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Dr. Casey

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Merrimack Valley: Southeast NH & MA

I grew up in Portland, Maine, which has always held a special place in my heart. I feel so lucky to have grown up by the ocean as well as mountains, rivers, and ponds—and autumn in New England is unmatched. After traveling and earning my veterinary degree, I returned home to the New England area.

I have dreamed of being a veterinarian since I was 4 or 5 years old. Growing up, my mom and I would care for and rehabilitate any animal in need, from baby birds to turtles, frogs, and stray dogs. My love of science and animals led me to the veterinary field. I completed my Bachelor of Science in biology with a math minor at St. Lawrence University in upstate New York. I then spent time in California and Texas before moving to Iowa, where I earned my veterinary degree from Iowa State University.

My favorite facets of veterinary medicine are wildlife medicine and soft tissue surgery. I've volunteered in shelters, farms, and wildlife rehabilitation, and worked in general practice for several years. I love that veterinary medicine offers versatility and opportunities for lifelong learning.

In 2024, I lost my soulmate rabbit, Nes, at 9 years of age. I rushed her to an exotics vet, but she coded in the treatment area, and I elected to have her humanely euthanized to end her suffering. I had a hard time coping after her unexpected death. About six months later, I lost my 17-year-old childhood cat. My grieving process was very different for him because I knew he had lived an amazing life, and I had done everything that I could for him.

Through my experiences, I've come to see euthanasia as a gift and a final kindness to alleviate suffering. I hope to share and educate family members on this perspective and provide a comfortable environment for one of the most difficult times families will face.

Outside of work, I love to go for walks and hikes, ride my bike, cook, travel, play board and card games, check out craft breweries/cideries/fermentories, paint, participate in bar trivia, and spend time with my pets and family.

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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Kimberly

Berlin, Connecticut

Doctor Hilary was the angel who showed up at our doorstep. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but in the grand scheme of things, this was a much more humane and civil way to share our families last moments together. From the first phone call with the receptionist to the last letter correspondence from the doctor herself!, we have felt the support even though our times are more lonely now. I could not have asked for a better experience considering the situation. I would recommend Lap of Love a thousand times over just walking my beloved into a cold room. For that we are forever indebted to you.

Tracy

Pride, Louisiana

Almost one year ago, our pup had been diagnosed with kidney disease. Because of her advanced age, our goal became one of making her remaining days with us comfortable, joyful, and well-loved. We also made the decision that should the time come that we had to make a decision, we would use the local Lap of Love vet. It was easy for us, we felt we owed it to a beloved family member that had been with us for over 16 years. We had almost one more year with our girl. About two months before we said good-bye, I had my first contact with Dr. Carly Billeaudeau by phone. She was very kind, listening to our story, agreeing that it sounded like we were getting close to the end, telling me to call when we were ready. We enjoyed a little more time with our girl, Tori. On Saturday evening she became very ill, and began to rapidly decline. I emailed Dr. Carly on Sunday, she responded with a phone call. Again, she listened to my story through the tears with so much patience. We chose a date and time for the following Tuesday, June 28th, unless she took a turn for the worse, and then Dr. Carly would find a way to make herself available on Monday. Our girl continued to decline, we knew it was time. Tuesday morning Dr. Carly arrived on time. She had the utmost patience, explaining what was going to happen, telling me she wouldn't do anything until we were ready. She lovingly reached out and introduced herself to our girl. She had such kind words to say, telling us how pretty our girl was, how obvious the love and bond my girl and I shared. As she administered the different drugs, she spoke with a very soothing voice, to both myself and Tori. Once Tori was gone, she gave us some time with her. When she returned to the house, she was carrying a lovely bed with a pillow and blanket. She helped me place Tori in the bed, gave me time to take a couple of last photos, placed a blanket over her. And for me, the kindest, most caring thing she could do, was when she placed Tori on the passenger front seat with her. The respect that she showed for our dear family member knew no bounds. I knew that losing my girl would be very difficult. As a stay at home mom, then housewife, she and I were daily companions for 16.5 years. She slept in our bed. While this has been heartbreaking, I will forever be thankful for the Lap of Love organization for giving us the opportunity to say good-bye in our home. Tori was terrified of the vet's office, especially after a couple of hospital stays the last year of her life. That she could transition in the comfort of her own home, on my lap, means the world to me!!!! And I will forever be thankful for the blessing that Dr. Carly was at such a difficult time. I don't know how you do it, Dr. Carly, but thank you!!! Thank you for your actions on that day, thank you for your follow up emails. Words just cannot express how much I appreciate your helping us through such a heartbreaking ordeal. And thank you for reminding me that letting her go was an act of love too.

