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Dr. Rachel

Born and raised in Florida, I spent most of my childhood in the Lakeland area. I have always enjoyed having animals and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we had several pets in our family, including: our dog (the most patient pup you'd ever meet!), two snakes, and my cat, which I begged my parents for when he decided to adopt us.

In college, I never wavered from my dream of wanting to become a veterinarian. I received a Bachelors in Science from Florida State University and then attended the University of Florida, where I obtained my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, I completed a two-week externship with Lap of Love and was amazed by the compassion and peace that I witnessed at one of the most difficult times in these families lives. That experience remained in the back of my head, and heart, as I graduated and became a veterinarian.

After graduating, I moved to Tampa with my husband and two cats, where I worked at a feline-only practice. As much as I loved seeing kittens, I found the utmost fulfillment helping the senior cats and their families as they navigated their golden years and final moments. It is truly a gift we have as veterinarians to be able to relieve suffering and provide a peaceful passing to the pets we love.

I am passionate about providing support, care, and comfort to both pets and their families through these delicate moments.

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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Sharsti

Hanover, Maryland

Dr. Cristina was absolutely amazing. Of all things, I was worried about was traumatizing Bruce Wayne, as he’s very over protective of me and I didn’t want that to be his last moments. With Dr. Cristina, everything was smooth, he didn’t realize she was there until after she administered the sedation and was gone and we easily got him calmed. He was happy loving on us and that was what mattered. She took EVERY step to assure he was comfortable and treated with love and dignity. If I had to do it again, I’d request her specifically. Best experience I could have asked for considering I was letting my heart dog go.

Sara

Woods Cross, Utah

When it came time for my cat, Averie, of 19 years to be released from his pain, I found that my Vets office could only accommodate coming out to my car and taking Averie inside to euthanize him without me being present, due to COVID-19. It was hard to imagine after so many years together not being with him at the end. When I found Lap Of Love was still offering their services, with the safety of all in mind, it was the first sigh of relief during this hard time. Then, seeing that my cat would get to stay in his home and not be scared at the end of his life and for a very small difference in the price compared to the vets office, I felt that it was meant to be. I will be forever grateful to the compassion shown by Lap of Love. They made one of the worst days of my life bearable and more meaningful than I ever thought the process of euthanasia could be. Dr. Chase explained everything ahead of time and kept us updated during the procedure. He was very professional, yet was also able to make us feel comfortable and at peace in our own home. I will always choose Lap of Love for any of my pets in need. So grateful to have found them during this difficult time, words cannot express how much.

Michael

Fishes, Indiana

Dr. Amy is wonderful, caring, tender, and patient. She explained what was happening in a beautiful and kind way, so my children understood what was going on. We really appreciated Dr. Amy. Her compassion helped us have a beautiful goodbye for our beloved Luna. I'm beyond thankful for her.

Donna

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

The Enrico family is very thankful for such a compassionate and caring doctor, Dr. Lauren. The information she provided to us before our very difficult decision certainly helped us through this process. Jax was the best and for almost 10 years he was just as much a part of our family as our 2 children. It was important to us that in his final moments - that he was not stressed and was surrounded by his pack and surrounded with love. While having to let go has left a huge hole in our daily lives - memories of Jax will fill our hearts with joy. Thank you Dr. Lauren for your interest in knowing who Jax was and for understanding that he was the most special dog this past Sunday.

Debbie

Arlington, Texas

The atmosphere was heavy and grief-stricken when Dr. Meg arrived to a house of family readying themselves for the passing of our 14 year old Bichon, Chablis, who had been suffering from dementia for several months. Dr. Meg took quick command of the situation with her contagious smile and sweet continuance. She was respectful of our sorrow while providing insight as to how the afternoon was to unfold. She’s was never in a hurry, giving us ample opportunity to reconcile our imminent loss and say our goodbyes to a most beloved companion. Dr. Meg has a heart for people and for animals which she displayed effortlessly during the time she spent with us. She is extremely compassionate and empathetic, not to mention being skilled and knowledgable about dogs. We could not have been in better hands during a most difficult time. Undoubtedly, Lap of Love and Dr. Meg were a God-send for our family. We are forever grateful for their gift of peace in our hour of despair.

Katie

Chicago Ridge , Illinois

This was an incredibly hard decision for us to make. We were so happy when we found out about lap of love. Our 10 year old Great Dane Lou was having a hard time this week and we were stressing out about getting him out of the house to a vet. He was in no shape. However lap of love came to our rescue. Booking the appointment was very easy. I spoke with Bridget to schedule and she was so wonderful. She listened to everything that I had to say and was so helpful. She was very patient on the phone and she had a tone that made talking to her very easy. She has a great heart. Dr. Mike came to us and he was absolutely wonderful. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. He was so kind and understanding. He explained everything he was doing. He took his time and you can tell that he was born to help animals. He has an amazing heart as well. I am so grateful for him and lap of love with helping our Lou. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was everything I wanted for our big guy. Thank you so much for helping us and providing the best veterinary services I have ever experienced. I will never forget you guys or Dr. Mike. I am eternally grateful.

Gwyn, Paul, and Zoe

Boulder, Colorado

Dr. Sean is such a wonderful vet. From the first time we met him, to subsequent visits and texts, to the last time, he was ever present to Opal and us. He held us throughout the hospice journey and on our journey of walking Opal home. Even when he moved to a different service area, he stayed with us and made the trip to Boulder often. He was there for every kind of support and knew just what we and Opal needed from beginning to end. We are forever grateful for him.

