumper competitions. I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age.

I attended the University of Florida for undergraduate and veterinary school. I completed an equine rotating internship at Equine Medical Center of Ocala and a residency in theriogenology at Texas A&M University.

I love reproductive medicine. I’ve been an equine reproductive specialist for the past 9 years and have enjoyed my career immensely.

Several years ago, I had to euthanize our 13-year-old pit bull, Lua. She had cancer in her spinal cord. We managed her condition for about 1.5 years until we could no longer keep her comfortable. We used Lap of Love for in-home euthanasia. It was extremely gratifying to provide a peaceful way for Lua to pass. The experience stayed with me and led me to decide to provide the service for other families.

I’m an empathetic individual, so as a veterinarian, I believe connection and communication with clients are extremely important. I hope to be able to help families find comfort in their last few moments with their pets while also providing pets with a transition that is as painless and peaceful as possible.

In my free time, I like to play tennis, read, and cook. I have a 4-year-old daughter who keeps my husband and me extremely busy. I enjoy watching her take riding lessons and forge a bond with the horses.

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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Julia

Fair oaks, California

Dr. Catherine was a vital part of helping us walk our precious Cheyenne home. This was not a short process for our family. Cheyenne was supported from November through her final breath on April 16th. During that time, Dr. Catherine became the person I trusted most. She held my hand through the entirety of this experience. She listened as I worked through the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. She met me with patience, clarity, and steady support when I needed it most. Cheyenne’s send-off was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was peaceful, gentle, and filled with love. Dr. Catherine created a space where all of us felt supported and cared for in those final moments. I will always be grateful for the way she showed up for Cheyenne and for our family.

Syosset, New York

After days which turned into weeks of crying and pushing this inevitable day back with high hopes of Buddy miraculously recovering...my family and I finally decided to send our little baby Buddy (always a baby in our hearts) off to doggy heaven to be with the rest and the best of the doggies over the rainbow who no longer have to be sick or in pain! We were so blessed to have Dr. Heather come on such short notice and she was just the sweetest and most kind! Buddy was wagging his tail and so happy to see her. There couldn't have been anyone better that we would have chosen other than Dr. Heather to send Buddy into eternal peace and rest :) Thank you to Brie, Ashely and Victoria for all your help as well! Buddy was 12 years strong and we're so thankful to LapofLove and Dr. Heather for allowing our last moments with Buddy to be happy ones :)

Marisol

Boynton Beach , Florida

Dr. Mary Danley was excellent. Bebo let me know that it was time for him to go and be in peace resting. He was quietly waiting for me to say goodbye. Dr. Mary with her enormous patience helping me and him to have the best comfortable settle. She was compassionate and caring and making sure of every steps of the pressured. She also make sure with no rush that we have ample time to say our goodbye to my precious Bebo. The basket was beautiful decorated with small pillow for his head and blanket to cover his body. He really look beautiful and resting. She calmly and sofly guided through us the process. Amazing goodbye.

Laura

Tucker, Georgia

It takes a very special person to be the kind of veterinarian that Dr. Lauren proved to be. When we asked her what prompted her to become a mobile vet for Lap of Love, she told us that she loves animals, but she also loves people and she wanted to help others through the transition when it is time to let their beloved animals go. Her compassion for animals and people certainly shows. My father and I lost my mother 2 years ago. When it came time for us to say goodbye to my parent's beloved dog of 16 years, I wanted to help my father by making the process as peaceful and graceful as possible. I knew that my father also wanted to honor my mother during this process. Dr. Lauren came to my father's home and did that for us. I have had some wonderful veterinarians for my animals over the years, but I will never again say goodbye to one of my pets in the office environment. I will call on Dr. Lauren to help me or my family members say our last goodbyes at home. Thank you, Dr. Lauren. You are truly extraordinary. Laura Thomas Morgan and Charlie Thomas

Michelle

Dallas, Texas

My partner and I want to thank the staff at Lap of Love for the compassionate service they provided for euthanizing our sweet girl-cat Lovey. The staff that we interacted with over the phone used soothing voices and didn't hurry either of us in making an appointment or when we had to make changes to our appointment. The staff asked for our pet's name and included her name ("Lovey") in the follow-up emails prior to Dr. Boden's arrival. At the in-home euthanasia, Dr. Boden was the height of caring and respect. She explained what she would do and what we should expect. Once Lovey had passed, she gave us a few minutes with her alone. She then returned with a small, blanket-lined basked and gently placed Lovey into it to transport her for cremation. We later received a sympathy card from Dr. Boden. Very impressed with the kindness. Thank you so much. Andrea and Michelle

Tracy

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Thank you so much for making a difficult choice a little easier. With you compassion and understanding, and your calming demeanor we were amble to get through it. The ability for Max to be surrounded by his loved ones on his crossing over day was something I am forever grateful for. Thank you for your patience and allowing us the time we needed to say goodbye. I don’t envy you, your job has to be incredibly difficult , but you do it with grace. The Ecker family thanks you for all you did for us and Max!

