Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could be and should be. Since then I have strived to provide excellent service so my clients and patients have the best possible experience in such a difficult and tender time.
Education
Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988
Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992
Certifications
3CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified
- Based InLittleton, CO
- Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
- Work Experience32+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Wednesday9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.
Services provided
At home pet euthanasia
Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $297
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $18 - $386
Quality of life consult
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $225
What pet parents are saying
Dr. Lori Schmalz was the best possible person to get me through something that's unbearable. She's compassionate and professional and I'm happy that I found her.
We were so thankful that Dr. Schmalz was able to come to our home on a Sunday (the same day we contacted her) to provide an in-home pet euthanasia for our sweet, beloved cat who had started to suffer dramatically the night before. Although putting a pet down is always incredibly difficult to decide upon and go through, we were so grateful that Dr. Schmalz could do this in our home where our cat was most comfortable and at peace in his final moments, where we felt more able to grieve openly, and where our other pets could be close by and better process the loss. Having now been through pet euthanasia procedures in both clinical and at-home settings, I will always choose in-home pet euthanasia going forward. Dr. Schmalz was so kind, compassionate, and respectful and really made this process as peaceful as we could ask for. Thank you so much for this amazing service.
We chose Dr. Lori to do our at home euthanasia with our 14 year old doggie who was ready to cross to the rainbow bridge. Dr. Lori was very professional, patient, caring, had a very calm presence, and you could tell Dr. Lori has lots of experience. She is extremely good at what she does and I feel so blessed she helped us with this difficult time:( I have referred her to many and will continue to refer her. Thanks Lori!! xoxo
I have had pets euthanized in the past but my experience with Dr Lori was the best experience I could have had in such sad times with baby, Oscar. She was so gentle, calm, kind and not once did I feel rushed by her. Dr Lori talked to me about Oscar’s life, my favorite memories and I know that his at home, euthanasia, with her, was the best choice for him. I felt so comfortable with handing her over Oscar and knowing he was in the best hands he could be in. Thank you again Dr Lori!
Our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog's health had been steadily declining for weeks. When we came to the gut-wrenching realization that his quality of life and health were so poor that it wasn't fair to him to let him suffer, we knew we had to intervene. When our previous pup reached this point several years earlier, we took her to our vet to be euthanized. It was absolutely awful seeing her for the last time on a vet's sterile, stainless steel table. We didn't want a repeat of that, so we contacted Dr. Lori. Dr. Lori has a beautiful, calming demeanor and reassured us that we were making the right decision. She came to our home so our pup could die peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by family. Having him die at home made this awful experience manageable, and she eased his passing in the most humane way. Our last sight of our pup was seeing him lovingly bundled in soft blankets in the back of her vehicle. He deserved to die with dignity and Dr. Lori provided that. I can't recommend Dr. Lori enough for a pet's end-of-life care.
Dr. Schmalz was incredibly patient with us and the weather as we were trying to create a calm, relaxing environment outside for Apollo's last hours with us. She was very communicative and had a calm demeanor that even put our other anxious dog at ease. Dr. Schmalz explained everything from start to finish without creating any feelings of pressure or feeling rushed. She had all of the necessary materials to make the experience casual, yet respectful and professional. I am so glad she was the one to help our loved one cross over the rainbow bridge.