Sharsti

Hanover, Maryland

Dr. Cristina was absolutely amazing. Of all things, I was worried about was traumatizing Bruce Wayne, as he’s very over protective of me and I didn’t want that to be his last moments. With Dr. Cristina, everything was smooth, he didn’t realize she was there until after she administered the sedation and was gone and we easily got him calmed. He was happy loving on us and that was what mattered. She took EVERY step to assure he was comfortable and treated with love and dignity. If I had to do it again, I’d request her specifically. Best experience I could have asked for considering I was letting my heart dog go.

Sara

Woods Cross, Utah

When it came time for my cat, Averie, of 19 years to be released from his pain, I found that my Vets office could only accommodate coming out to my car and taking Averie inside to euthanize him without me being present, due to COVID-19. It was hard to imagine after so many years together not being with him at the end. When I found Lap Of Love was still offering their services, with the safety of all in mind, it was the first sigh of relief during this hard time. Then, seeing that my cat would get to stay in his home and not be scared at the end of his life and for a very small difference in the price compared to the vets office, I felt that it was meant to be. I will be forever grateful to the compassion shown by Lap of Love. They made one of the worst days of my life bearable and more meaningful than I ever thought the process of euthanasia could be. Dr. Chase explained everything ahead of time and kept us updated during the procedure. He was very professional, yet was also able to make us feel comfortable and at peace in our own home. I will always choose Lap of Love for any of my pets in need. So grateful to have found them during this difficult time, words cannot express how much.

Donna

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

The Enrico family is very thankful for such a compassionate and caring doctor, Dr. Lauren. The information she provided to us before our very difficult decision certainly helped us through this process. Jax was the best and for almost 10 years he was just as much a part of our family as our 2 children. It was important to us that in his final moments - that he was not stressed and was surrounded by his pack and surrounded with love. While having to let go has left a huge hole in our daily lives - memories of Jax will fill our hearts with joy. Thank you Dr. Lauren for your interest in knowing who Jax was and for understanding that he was the most special dog this past Sunday.

Debbie

Arlington, Texas

The atmosphere was heavy and grief-stricken when Dr. Meg arrived to a house of family readying themselves for the passing of our 14 year old Bichon, Chablis, who had been suffering from dementia for several months. Dr. Meg took quick command of the situation with her contagious smile and sweet continuance. She was respectful of our sorrow while providing insight as to how the afternoon was to unfold. She’s was never in a hurry, giving us ample opportunity to reconcile our imminent loss and say our goodbyes to a most beloved companion. Dr. Meg has a heart for people and for animals which she displayed effortlessly during the time she spent with us. She is extremely compassionate and empathetic, not to mention being skilled and knowledgable about dogs. We could not have been in better hands during a most difficult time. Undoubtedly, Lap of Love and Dr. Meg were a God-send for our family. We are forever grateful for their gift of peace in our hour of despair.

Katie

Chicago Ridge , Illinois

This was an incredibly hard decision for us to make. We were so happy when we found out about lap of love. Our 10 year old Great Dane Lou was having a hard time this week and we were stressing out about getting him out of the house to a vet. He was in no shape. However lap of love came to our rescue. Booking the appointment was very easy. I spoke with Bridget to schedule and she was so wonderful. She listened to everything that I had to say and was so helpful. She was very patient on the phone and she had a tone that made talking to her very easy. She has a great heart. Dr. Mike came to us and he was absolutely wonderful. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. He was so kind and understanding. He explained everything he was doing. He took his time and you can tell that he was born to help animals. He has an amazing heart as well. I am so grateful for him and lap of love with helping our Lou. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was everything I wanted for our big guy. Thank you so much for helping us and providing the best veterinary services I have ever experienced. I will never forget you guys or Dr. Mike. I am eternally grateful.

Gwyn, Paul, and Zoe

Boulder, Colorado

Dr. Sean is such a wonderful vet. From the first time we met him, to subsequent visits and texts, to the last time, he was ever present to Opal and us. He held us throughout the hospice journey and on our journey of walking Opal home. Even when he moved to a different service area, he stayed with us and made the trip to Boulder often. He was there for every kind of support and knew just what we and Opal needed from beginning to end. We are forever grateful for him.

Sharsti

Hanover, Maryland

Dr. Cristina was absolutely amazing. Of all things, I was worried about was traumatizing Bruce Wayne, as he’s very over protective of me and I didn’t want that to be his last moments. With Dr. Cristina, everything was smooth, he didn’t realize she was there until after she administered the sedation and was gone and we easily got him calmed. He was happy loving on us and that was what mattered. She took EVERY step to assure he was comfortable and treated with love and dignity. If I had to do it again, I’d request her specifically. Best experience I could have asked for considering I was letting my heart dog go.

Sara

Woods Cross, Utah

When it came time for my cat, Averie, of 19 years to be released from his pain, I found that my Vets office could only accommodate coming out to my car and taking Averie inside to euthanize him without me being present, due to COVID-19. It was hard to imagine after so many years together not being with him at the end. When I found Lap Of Love was still offering their services, with the safety of all in mind, it was the first sigh of relief during this hard time. Then, seeing that my cat would get to stay in his home and not be scared at the end of his life and for a very small difference in the price compared to the vets office, I felt that it was meant to be. I will be forever grateful to the compassion shown by Lap of Love. They made one of the worst days of my life bearable and more meaningful than I ever thought the process of euthanasia could be. Dr. Chase explained everything ahead of time and kept us updated during the procedure. He was very professional, yet was also able to make us feel comfortable and at peace in our own home. I will always choose Lap of Love for any of my pets in need. So grateful to have found them during this difficult time, words cannot express how much.

Helpful resources

Informational resources to help you navigate your pet’s quality of life

Explore all of our resources

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How Will I Know It's Time

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Blog

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Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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