In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Tucson & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in Tucson, AZ as the daughter of two veterinarians. Throughout my childhood, I didn’t think I wanted to be a veterinarian, but, in college, I fell in love with biology and realized my future would involve practicing medicine. I was drawn to the beauty that is natural life combined with the problem solving that is medicine. Although my aspirations to be a veterinarian arose later in life, I was always an animal lover, and spent my days surrounded by animals at home, in my parents’ clinics, and at the barn where I rode horses. 

I completed my Bachelors at the University of Arizona (Bear Down) before moving on to University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I proceeded to an internship with a focus in shelter medicine in Boulder, CO. Now, I am very happy to be back home in Tucson to serve the community through the important work of end of life care with Lap of Love. Having been exposed to veterinary medicine for most of my life, I learned early on that this type of care is a great privilege veterinarians have; relieving animals’ suffering when other interventions are not possible is a gift - to the pet, to me as their medical caretaker, and to the people who love them. 

The strength of the human animal bond is so apparent at the end of life, and I look forward to honoring it through the work that I do every day. 

I grew up in a small mountain town in Southern California called Lake Arrowhead. My childhood was spent in the house my architect father designed and built in the woods. It wasn't uncommon to wake up to bears, coyotes, and other wild animals outside my window, and I loved it! As a child, I also loved to watch veterinary medical shows. A veterinary career is the perfect combination of my love for animals and medicine.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from California State University, Monterey Bay and my veterinary degree from Iowa State University. After veterinary school, I saw a lot of emergency cases and honed many important skills during a small animal rotating internship. I then worked as a relief veterinarian in general practice, urgent care, and emergency. 

During vet school, I always thought that I would feel the most fulfilled by the patients I successfully treated. While that is a huge source of joy, I oddly find the most fulfillment in bringing peace to families who are saying goodbye to their beloved pets. 

I lost my childhood dog, Molly, when I was 15 years old. It was probably the first time I truly dealt with grief. It completely altered my life and I will never forget that day. I remember hating the drive home from the veterinary clinic. It was so painful to leave her there, and looking back, I wish we could have given Molly the honor of an at-home peaceful passing. She deserved it. 

Veterinarians often can’t give pets and their families the time they deserve during a hospital euthanasia. And, no matter how warm and comfortable you make a room, it will never be their home. I think that a pet’s last day is one of their most important days, and I am honored to be part of the experience. 

Outside of work, I love hiking, walking around the park, or simply staying home and watching a good movie with my fiancé, Jay, and dog, Bonnie. I also enjoy working out. 

I grew up on a small farm in Scottdale, Pennsylvania. I was exposed to animal care from a young age and found it to be the most interesting part of my childhood.

I attended several different colleges to complete my undergraduate degree and graduated in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

I love all aspects of veterinary medicine, but I especially enjoy urgent and emergency medicine, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and end-of-life care. I am also passionate about exotics, zoo species, and conservation.

I didn't understand the concept of death from a young age because my parents wanted to

protect me from this difficult aspect of life. They kept many family funerals private from me, euthanized pets and livestock when I wasn’t home, and would panic-grab the remote if I was watching Six Feet Under, a show that focused on death. It was only when I euthanized my mom’s dog, who was terrified of me for the most part, that I understood the means to an end that a veterinary professional must provide.

I feel honored to be the grounding force on one of the worst days of a pet owner’s life. I strive to help families give their pets the peaceful, dignified passing they deserve.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and dabbling in cooking. I am also invested in creating a home for myself in Sonora.