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Dr. Adam

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Philadelphia & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in Los Angeles, California, and decided at a young age that I was going to become a doctor. However, as I grew older and high school was ending, I realized becoming a physician didn’t feel right. I had always loved animals and still found medical science fascinating, but for some reason, the idea of being a veterinarian had never crossed my mind. Then, while researching colleges, I came across the field of animal science and everything clicked. I received my bachelor’s degree in animal science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2012. I went on to Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and graduated with my veterinary degree in 2016.

After veterinary school, I acquired a small animal internship position in Sacramento, California and then practiced emergency medicine in my hometown of Los Angeles. After several years, I decided I needed a change of pace, so I started traveling the country and eventually made my new home in Philadelphia in 2022.

Counseling families about their pets’ quality of life and end-of-life care has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of this career for me. For many pet owners, hospice care and euthanasia are difficult things to make decisions about during an unexpected vet visit, so I would often recommend in-home care. Now, with Lap of Love, I’m able to help families and pets in their most comfortable environment, which is an invaluable service I greatly appreciate and respect.

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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Jeana

Charlotte, North Carolina

I can not recommend Dr. Dane Buenten and Lap of Love enough! He was amazing and helped us through the toughest moment that my husband and I have experienced. He was so kind and gentle with our Roscoe. He walked us through all the steps of the procedure and assured us that we were making the right decision for Roscoes quality of life even as painful as it was to say goodbye. I would recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Dane over and over again. There is something to be said about giving your fur baby the ability to go on their terms and in their home where they are the most comfortable.

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Dr. Patrick, we can’t thank you enough for everything. You turned an impossibly difficult day into a cherished memory with the love and care you gave to our best friend, Dakota. We are so grateful. Thank you so much. —Alison, Joe, and Dakota

Heather

Indianapolis, Indiana

I cannot say enough about the staff who I talked to on the phone and the vet. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful with such a hard decision to make . Listening to me cry and talk about Derek , I could tell the truly cared. I’m so thankful there is a place that makes your pet feel so loved and cared for when it is time to say goodbye. It isn’t easy, but the compassion and care that was shown our family will always be remembered during such a hard time.

Judy

Severn, Maryland

Thank you Dr. Rachel for allowing us to send our sweet boy to his destination with compassion and dignity. Thank you for allowing us our grief and offering us the tools to deal with this heartbreak. I can't think of a kinder way to help our treasured friend cross over and would recommend your service whole heartedly to anyone who needed it.

Katherine

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Gratitude, peace and love are the three words which best describe my experience with laps of love. I learned on May 15, 2020 that my fur baby of almost 15 years, Snoopy, was terminally ill with congestive heart failure. To suggest that my furbaby was (and is) special - would be an understatement (he was my only constant source of love for the last 15 years and our relationship was more special than I can adequately describe). My vet had suggested laps of love to me as an option for Snoopy if/when I felt it was appropriate. After researching lap of love's services, I called and discussed my circumstances with a lovely woman and provided her with my information. I was not pressured to make a decision at that time (and I was not ready to) but she did share with me what my next steps would be to arrange services for Snoopy, and was kind and compassionate in her handling of the delicate matter. When I did call later that week, I experienced the same kind, empathetic response from the person I spoke with and she walked me through steps for my date of services (May 24). The week I spent saying goodbye to my Snoopy was the hardest week I've experienced thus far in my life. I showered him with love and attention and cried and cried AND CRIED over the idea of losing my baby. It was so difficult to live in impending grief. When the day finally arrived for Snoopy to depart this world, I felt dread regarding the action I had to take. But....remarkably when it was over, I felt peace and beauty due to the way Dr. Nikki handled his passing, and the way he and I were able to say goodbye to one another. Dr. Nikki called to let me know she was on her way (and when to expect her) and when she arrived she met my dad, and then came to where Snoopy and I were (cuddling with one another on a bed). She clearly explained what steps she would be taking (the first medication she would give him, and the second, and what process she would take for each; as well as what "could" happen when Snoopy passed (like the fact that his eyes would likely remain open)) - I knew exactly what to expect as we began the process. She was kind, compassionate and waited for me to be "ready" for her to take each and every step - before she did so. After sedating Snoop, he was unable to squirm away and was resting peacefully and calmy in my arms. I cried and cried and held Snoopy, letting him know how much I loved him. Dr. Nikki asked me if I was ready to proceed and I said yes. She then gave Snoop his final does and he emitted one last breathe. Dr. Nikki gave me time alone with him and time to grieve while she retrieved a basket to carry my Snoopy to her car. I must say - even the thoughtfulness of carrying him out in a basket, where she sweetly covered him with a blanket, was thoughtful and act of true kindness. I spent an entire week dreading and grieving for my treasured pet's passing and Dr. Nikki made my final moments with my beloved animal peaceful and beautiful. I cannot thank her and this organization enough for their kindness and compassion. As I have reflected on my experience to people who have asked, I share with them how beautiful and perfect it was for me to say goodbye to a pet who meant so very much to me, in the way I did...with him wrapped in my arms, and in my love. Today, I received a card in the mail from Dr. Nikki. Her kind words and reflections about my darling Snoopy and the love we shared brought me to tears. The extra effort, and continued acts of compassion, care and empathy, even after my pet's passing are worthy of commendation. It's an odd feeling (for me) to feel so pleased with something I dreaded so very much, but, that is exactly how I feel. Dr. Nikki helped to give me peace, and gave me the best final gift with my fur child - a beautiful and perfect ending for a beautiful and perfect 15 year partnership. My sincere thank you to lap of love for everything. I will miss Snoopy every day for all of my days, but it is with peace and love that we parted and I owe that to lap of love. Thank you thank you thank you. - Katie Ward