Miryam

Houston, Texas

My pet Coco recently got sick, he was 14 years old so I always knew the time would come where I had to accept that pets do not live longer than us. I had Coco since I was 9 years old. I'm an adult now, graduated college and everything. So, once Coco got sick, I took him to the vet and they told me his kidneys are failing and that I have to put him down. Of course, I was devastated. I had to make the decision of not wanting him to be in pain anymore so I contacted Lap of Love since I preferred to have Coco put to sleep at home where he is fully comfortable with all my family who loves him very much. I've called them and they have the best customer service I have ever experienced in my life. Coco unfortunately, passed away while I was sleeping on the floor with him at midnight on Tuesday. Thus, I had to email them and tell them ill need to cancel the appointment for Wednesday. I was beyond devastated. I am still sad but Lap of Love went out of their way and mailed me a cute card-sending me condolences. No one ever does that. Thank you so much for brightening my day, Noelle, Medina, Val, Christina, and every one of Lap of Love! You guys are amazing!

Phil

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

A few days ago I made one of the hardest decisions of my life and want to personally thank William Tancredi, for helping me get through it. I spent months trying to come to terms with the inevitable outcome of my baby's stage four lymphoma, and possibility of in home euthanasia. I chose this service after some research and was so relieved to find his approach and professionalism exceed my expectations. Thank you so much William. So glad people like you are out there to help people like me and mine when we're at our worst.

Julia

Fair oaks, California

Dr. Catherine was a vital part of helping us walk our precious Cheyenne home. This was not a short process for our family. Cheyenne was supported from November through her final breath on April 16th. During that time, Dr. Catherine became the person I trusted most. She held my hand through the entirety of this experience. She listened as I worked through the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. She met me with patience, clarity, and steady support when I needed it most. Cheyenne’s send-off was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was peaceful, gentle, and filled with love. Dr. Catherine created a space where all of us felt supported and cared for in those final moments. I will always be grateful for the way she showed up for Cheyenne and for our family.

Syosset, New York

After days which turned into weeks of crying and pushing this inevitable day back with high hopes of Buddy miraculously recovering...my family and I finally decided to send our little baby Buddy (always a baby in our hearts) off to doggy heaven to be with the rest and the best of the doggies over the rainbow who no longer have to be sick or in pain! We were so blessed to have Dr. Heather come on such short notice and she was just the sweetest and most kind! Buddy was wagging his tail and so happy to see her. There couldn't have been anyone better that we would have chosen other than Dr. Heather to send Buddy into eternal peace and rest :) Thank you to Brie, Ashely and Victoria for all your help as well! Buddy was 12 years strong and we're so thankful to LapofLove and Dr. Heather for allowing our last moments with Buddy to be happy ones :)

Marisol

Boynton Beach , Florida

Dr. Mary Danley was excellent. Bebo let me know that it was time for him to go and be in peace resting. He was quietly waiting for me to say goodbye. Dr. Mary with her enormous patience helping me and him to have the best comfortable settle. She was compassionate and caring and making sure of every steps of the pressured. She also make sure with no rush that we have ample time to say our goodbye to my precious Bebo. The basket was beautiful decorated with small pillow for his head and blanket to cover his body. He really look beautiful and resting. She calmly and sofly guided through us the process. Amazing goodbye.