Beth

Gillett, Wisconsin

Dr Kate is so understanding and comforting in such a dire time. She’s very gentle and explained everything thoroughly. She’s helped us with both our elderly girls at different times, and we are so very thankful. Being able to have our girls home in comfort instead of traveling somewhere is a blessing.

Julie

Temecula, California

Dr. Clark was amazing and kind. What a beautiful soul. We were so lucky to have her help us during Charlie’s transition.

Leticia

West Sacramento , California

Dr. Taro & Lap of Love team my family and I can not express how much we appreciate all you did for us. From the moment I made the phone call, Kayla was so kind, patient and caring. It was an extremely hard decision we made for our boy Smokey. Dr. Taro you will forever hold a place in our hearts, the kindness and compassion you showed our family and Smokey was more than we could have asked for. Thank you for having patience with us during this hard time and letting us give Smokey all the love, snuggles, pictures and even a special treat of chocolate which he loved! Our last moments with Smokey were unforgettable and special thank you to Lap of Love for making that possible. If you want to give you pet a memorable and comfortable farewell look no further!! Would definitely recommend to anyone! ❤️🐾

Allison

Hughesville, Maryland

I cannot imagine going through this without Lap of Love's support and experience. From the moment Dr Shanna arrived, I felt cared for. She gave me all the time and space I needed to handle every step of the process and treated our beloved Charlie with love and respect. She even brought extra "new" treats to keep him happy and distracted so he felt no pain at all. He was placed on a pillow and tucked in gently. Charlie and I got to spend our last moments together in a calm and peaceful setting, right from one of his favorite spots at our home. Dr. Shanna gave us an immense gift. Thank you so much for being there for us to make our last moments together full of love and pain free.

Kimberly

Berlin, Connecticut

Doctor Hilary was the angel who showed up at our doorstep. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but in the grand scheme of things, this was a much more humane and civil way to share our families last moments together. From the first phone call with the receptionist to the last letter correspondence from the doctor herself!, we have felt the support even though our times are more lonely now. I could not have asked for a better experience considering the situation. I would recommend Lap of Love a thousand times over just walking my beloved into a cold room. For that we are forever indebted to you.

Tracy

Pride, Louisiana

Almost one year ago, our pup had been diagnosed with kidney disease. Because of her advanced age, our goal became one of making her remaining days with us comfortable, joyful, and well-loved. We also made the decision that should the time come that we had to make a decision, we would use the local Lap of Love vet. It was easy for us, we felt we owed it to a beloved family member that had been with us for over 16 years. We had almost one more year with our girl. About two months before we said good-bye, I had my first contact with Dr. Carly Billeaudeau by phone. She was very kind, listening to our story, agreeing that it sounded like we were getting close to the end, telling me to call when we were ready. We enjoyed a little more time with our girl, Tori. On Saturday evening she became very ill, and began to rapidly decline. I emailed Dr. Carly on Sunday, she responded with a phone call. Again, she listened to my story through the tears with so much patience. We chose a date and time for the following Tuesday, June 28th, unless she took a turn for the worse, and then Dr. Carly would find a way to make herself available on Monday. Our girl continued to decline, we knew it was time. Tuesday morning Dr. Carly arrived on time. She had the utmost patience, explaining what was going to happen, telling me she wouldn't do anything until we were ready. She lovingly reached out and introduced herself to our girl. She had such kind words to say, telling us how pretty our girl was, how obvious the love and bond my girl and I shared. As she administered the different drugs, she spoke with a very soothing voice, to both myself and Tori. Once Tori was gone, she gave us some time with her. When she returned to the house, she was carrying a lovely bed with a pillow and blanket. She helped me place Tori in the bed, gave me time to take a couple of last photos, placed a blanket over her. And for me, the kindest, most caring thing she could do, was when she placed Tori on the passenger front seat with her. The respect that she showed for our dear family member knew no bounds. I knew that losing my girl would be very difficult. As a stay at home mom, then housewife, she and I were daily companions for 16.5 years. She slept in our bed. While this has been heartbreaking, I will forever be thankful for the Lap of Love organization for giving us the opportunity to say good-bye in our home. Tori was terrified of the vet's office, especially after a couple of hospital stays the last year of her life. That she could transition in the comfort of her own home, on my lap, means the world to me!!!! And I will forever be thankful for the blessing that Dr. Carly was at such a difficult time. I don't know how you do it, Dr. Carly, but thank you!!! Thank you for your actions on that day, thank you for your follow up emails. Words just cannot express how much I appreciate your helping us through such a heartbreaking ordeal. And thank you for reminding me that letting her go was an act of love too.