Amanda

Charlotte, North Carolina

We really struggled with the decision to prevent our senior dog from suffering after being diagnosed with liver cancer. We were second guessing ourselves right up until Dr. Dane arrived. We discussed our dog’s diagnosis and symptoms with Dr. Dane and he really helped us feel better about our decision. He walked us through each step with such compassion and care. Our dog didn’t usually warm up to strangers, but Dr. Dane had him immediately at ease. We are so grateful to Dr. Dane for helping us and our sweet pup experience a peaceful, loving end.

Jenny

St. Louis, Missouri

Within the last few months, we have had to make the decision to euthanize 2 of our 3 elderly pets - our dog Faye and our cat Twiggy. In both cases, Dr. Carrie provided caring guidance and expertise before, during and after their final moments with us. In addition, each time I spoke with anyone on the phone, they were so understanding and helpful. Everything about each experience was gentle. Dr. Carrie connected with us, listened, and also took the time to connect with Faye and Twiggy. Upon her arrival to our house the first time, Faye spotted her sweetness right away - being full of sweetness herself, Faye sidled right up to her and had some face to face time! It meant so much to us that, with Dr. Carrie's support, we were able to help our two sweet girls pass gently, surrounded by our love. We loved them so dearly and provided them with the best life we could, so I can't express how important it was to us that they experience a "good death." Dr. Carrie's memorials were so kind and perceptive, and we loved reading them. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Carrie and Lap of Love.

Francine

Brea, California

We can't say enough about how wonderful Dr. Amanda was with the passing of our precious Taco. He was so scared at the vets office and we didn't want to frighten him any further. Dr. Amanda explained everything thoroughly to us. As upset as we were saying goodbye to our baby, we couldn't have asked for a better situation for him. He was able to pass with dignity, in his favorite spot on the couch with his favorite toy, and we were able to comfort him along the way. Thank you so much Dr. Amanda, you were wonderful to our son and to us. We will always be grateful. - Bob & Francine Wheat

Jeana

Charlotte, North Carolina

I can not recommend Dr. Dane Buenten and Lap of Love enough! He was amazing and helped us through the toughest moment that my husband and I have experienced. He was so kind and gentle with our Roscoe. He walked us through all the steps of the procedure and assured us that we were making the right decision for Roscoes quality of life even as painful as it was to say goodbye. I would recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Dane over and over again. There is something to be said about giving your fur baby the ability to go on their terms and in their home where they are the most comfortable.

Heather

Indianapolis, Indiana

I cannot say enough about the staff who I talked to on the phone and the vet. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful with such a hard decision to make . Listening to me cry and talk about Derek , I could tell the truly cared. I’m so thankful there is a place that makes your pet feel so loved and cared for when it is time to say goodbye. It isn’t easy, but the compassion and care that was shown our family will always be remembered during such a hard time.

