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 Experience33+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Wednesday10:00 am - 6:30 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 $329
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
I couldn’t have asked for a better solution to my dog’s end of life than the service that Dr. Schmalz performed. My dog was calm and comfortable throughout the procedure which made the experience so peaceful. I couldn’t have been more satisfied with how this went.
Dr. Lori helped us through a very hard time. She made a very difficult time tolerable. Dr. Lori followed up to make sure we were doing ok through all of this.
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.
Dr. Lori came to our house yesterday to help us say goodbye to our kitty. She seemed to have all the time in the world for us. She had the skills to handle our feisty cat and stayed very calm and kind. She recommended that we let our dog come and see the cat before she took her away, so he would understand why she was gone. She asked my daughter, who is 17, if she wanted the cat on her lap for the last part, and my daughter was thankful for that. Thank you, Dr. Lori.
Losing my buddy Bexley was the second hardest thing in my life (second to losing my brother, a close second). He meant so much to me. We've been through so much together! He was a Colorado born dog but had traveled with me from coast to coast (multiple times). I was super fortunate in that we were together almost 24/7 since COVID. When I had to go into the office, my boss let him come too. He made the office brighter. Clients loved it! I've worked from home the past three years making our close bond even closer. Dr. Schmalz was extremely kind, professional, efficient, thorough and COMPASSIONATE! She made sure any questions I had were answered. She treated him with so much respect and dignity. Even though he traveled thousands of miles in cars, he never liked riding in the car. I cannot imagine driving him to the vet for this process! How that would have made him feel. Because of Dr. Schmalz, he was able to be relaxed at home on his pile of favorite blankets! This meant the world to me; ensuring he could be as comfortable as possible. Thank you Dr. Schmalz!
It takes a special kind of person to be able to offer the kind of service Dr. Lori does. She showed immense compassion and allowed us all the time we needed with our little guy. Being at home provided a more peaceful transition for him as he was not stressed. I can't recommend Dr. Lori enough.
