Vet Serves in Denver, CO

Dr. Lori Schmalz

Verified Veterinarian

57 reviews

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

3

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)Human-Animal Bond CertifiedFear Free Certified
  • Based InLittleton, CO
  • Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
  • Work Experience33+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Friday10:00 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 $349

Pet cremation

Dr. Lori Schmalz will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $149 - $499

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $18 - $265

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.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 17 2025 by Nunya M
Review by Nunya M
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Making the decision that my beautiful dog, my best friend and companion through good and bad, needed to be euthanized was one of the most difficult of my life. Finding CodaPet and particularly Dr Lori Schmalz for in-home euthanasia, was a relief for both me and my dog. Dr Lori is so compassionate, reassuring and sweet that Scooby's passing was gentle slide from pain and distress to calm comfort. I will recommend her to anyone facing this decision for their pet. CodaPet's online scheduling is simple and takes just a few minutes. I even had to change the appointment because in the middle of the night Scooby began to breathe shallowly and he became suddenly much worse. At 3am I was able to change my appointment to the first one available. Thank you so much Dr Lori.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 26 2025 by Mary Padial
Review by Mary Padial
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

What am incredibly difficult decision it is lead your baby to the Rainbow Bridge. My Chloe had turned 14 on Valentine's Day, and although she'd been slowing down for over a year, the beginning of March proved that she was getting markedly worse. After researching home euthanasia services I decided on CodaPet. I was able to schedule the date and time on line which was simple but anything but easy. Dr Lori arrived at the appointed time and was very understanding and respectful. She answered all of our questions and honored all of our wishes. She was gentle and caring and treated our Chloe with the utmost respect. I would absolutely recommend Dr Lori and CodaPet for anyone having to go through this gut wrenching part of being a dog parent.😭

codapet review
5.0
Mar 13 2025 by Gretchen Trefz (GEEmoney)
Review by Gretchen Trefz (GEEmoney)
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Schmalz is calm and patient in all that she does. She's gentle and helps answer any questions every step of the way. My dog greeted her with curiosity and Dr. Schmalz just let Bella sniff and explore until she was comfortable. My dog selected her special place for her last moments, and Dr. Schmalz accommodated that without question. It was important to me that my other dog be present and that worked out well. We never felt rushed in any way.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 20 2026 by Sally M.
Review by Sally M.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Lori made, what is undoubtedly one of the most painful experiences - in home pet euthanasia - as comfortable as can be. She was so warm, caring, and understanding of what emotions our whole family was going through. She helped us as we were struggling with that question that I’m sure many people experience. Are we making the right decision and is it the right time? She gave us so much reassurance. She was also so loving towards our sweet Max, who didn’t understand what was going on. It felt like she had known him a long time. She was gentle and yet professional and helped him pass peacefully. She gave us all as much time as we needed afterwards and cared for him like he was her own dog. Can’t say enough of how appreciative we are towards Dr. Lori.

codapet review
5.0
May 12 2025 by Susan Pash-Lohr
Review by Susan Pash-Lohr
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 22 2025 by Krista F.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz