In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Chicago North Shore

I grew up in Riverside, Illinois, a few minutes from the Brookfield Zoo. Living near the zoo helped me develop an appreciation for all creatures, but it was my first family dog, Nessie the Westie, who truly sparked my interest in veterinary medicine at the age of 14. 

As Nessie got older, she developed a multitude of health problems that I was determined to solve. Unfortunately, her health rapidly declined while I was away at vet school, and I had to say goodbye over a video call. Although my family was there with her, the experience made me realize how precious it is to share a pet's final moments. 

I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for my undergraduate degree and St. George's University for veterinary school, spending my final clinical year back at UW-Madison. I enjoy the challenges of being a veterinarian and the variety of cases each day brings. However, I have a soft spot for senior pets and am most at home managing quality-of-life conversations, hospice care, and humane euthanasia. 

It is my privilege to provide peace, compassion, and dignity to pets and their families during an incredibly difficult time. In-home euthanasia offers a peaceful environment where pets are surrounded by love instead of the stress of a clinic visit and where I can provide guidance, respect, and closure. Knowing I can make a difficult process a little easier is incredibly fulfilling.

Outside of my work with Lap of Love, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our Westie, Yeti. When I can find the time, I also enjoy Pilates, puzzles, video games, knitting, horseback riding, and diamond art.

I grew up in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a veterinarian. My love for animals led me to shadow in veterinary clinics, work as a veterinary assistant, and spend much of my life surrounded by animals. I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri (Mizzou).

I have spent much of my veterinary career practicing emergency medicine, where I learned the importance of providing compassionate, thoughtful care during some of the most difficult moments for pets and their families. I have always prioritized my patients’ comfort and quality of life, with the goal of helping them maintain the strongest possible bond with their families for as long as possible.

Having experienced the loss of my own pets, I understand how profound the human-animal bond can be and how precious and emotional those final moments are. Being able to share that time with a beloved pet while providing comfort and reassurance to their family is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

I believe a pet’s final moments should be peaceful, personal, and surrounded by love—not stressful or rushed in an unfamiliar clinic. Giving families the opportunity to say goodbye in a comfortable environment while guiding them through the process with compassion and understanding is an incredibly meaningful part of veterinary medicine to me. If I can make an incredibly difficult day even a little more peaceful for a family and their pet, I consider that deeply fulfilling.

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my fiancé, traveling, discovering new restaurants, and relaxing at home with my dog, Finn.