Laura

Tucker, Georgia

It takes a very special person to be the kind of veterinarian that Dr. Lauren proved to be. When we asked her what prompted her to become a mobile vet for Lap of Love, she told us that she loves animals, but she also loves people and she wanted to help others through the transition when it is time to let their beloved animals go. Her compassion for animals and people certainly shows. My father and I lost my mother 2 years ago. When it came time for us to say goodbye to my parent's beloved dog of 16 years, I wanted to help my father by making the process as peaceful and graceful as possible. I knew that my father also wanted to honor my mother during this process. Dr. Lauren came to my father's home and did that for us. I have had some wonderful veterinarians for my animals over the years, but I will never again say goodbye to one of my pets in the office environment. I will call on Dr. Lauren to help me or my family members say our last goodbyes at home. Thank you, Dr. Lauren. You are truly extraordinary. Laura Thomas Morgan and Charlie Thomas

Michelle

Dallas, Texas

My partner and I want to thank the staff at Lap of Love for the compassionate service they provided for euthanizing our sweet girl-cat Lovey. The staff that we interacted with over the phone used soothing voices and didn't hurry either of us in making an appointment or when we had to make changes to our appointment. The staff asked for our pet's name and included her name ("Lovey") in the follow-up emails prior to Dr. Boden's arrival. At the in-home euthanasia, Dr. Boden was the height of caring and respect. She explained what she would do and what we should expect. Once Lovey had passed, she gave us a few minutes with her alone. She then returned with a small, blanket-lined basked and gently placed Lovey into it to transport her for cremation. We later received a sympathy card from Dr. Boden. Very impressed with the kindness. Thank you so much. Andrea and Michelle

Tracy

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Thank you so much for making a difficult choice a little easier. With you compassion and understanding, and your calming demeanor we were amble to get through it. The ability for Max to be surrounded by his loved ones on his crossing over day was something I am forever grateful for. Thank you for your patience and allowing us the time we needed to say goodbye. I don’t envy you, your job has to be incredibly difficult , but you do it with grace. The Ecker family thanks you for all you did for us and Max!

Miryam

Houston, Texas

My pet Coco recently got sick, he was 14 years old so I always knew the time would come where I had to accept that pets do not live longer than us. I had Coco since I was 9 years old. I'm an adult now, graduated college and everything. So, once Coco got sick, I took him to the vet and they told me his kidneys are failing and that I have to put him down. Of course, I was devastated. I had to make the decision of not wanting him to be in pain anymore so I contacted Lap of Love since I preferred to have Coco put to sleep at home where he is fully comfortable with all my family who loves him very much. I've called them and they have the best customer service I have ever experienced in my life. Coco unfortunately, passed away while I was sleeping on the floor with him at midnight on Tuesday. Thus, I had to email them and tell them ill need to cancel the appointment for Wednesday. I was beyond devastated. I am still sad but Lap of Love went out of their way and mailed me a cute card-sending me condolences. No one ever does that. Thank you so much for brightening my day, Noelle, Medina, Val, Christina, and every one of Lap of Love! You guys are amazing!

Phil

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

A few days ago I made one of the hardest decisions of my life and want to personally thank William Tancredi, for helping me get through it. I spent months trying to come to terms with the inevitable outcome of my baby's stage four lymphoma, and possibility of in home euthanasia. I chose this service after some research and was so relieved to find his approach and professionalism exceed my expectations. Thank you so much William. So glad people like you are out there to help people like me and mine when we're at our worst.

Julia

Fair oaks, California

Dr. Catherine was a vital part of helping us walk our precious Cheyenne home. This was not a short process for our family. Cheyenne was supported from November through her final breath on April 16th. During that time, Dr. Catherine became the person I trusted most. She held my hand through the entirety of this experience. She listened as I worked through the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. She met me with patience, clarity, and steady support when I needed it most. Cheyenne’s send-off was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was peaceful, gentle, and filled with love. Dr. Catherine created a space where all of us felt supported and cared for in those final moments. I will always be grateful for the way she showed up for Cheyenne and for our family.

Syosset, New York

After days which turned into weeks of crying and pushing this inevitable day back with high hopes of Buddy miraculously recovering...my family and I finally decided to send our little baby Buddy (always a baby in our hearts) off to doggy heaven to be with the rest and the best of the doggies over the rainbow who no longer have to be sick or in pain! We were so blessed to have Dr. Heather come on such short notice and she was just the sweetest and most kind! Buddy was wagging his tail and so happy to see her. There couldn't have been anyone better that we would have chosen other than Dr. Heather to send Buddy into eternal peace and rest :) Thank you to Brie, Ashely and Victoria for all your help as well! Buddy was 12 years strong and we're so thankful to LapofLove and Dr. Heather for allowing our last moments with Buddy to be happy ones :)

Helpful resources

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How Will I Know It's Time

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