In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Boulder & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I grew up in Fairport, New York, a suburb of Rochester located along the famous Erie Canal. My family always had multiple pets, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to care for animals one day. I remember standing up in front of my grade school class, dressed in a pint-sized white jacket, stethoscope, and homemade “Dr. Katie” name tag, proudly telling my classmates I was going to be a veterinarian when I grew up. As I got older, I sought out any opportunity to surround myself with animals. I volunteered at animal shelters, did pet sitting, and worked as an assistant at a local veterinary hospital. These experiences only furthered my resolve to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. 

I earned my bachelor's degree in biology from Syracuse University in upstate New York before attending the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, outside of Boston. After graduating, I worked in North Carolina briefly and then moved to Colorado because I missed the snow. I worked in a small animal and exotic general practice where I cared for all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats to reptiles and birds. I quickly discovered a passion for senior pet care, and I enjoyed being able to collaborate with owners to ensure their pets enjoyed a good quality of life throughout their golden years. 

When my childhood Lab, Angie, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, her health declined rapidly, and our family veterinarian did everything he could to keep her comfortable. When we knew it was time to let Angie go, our veterinarian came in on his day off and was such a big support for my family. I was touched by his compassion, and I strive to offer this same level of care and support to pets and families.  

The bond that we share with our pets is truly one of a kind, and I'm honored to be able to provide a peaceful and gentle passing for four-legged family members. I also know how difficult this time can be for loved ones as I have experienced it firsthand, and my goal is to make the grieving process a little bit easier for pet owners 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends, hiking with my golden retriever, Zuko, and curling up on the couch for movie marathons with my two cats, Otto and Theo.

I’m a Colorado native—I’ve spent only one year outside of Colorado when my husband and I moved to Massachusetts for my veterinary internship. I was in college working toward medical school when my childhood horse died suddenly. Our family veterinarian listened to us and demonstrated compassion that I admired, and I changed my path to veterinary school shortly after that loss. 

I attended the University of Denver for my undergraduate classes and Colorado State University for veterinary school.

I’ve been a small animal veterinarian for more than 20 years. The concept of family-centered care, which is a philosophy of caring for both the patient and their family, was introduced to me by The Children's Hospital Colorado through personal experiences with our children. I have integrated that philosophy into how I practice veterinary medicine, and it has grounded me. 

Although I completed an internship in emergency medicine and critical care, much of my 16 years in general practice focused on researching a life-threatening anesthetic complication in greyhounds. I also developed a skill for assisting animals with difficulty receiving veterinary care in the hospital setting due to fearful behavior. 

In 2020, my long-time pet families, Greyhound community, and colleagues supported my transition to a veterinary behavior and psychiatry specialty. I currently practice in Boulder and deeply treasure this aspect of veterinary medicine. In 2023, Lap of Love helped our family say goodbye to a special dog. I am grateful to have the opportunity to join the Lap of Love community with the shared philosophy of supporting people and their beloved animals. 

I am lucky to live near immediate and extended family and to have dear friends to share life with. Sunday night dinner is a gift my mother gives us every week, passed down from generations before her. My husband and I enjoy tending to a suburban farm of dogs, chickens, horses, a turtle, and a cat. Watching our two near-adult children spread their wings brings me great joy, as does mountain time off the grid. 

I am a native of Boulder, Colorado, and although I explored life on both coasts, the mountains called me home. I returned to the Boulder area with my family in 2010.

I completed both my undergraduate degree and my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. After some early years in general practice, my focus shifted to integrative and holistic veterinary medicine.

I have been the proud owner of my own integrative veterinary practice for dogs, cats, and horses for more than 15 years. I am trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), including extensive study in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I also have a graduate diploma in Western Veterinary Herbal Medicine (WVHM) and am certified in animal chiropractic. I am also training in small animal and equine osteopathy.

I have been the guardian and steward for many of my own pets over the years navigating end-of-life care with many of them so far. Each experience, including some that were incredibly heartbreaking, has brought me a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for every pet, pet parent, and family member preparing to say goodbye.

Throughout my years as a veterinarian, I’ve guided many of my dear patients through end-of-life transitions. I’m honored and grateful to assist every pet and family through these sacred moments. I believe that ensuring a peaceful, gentle, and loving passing for our beloved pets is a true gift.

In my spare time, you’ll find me in the mountains west of Boulder, on our ranch with my menagerie of loved ones. Our current animal residents include five horses, two dogs, and three cats. I love spending time in nature with my horses, and am a lifelong student of all things equine, especially connection-based training methods. I also love spending time with my husband and two children, trail running with my dogs, doing yoga, and deepening my understanding of the healing arts.