With veterinarian offices across the nation stretched thin in the midst of surging pandemic pet ownership, in-home pet hospice companies have stepped in to help families say goodbye to dying pets in the familiarity and comfort of their own homes.
Lap of Love is a network of 500 veterinarians providing in-home hospice care for animals. Services offered include in-home euthanasia, cremation, virtual consultations and pet loss support. The company was established in 2009 by Florida veterinarian Dr. Dani McVety and continues to grow along the East Coast.
Bath resident Sandy Ryder said Lap of Love was the best way to let her 10-year-old English bulldog, Poncho, “go out on his terms.”
Poncho the English bulldog of Bath, smiling for the camera. Poncho crossed the rainbow bridge on Oct. 3. Photo contributed by Sandy Ryder
After a cancer diagnosis, several visits to the vet, an oncologist and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Ryder said her pup wasn’t improving and she knew it was time to say goodbye.
She said her vet in Bath was worried they wouldn’t be able to get Poncho in for care in the event of an emergency due to the office’s packed schedule. The vet passed Ryder a pamphlet for Lap of Love.
“It was not an easy decision, but I was glad I was able to do it when we were ready to do it. Poncho was telling me he was ready,” Ryder said. “Dogs have their tells. He would look at me with his eyes and say, ‘Mama, I just don’t feel good anymore.’ I’m glad I didn’t have to wait until he was suffering.”
Although the process was emotional, Ryder said Lap of Love made it easier for her and Poncho.
“Dr. Jason is absolutely wonderful, let me just tell you,” she said. “He came in, and his whole demeanor and his personality, it is just nothing but, ‘I’m here for you. I know what you’re going through.’ You can’t get that in a vet’s office. It’s just not the same. The dog is comfortable and at peace.”
With an overall positive experience, she said the hospice service went above and beyond by calling Poncho’s general vet and oncologist to let them know he had passed away.
Dr. Jason Doll brought his Lap of Love practice to Maine in July to help pets pass away in the comfort of their own homes.
Dr. Jason Doll holding his pet rabbit Buckbeak. Photo contributed by Dr. Jason Doll
“We wanted to create a space and movement where vets are able to come into the homes during one of the most difficult decisions anyone has to make on behalf of their family member,” Doll said.
Topsham veterinarian Dr. Amy Ruksznis said her office has seen a 30% increase in clients over the past two years. With 3,000 patients to care for and only two vets, she said in-home visits aren’t an option.
She said patients at Topsham Veterinary Wellness Center are referred to an in-home vet service called Vet at Your Door.
In addition to offering grief support, Lap of Love offers memorial pages for pet owners to post photos and messages to remember their loved ones.
Ryder said she has found catharsis by posting on Poncho’s page every Monday since his passing.
For more information, visit lapoflove.com.
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