Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Jessica Hoffman
I grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, which is a small town near the Rocky Mountains. From a young age, I deeply loved animals and wanted to positively impact their lives. This desire, combined with my interest in science, led me to a career in veterinary medicine.
I completed my bachelor of science degree in agriculture at the University of Alberta and then went to Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for my veterinary studies.
After graduation, I worked at two small animal practices and a feline-only practice in the Edmonton, Alberta area. Being a veterinarian involves nurturing the human-animal bond, improving public health, and addressing complex medical challenges. It also involves offering compassionate care during difficult moments, such as when pet owners have to make end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet.
Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult choices a family can face. I think it’s a privilege to provide comfort and guidance during these moments as pet owners navigate end-of-life decisions. Easing a pet’s suffering and ensuring a peaceful passing are some of the greatest gifts we can give our cherished companions.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with my husband, our two children, and our cats, Luke and Emma.
About Dr. Kelsea Medeiros
I grew up in the small town of Goffstown, New Hampshire, just outside of Manchester. Like many, I wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. I had all kinds of pets growing up and was fortunate that my family supported my love for animals. When I turned 16, I worked as a veterinary assistant at the animal hospital where we brought our family pets, and my love for the profession only grew.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in New York and my master’s degree in animal and public policy from Tufts University in Massachusetts. I attended veterinary school at Kansas State University and went on to complete a small animal rotating internship in Illinois with a focus on emergency medicine.
During my internship, I often helped pet owners who, suddenly and without warning, had to consider euthanasia for a beloved pet. It was a humbling experience that taught me how to discuss end-of-life care and provide support to families during a very emotional and difficult time. After completing the internship, I began working at a small animal general practice. I enjoy providing care and compassion to animals, as well as educating and communicating with my clients.
I had numerous pets growing up and subsequently learned about death from a very young age. As I grew older and started working in veterinary hospitals, I began to understand how important end-of-life care is, and how peaceful and kind humane euthanasia can be. I know that quality end-of-life care and creating a peaceful transition are some of the kindest things I can do for my patients, and I am fortunate to be able to provide this gift to pets and their families.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four cats—Rowan, Seba, Eva, and Pharah. We enjoy spending time with friends and family, finding new places to eat, and playing video games together.
About Dr. Amanda Kinney
I grew up on a small farm in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania surrounded by horses, sheep, chickens, barn cats, and the family farm dog. My father was a physician and my mother was a nurse, and I would help them care for all of our farm animals. My love for animals and interest in medicine made a career in veterinary medicine a natural choice.
I graduated with a bachelor in science from Muhlenberg College and then attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation I worked at a family-owned small animal practice in Massachusetts. While performing countless euthanasias in private practice, I realized that a peaceful passing in the comfort of their own home was one of the greatest services we could offer our patients and their families.
Unfortunately, I have lost several pets of my own—from dogs, to cats, to horses—and it is never easy. I have learned that choosing the correct time to say goodbye is one the most challenging decisions families have to make. I am honored to offer comfort and support to families as they navigate difficult end-of-life decisions. As a veterinarian, I believe that relieving suffering and providing a peaceful passing is the ultimate gift we can offer our beloved pets.
When I am not helping families, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bridget and Tommy.
About Dr. Kat Fruel
I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and have spent much of my life in the Midwest. Unlike most veterinarians, I didn’t grow up surrounded by animals and it wasn’t until I was in middle school that my family adopted our first pet. My dog Memphis taught me just how much a girl could love an animal and was the reason I wanted to become a veterinarian.
During college at the University of Illinois, I worked as a veterinary assistant while completing my undergraduate studies in animal science. I attended veterinary school at the same university, and graduated with my veterinary degree.
After graduation, I moved to Boston with my husband and began working in a small animal general practice hospital. Preserving the human-animal bond is one of the most rewarding parts of being a veterinarian. Part of honoring that special bond is ensuring that pets don’t suffer and giving them the gift of a peaceful, dignified passing.