Katherine

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Gratitude, peace and love are the three words which best describe my experience with laps of love. I learned on May 15, 2020 that my fur baby of almost 15 years, Snoopy, was terminally ill with congestive heart failure. To suggest that my furbaby was (and is) special - would be an understatement (he was my only constant source of love for the last 15 years and our relationship was more special than I can adequately describe). My vet had suggested laps of love to me as an option for Snoopy if/when I felt it was appropriate. After researching lap of love's services, I called and discussed my circumstances with a lovely woman and provided her with my information. I was not pressured to make a decision at that time (and I was not ready to) but she did share with me what my next steps would be to arrange services for Snoopy, and was kind and compassionate in her handling of the delicate matter. When I did call later that week, I experienced the same kind, empathetic response from the person I spoke with and she walked me through steps for my date of services (May 24). The week I spent saying goodbye to my Snoopy was the hardest week I've experienced thus far in my life. I showered him with love and attention and cried and cried AND CRIED over the idea of losing my baby. It was so difficult to live in impending grief. When the day finally arrived for Snoopy to depart this world, I felt dread regarding the action I had to take. But....remarkably when it was over, I felt peace and beauty due to the way Dr. Nikki handled his passing, and the way he and I were able to say goodbye to one another. Dr. Nikki called to let me know she was on her way (and when to expect her) and when she arrived she met my dad, and then came to where Snoopy and I were (cuddling with one another on a bed). She clearly explained what steps she would be taking (the first medication she would give him, and the second, and what process she would take for each; as well as what "could" happen when Snoopy passed (like the fact that his eyes would likely remain open)) - I knew exactly what to expect as we began the process. She was kind, compassionate and waited for me to be "ready" for her to take each and every step - before she did so. After sedating Snoop, he was unable to squirm away and was resting peacefully and calmy in my arms. I cried and cried and held Snoopy, letting him know how much I loved him. Dr. Nikki asked me if I was ready to proceed and I said yes. She then gave Snoop his final does and he emitted one last breathe. Dr. Nikki gave me time alone with him and time to grieve while she retrieved a basket to carry my Snoopy to her car. I must say - even the thoughtfulness of carrying him out in a basket, where she sweetly covered him with a blanket, was thoughtful and act of true kindness. I spent an entire week dreading and grieving for my treasured pet's passing and Dr. Nikki made my final moments with my beloved animal peaceful and beautiful. I cannot thank her and this organization enough for their kindness and compassion. As I have reflected on my experience to people who have asked, I share with them how beautiful and perfect it was for me to say goodbye to a pet who meant so very much to me, in the way I did...with him wrapped in my arms, and in my love. Today, I received a card in the mail from Dr. Nikki. Her kind words and reflections about my darling Snoopy and the love we shared brought me to tears. The extra effort, and continued acts of compassion, care and empathy, even after my pet's passing are worthy of commendation. It's an odd feeling (for me) to feel so pleased with something I dreaded so very much, but, that is exactly how I feel. Dr. Nikki helped to give me peace, and gave me the best final gift with my fur child - a beautiful and perfect ending for a beautiful and perfect 15 year partnership. My sincere thank you to lap of love for everything. I will miss Snoopy every day for all of my days, but it is with peace and love that we parted and I owe that to lap of love. Thank you thank you thank you. - Katie Ward

Amanda

Charlotte, North Carolina

We really struggled with the decision to prevent our senior dog from suffering after being diagnosed with liver cancer. We were second guessing ourselves right up until Dr. Dane arrived. We discussed our dog’s diagnosis and symptoms with Dr. Dane and he really helped us feel better about our decision. He walked us through each step with such compassion and care. Our dog didn’t usually warm up to strangers, but Dr. Dane had him immediately at ease. We are so grateful to Dr. Dane for helping us and our sweet pup experience a peaceful, loving end.

Jenny

St. Louis, Missouri

Within the last few months, we have had to make the decision to euthanize 2 of our 3 elderly pets - our dog Faye and our cat Twiggy. In both cases, Dr. Carrie provided caring guidance and expertise before, during and after their final moments with us. In addition, each time I spoke with anyone on the phone, they were so understanding and helpful. Everything about each experience was gentle. Dr. Carrie connected with us, listened, and also took the time to connect with Faye and Twiggy. Upon her arrival to our house the first time, Faye spotted her sweetness right away - being full of sweetness herself, Faye sidled right up to her and had some face to face time! It meant so much to us that, with Dr. Carrie's support, we were able to help our two sweet girls pass gently, surrounded by our love. We loved them so dearly and provided them with the best life we could, so I can't express how important it was to us that they experience a "good death." Dr. Carrie's memorials were so kind and perceptive, and we loved reading them. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Carrie and Lap of Love.

Francine

Brea, California

We can't say enough about how wonderful Dr. Amanda was with the passing of our precious Taco. He was so scared at the vets office and we didn't want to frighten him any further. Dr. Amanda explained everything thoroughly to us. As upset as we were saying goodbye to our baby, we couldn't have asked for a better situation for him. He was able to pass with dignity, in his favorite spot on the couch with his favorite toy, and we were able to comfort him along the way. Thank you so much Dr. Amanda, you were wonderful to our son and to us. We will always be grateful. - Bob & Francine Wheat

Jeana

Charlotte, North Carolina

I can not recommend Dr. Dane Buenten and Lap of Love enough! He was amazing and helped us through the toughest moment that my husband and I have experienced. He was so kind and gentle with our Roscoe. He walked us through all the steps of the procedure and assured us that we were making the right decision for Roscoes quality of life even as painful as it was to say goodbye. I would recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Dane over and over again. There is something to be said about giving your fur baby the ability to go on their terms and in their home where they are the most comfortable.

Helpful resources

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

Explore all of our resources

Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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