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Dr. Sam

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

I was born in San Diego, California but I moved to Massachusetts when I was 8 years old. Having family on both coasts gave me the best of both worlds—New England’s culture and history, and California’s beautiful weather. From a young age, and after countless trips to the San Diego Zoo with my grandfather, I knew I wanted to live a life of service to animals.

I attended college at the University of Massachusetts Boston, majoring in biology and simultaneously working at a local veterinary hospital. I moved to Davis, California shortly after graduation and established residency while working at another veterinary office. I graduated from UC Davis veterinary school in 2020. I began working in general practice, and discovered a love for animal behavior, the human-animal bond, and hospice care. I solidified my calling to end-of-life care by transitioning to solely veterinary hospice medicine in 2022. I am passionate about honoring the love we share with our furry family members, and take great pride in working in this aspect of the veterinary profession.

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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Libby

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yesterday (10/5/25), was a beautiful, fall day in Philadelphia, but a very sad one, indeed... Our small family; namely, my grown kid, Molly, our orange tabby cat, Danny, and I... were already mourning the soon-to-occur, death of our beautiful, beloved dog, Lilly. At 13 years, and three months... she certainly couldn't "spring," as she did in her youth... her Springer Spaniel blood, roaring in her veins.. But, she could love deeply, until her very last days.. And we could love her, deeply.. and we did, from the day we first met her, as a 12 week old puppy. Unsure how we would ever face losing her, the time had come to say our goodbyes. Dr. Abby Frerotte supported our doing so, in the most loving, kind, and respectful way... easing Lilly, and Lilly's family, into the mysterious other world.. Dr. Frerotte, arriving at one of the most tender times we've had as a family, seemed to have an innate sense of our experience with Lilly, from the moment she came into our living room. She was able to communicate to us, both the process which Lilly would go through, and simultaneously, get our vibe, (for lack of a better word., but one that sums it up).. The combination of these two parts of yesterday's experience, was a comforting one, and as the time passed, the parts seemed, finally, to blend together, as one. I know that we'll always miss our beloved companion, Lilly, but, as Dr. Abby said, in that last moment... will also know, "she's at peace."

Margaret

Richmond, Virginia

As a good friend says, making this decision is so hard, until it is clear that it isn't hard. My sweet, ~16 YO Stella declined rapidly. I felt cared for and comforted from the first hello on the phone. Dr. Kiley was as kind and caring as she could be, and Stella went gently into that good night, in her own home and surrounded by her loving family. Highly recommend this service and these dedicated people. Thank you.

Steve & Laurie

Santa Barbara, California

Dr. Alexandra Au was kind, sympathetic and patient under a very emotional farewell. Our beloved cockapoo of 16+ years was so fortunate to have her as his final veterinarian, and we will always be grateful to her for giving Deefer a calm and loving departure. All dogs should be so lucky.

Kimberly

Hauppauge, New York

We are so grateful for Dr. Jake! His compassion and respect he gave our beloved boy Gutts brought us peace and love in our final moments together.

Joanna

Corona, California

I just wanted to say this was the best experience we have had in saying good by to our family fur baby Gia in the comfort of her home outside in the sunshine with birds singing escorting her into doggie heaven.. Dr Kara thank you for your kindness, respect and making this transition more peaceful. I recommend Lap of Love

Libby

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yesterday (10/5/25), was a beautiful, fall day in Philadelphia, but a very sad one, indeed... Our small family; namely, my grown kid, Molly, our orange tabby cat, Danny, and I... were already mourning the soon-to-occur, death of our beautiful, beloved dog, Lilly. At 13 years, and three months... she certainly couldn't "spring," as she did in her youth... her Springer Spaniel blood, roaring in her veins.. But, she could love deeply, until her very last days.. And we could love her, deeply.. and we did, from the day we first met her, as a 12 week old puppy. Unsure how we would ever face losing her, the time had come to say our goodbyes. Dr. Abby Frerotte supported our doing so, in the most loving, kind, and respectful way... easing Lilly, and Lilly's family, into the mysterious other world.. Dr. Frerotte, arriving at one of the most tender times we've had as a family, seemed to have an innate sense of our experience with Lilly, from the moment she came into our living room. She was able to communicate to us, both the process which Lilly would go through, and simultaneously, get our vibe, (for lack of a better word., but one that sums it up).. The combination of these two parts of yesterday's experience, was a comforting one, and as the time passed, the parts seemed, finally, to blend together, as one. I know that we'll always miss our beloved companion, Lilly, but, as Dr. Abby said, in that last moment... will also know, "she's at peace."

Margaret

Richmond, Virginia

As a good friend says, making this decision is so hard, until it is clear that it isn't hard. My sweet, ~16 YO Stella declined rapidly. I felt cared for and comforted from the first hello on the phone. Dr. Kiley was as kind and caring as she could be, and Stella went gently into that good night, in her own home and surrounded by her loving family. Highly recommend this service and these dedicated people. Thank you.

Libby

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yesterday (10/5/25), was a beautiful, fall day in Philadelphia, but a very sad one, indeed... Our small family; namely, my grown kid, Molly, our orange tabby cat, Danny, and I... were already mourning the soon-to-occur, death of our beautiful, beloved dog, Lilly. At 13 years, and three months... she certainly couldn't "spring," as she did in her youth... her Springer Spaniel blood, roaring in her veins.. But, she could love deeply, until her very last days.. And we could love her, deeply.. and we did, from the day we first met her, as a 12 week old puppy. Unsure how we would ever face losing her, the time had come to say our goodbyes. Dr. Abby Frerotte supported our doing so, in the most loving, kind, and respectful way... easing Lilly, and Lilly's family, into the mysterious other world.. Dr. Frerotte, arriving at one of the most tender times we've had as a family, seemed to have an innate sense of our experience with Lilly, from the moment she came into our living room. She was able to communicate to us, both the process which Lilly would go through, and simultaneously, get our vibe, (for lack of a better word., but one that sums it up).. The combination of these two parts of yesterday's experience, was a comforting one, and as the time passed, the parts seemed, finally, to blend together, as one. I know that we'll always miss our beloved companion, Lilly, but, as Dr. Abby said, in that last moment... will also know, "she's at peace."

Margaret

Richmond, Virginia

As a good friend says, making this decision is so hard, until it is clear that it isn't hard. My sweet, ~16 YO Stella declined rapidly. I felt cared for and comforted from the first hello on the phone. Dr. Kiley was as kind and caring as she could be, and Stella went gently into that good night, in her own home and surrounded by her loving family. Highly recommend this service and these dedicated people. Thank you.

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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