I helped two of my own pets pass peacefully during my first year in practice, and I appreciated the support I received from my colleagues during that difficult time. I am honored to be able to provide that same level of care and support for pets and families through my role at Lap of Love.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, hiking, running, going on road trips with my husband, listening to music, frequenting coffee shops, and snuggling my cats, Junimo and Linus.
About Dr. Katy Chou
I grew up in suburban Central Jersey, surrounded by horse farms, but interestingly, I have never ridden a horse. Like many vets, my interest in the field started as a childhood dream and a love for animals. When my first and only family dog went through hospice care, I decided to become a veterinarian. I realized that I wanted to help others navigate caring for their pet because I felt that I could have done things better.
I completed undergrad and veterinary school at Cornell University in New York. Thankfully, I love cold weather!
Although my dog inspired me to become a veterinarian, I have a particular soft spot for cats. I also love relating to people through pet ownership, and I found myself wishing that I could spend more time during hospice and euthanasia appointments in general practice. We ended up taking our family dog to the emergency room for euthanasia, where they were wonderful and kind, but it was unfortunately rushed. Simple things, such as preparing us for natural processes during a pet's passing, were glossed over. I found myself recalling this point at every euthanasia appointment when I was in general practice.
I volunteered for a pet loss hotline during vet school and found the experience extremely fulfilling. Personal experiences witnessing human hospice care, especially seeing inspirational acts, such as how much families sacrifice to provide comfort for a loved one, motivate me in this work. I find end-of-life care truly beautiful in its own way and believe it should be an intensely personal experience. It brings out a different, personal side to people that you don't often get to know during vaccine appointments.
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband, toddler, and two cats. We like to try out new restaurants, play board games and video games, and read.
About Dr. Jessica Hoffman
I grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, which is a small town near the Rocky Mountains. From a young age, I deeply loved animals and wanted to positively impact their lives. This desire, combined with my interest in science, led me to a career in veterinary medicine.
I completed my bachelor of science degree in agriculture at the University of Alberta and then went to Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for my veterinary studies.
After graduation, I worked at two small animal practices and a feline-only practice in the Edmonton, Alberta area. Being a veterinarian involves nurturing the human-animal bond, improving public health, and addressing complex medical challenges. It also involves offering compassionate care during difficult moments, such as when pet owners have to make end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet.
Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult choices a family can face. I think it’s a privilege to provide comfort and guidance during these moments as pet owners navigate end-of-life decisions. Easing a pet’s suffering and ensuring a peaceful passing are some of the greatest gifts we can give our cherished companions.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with my husband, our two children, and our cats, Luke and Emma.
About Dr. Kelsea Medeiros
I grew up in the small town of Goffstown, New Hampshire, just outside of Manchester. Like many, I wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. I had all kinds of pets growing up and was fortunate that my family supported my love for animals. When I turned 16, I worked as a veterinary assistant at the animal hospital where we brought our family pets, and my love for the profession only grew.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in New York and my master’s degree in animal and public policy from Tufts University in Massachusetts. I attended veterinary school at Kansas State University and went on to complete a small animal rotating internship in Illinois with a focus on emergency medicine.
During my internship, I often helped pet owners who, suddenly and without warning, had to consider euthanasia for a beloved pet. It was a humbling experience that taught me how to discuss end-of-life care and provide support to families during a very emotional and difficult time. After completing the internship, I began working at a small animal general practice. I enjoy providing care and compassion to animals, as well as educating and communicating with my clients.
I had numerous pets growing up and subsequently learned about death from a very young age. As I grew older and started working in veterinary hospitals, I began to understand how important end-of-life care is, and how peaceful and kind humane euthanasia can be. I know that quality end-of-life care and creating a peaceful transition are some of the kindest things I can do for my patients, and I am fortunate to be able to provide this gift to pets and their families.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four cats—Rowan, Seba, Eva, and Pharah. We enjoy spending time with friends and family, finding new places to eat, and playing video games together.
About Dr. Amanda Kinney
I grew up on a small farm in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania surrounded by horses, sheep, chickens, barn cats, and the family farm dog. My father was a physician and my mother was a nurse, and I would help them care for all of our farm animals. My love for animals and interest in medicine made a career in veterinary medicine a natural choice.