Leticia

West Sacramento , California

Dr. Taro & Lap of Love team my family and I can not express how much we appreciate all you did for us. From the moment I made the phone call, Kayla was so kind, patient and caring. It was an extremely hard decision we made for our boy Smokey. Dr. Taro you will forever hold a place in our hearts, the kindness and compassion you showed our family and Smokey was more than we could have asked for. Thank you for having patience with us during this hard time and letting us give Smokey all the love, snuggles, pictures and even a special treat of chocolate which he loved! Our last moments with Smokey were unforgettable and special thank you to Lap of Love for making that possible. If you want to give you pet a memorable and comfortable farewell look no further!! Would definitely recommend to anyone! ❤️🐾

Allison

Hughesville, Maryland

I cannot imagine going through this without Lap of Love's support and experience. From the moment Dr Shanna arrived, I felt cared for. She gave me all the time and space I needed to handle every step of the process and treated our beloved Charlie with love and respect. She even brought extra "new" treats to keep him happy and distracted so he felt no pain at all. He was placed on a pillow and tucked in gently. Charlie and I got to spend our last moments together in a calm and peaceful setting, right from one of his favorite spots at our home. Dr. Shanna gave us an immense gift. Thank you so much for being there for us to make our last moments together full of love and pain free.

Kimberly

Berlin, Connecticut

Doctor Hilary was the angel who showed up at our doorstep. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but in the grand scheme of things, this was a much more humane and civil way to share our families last moments together. From the first phone call with the receptionist to the last letter correspondence from the doctor herself!, we have felt the support even though our times are more lonely now. I could not have asked for a better experience considering the situation. I would recommend Lap of Love a thousand times over just walking my beloved into a cold room. For that we are forever indebted to you.

Tracy

Pride, Louisiana

Almost one year ago, our pup had been diagnosed with kidney disease. Because of her advanced age, our goal became one of making her remaining days with us comfortable, joyful, and well-loved. We also made the decision that should the time come that we had to make a decision, we would use the local Lap of Love vet. It was easy for us, we felt we owed it to a beloved family member that had been with us for over 16 years. We had almost one more year with our girl. About two months before we said good-bye, I had my first contact with Dr. Carly Billeaudeau by phone. She was very kind, listening to our story, agreeing that it sounded like we were getting close to the end, telling me to call when we were ready. We enjoyed a little more time with our girl, Tori. On Saturday evening she became very ill, and began to rapidly decline. I emailed Dr. Carly on Sunday, she responded with a phone call. Again, she listened to my story through the tears with so much patience. We chose a date and time for the following Tuesday, June 28th, unless she took a turn for the worse, and then Dr. Carly would find a way to make herself available on Monday. Our girl continued to decline, we knew it was time. Tuesday morning Dr. Carly arrived on time. She had the utmost patience, explaining what was going to happen, telling me she wouldn't do anything until we were ready. She lovingly reached out and introduced herself to our girl. She had such kind words to say, telling us how pretty our girl was, how obvious the love and bond my girl and I shared. As she administered the different drugs, she spoke with a very soothing voice, to both myself and Tori. Once Tori was gone, she gave us some time with her. When she returned to the house, she was carrying a lovely bed with a pillow and blanket. She helped me place Tori in the bed, gave me time to take a couple of last photos, placed a blanket over her. And for me, the kindest, most caring thing she could do, was when she placed Tori on the passenger front seat with her. The respect that she showed for our dear family member knew no bounds. I knew that losing my girl would be very difficult. As a stay at home mom, then housewife, she and I were daily companions for 16.5 years. She slept in our bed. While this has been heartbreaking, I will forever be thankful for the Lap of Love organization for giving us the opportunity to say good-bye in our home. Tori was terrified of the vet's office, especially after a couple of hospital stays the last year of her life. That she could transition in the comfort of her own home, on my lap, means the world to me!!!! And I will forever be thankful for the blessing that Dr. Carly was at such a difficult time. I don't know how you do it, Dr. Carly, but thank you!!! Thank you for your actions on that day, thank you for your follow up emails. Words just cannot express how much I appreciate your helping us through such a heartbreaking ordeal. And thank you for reminding me that letting her go was an act of love too.

Helpful resources

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How Will I Know It's Time

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Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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