I graduated with a bachelor in science from Muhlenberg College and then attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation I worked at a family-owned small animal practice in Massachusetts. While performing countless euthanasias in private practice, I realized that a peaceful passing in the comfort of their own home was one of the greatest services we could offer our patients and their families.
Unfortunately, I have lost several pets of my own—from dogs, to cats, to horses—and it is never easy. I have learned that choosing the correct time to say goodbye is one the most challenging decisions families have to make. I am honored to offer comfort and support to families as they navigate difficult end-of-life decisions. As a veterinarian, I believe that relieving suffering and providing a peaceful passing is the ultimate gift we can offer our beloved pets.
When I am not helping families, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bridget and Tommy.
About Dr. Kat Fruel
I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and have spent much of my life in the Midwest. Unlike most veterinarians, I didn’t grow up surrounded by animals and it wasn’t until I was in middle school that my family adopted our first pet. My dog Memphis taught me just how much a girl could love an animal and was the reason I wanted to become a veterinarian.
During college at the University of Illinois, I worked as a veterinary assistant while completing my undergraduate studies in animal science. I attended veterinary school at the same university, and graduated with my veterinary degree.
After graduation, I moved to Boston with my husband and began working in a small animal general practice hospital. Preserving the human-animal bond is one of the most rewarding parts of being a veterinarian. Part of honoring that special bond is ensuring that pets don’t suffer and giving them the gift of a peaceful, dignified passing.
I helped two of my own pets pass peacefully during my first year in practice, and I appreciated the support I received from my colleagues during that difficult time. I am honored to be able to provide that same level of care and support for pets and families through my role at Lap of Love.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, hiking, running, going on road trips with my husband, listening to music, frequenting coffee shops, and snuggling my cats, Junimo and Linus.
About Dr. Katy Chou
I grew up in suburban Central Jersey, surrounded by horse farms, but interestingly, I have never ridden a horse. Like many vets, my interest in the field started as a childhood dream and a love for animals. When my first and only family dog went through hospice care, I decided to become a veterinarian. I realized that I wanted to help others navigate caring for their pet because I felt that I could have done things better.
I completed undergrad and veterinary school at Cornell University in New York. Thankfully, I love cold weather!
Although my dog inspired me to become a veterinarian, I have a particular soft spot for cats. I also love relating to people through pet ownership, and I found myself wishing that I could spend more time during hospice and euthanasia appointments in general practice. We ended up taking our family dog to the emergency room for euthanasia, where they were wonderful and kind, but it was unfortunately rushed. Simple things, such as preparing us for natural processes during a pet's passing, were glossed over. I found myself recalling this point at every euthanasia appointment when I was in general practice.
I volunteered for a pet loss hotline during vet school and found the experience extremely fulfilling. Personal experiences witnessing human hospice care, especially seeing inspirational acts, such as how much families sacrifice to provide comfort for a loved one, motivate me in this work. I find end-of-life care truly beautiful in its own way and believe it should be an intensely personal experience. It brings out a different, personal side to people that you don't often get to know during vaccine appointments.
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband, toddler, and two cats. We like to try out new restaurants, play board games and video games, and read.
About Dr. Jessica Hoffman
I grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, which is a small town near the Rocky Mountains. From a young age, I deeply loved animals and wanted to positively impact their lives. This desire, combined with my interest in science, led me to a career in veterinary medicine.
I completed my bachelor of science degree in agriculture at the University of Alberta and then went to Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for my veterinary studies.
After graduation, I worked at two small animal practices and a feline-only practice in the Edmonton, Alberta area. Being a veterinarian involves nurturing the human-animal bond, improving public health, and addressing complex medical challenges. It also involves offering compassionate care during difficult moments, such as when pet owners have to make end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet.
Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult choices a family can face. I think it’s a privilege to provide comfort and guidance during these moments as pet owners navigate end-of-life decisions. Easing a pet’s suffering and ensuring a peaceful passing are some of the greatest gifts we can give our cherished companions.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with my husband, our two children, and our cats, Luke and Emma.