Dr. Melissa Goldberg
Verified Veterinarian
Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Like many veterinarians, this career is a calling for me. I decided upon this profession when I was only seven years old. I never wanted to do anything else, so this defined my educational path. In private practice, I have sometimes had the opportunity to provide in-home euthanasia for clients who requested it. Most of the time, though, euthanasia was done in the hospital. While it is truly one of the hardest parts of my job, I believe that providing a peaceful passing to our four-legged family members is one of the most important things that I can do. I believe that our pets are most comfortable in their own environment, surrounded by those who love them most. After all, isn't that the most that any of us could wish for? I am honored to be able to provide a modicum of peace and comfort at a very difficult time.
Education
Undergraduate: Rutgers University - 1994
Veterinary Medicine: Iowa State University - 1998 Delaware valley university 2024
- Based InGlenside, PA
- Service areasPhiladelphia, PA and surrounding cities
- Work Experience26+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs7 Cats
- Notice Required3 hours
General availability
TuesdayTimes Vary Weekly
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. Melissa Goldberg will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $350
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $49 - $174
What pet parents are saying
Dr. Melissa Goldberg came to our home to help our Kitty move on from this world peacefully. She was calm, kind and respectful while giving us plenty of time though every step. It was a really sweet touch that she reached out afterwards by text and by sending a card with condolences. Thank you Dr. Melissa Goldberg, you made a really difficult moment as painless as possible for us. -Clara & Jeff
At-Home pet euthanasia When the time came to say goodbye to my beloved English Bulldog, the thought of taking him to a clinic for his final moments was heartbreaking. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Melissa Goldberg for bringing her exceptional care and compassion directly to my home. She arrived alone, yet her presence filled the room with a profound sense of calm and understanding, making an incredibly difficult situation a little more bearable. From the moment Dr. Goldberg stepped through my door, she exuded a quiet strength and empathy. She spoke to me with genuine kindness, acknowledging my grief and offering clear, gentle explanations of the process. There was no rush; she allowed me all the time I needed to be with Hitchcock and say my goodbyes in the comfort and familiarity of his own home. What truly set Dr. Goldberg apart was her incredibly gentle approach with Hitchcock. She handled him with such tenderness, ensuring he was relaxed and comfortable in his own bed. It was clear that she possessed not only remarkable veterinary expertise but also a deep understanding of the emotional bond between pets and their families. She made sure Hitchcock's final moments were peaceful and serene, free from any stress. This gift of a tranquil farewell, delivered in the privacy of my home, brought me immense comfort during my deepest sorrow. I am incredibly thankful for Dr. Goldberg's compassionate house-call service. Her dedication to providing such a personal and dignified experience for both pets and their owners is truly extraordinary. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a veterinarian who combines professional excellence with profound empathy, especially during such a sensitive time. Ann Pearlman
Dr. Melissa is the sweetest, most compassionate person. She has definitely chosen a field in which she shines. I really felt as though she truly understood what was going on with me. I am very pleased to have selected Codapet; and am certainly better to have met Dr. Melissa.
Even though we didn’t want to say goodbye to our beloved Collins, Dr Melissa was wonderful. Collie was struggling , Dr Melissa graciously came earlier than our appointment time, explained everything she was doing, assured us it wasn’t hurting Collins but relieving her of pain- she just made the inevitable more bearable. She gave us as much time as we needed with our pooch & cried right along with us. I was thankful we decided to go with CodaPet, it was easier for Collins to be at home with all of her family surrounding her. She left us peacefully, which was a major relief after so much worrying about her. It was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. We were given more time with our Collie girl before Dr Melissa allowed our kids to get her ready to leave us. They carried her on a stretcher, where she was tucked in ever so carefully, to her car where she was treated respectfully and with love. I can’t begin to tell you how thoughtful Dr. Goldberg was through the before, during and after process.
My experience with Otis, our 16-year-old Rottweiler, and in-home pet euthanasia was one of the most compassionate and dignified ways we could have said goodbye. We live in Philly, and since we have a large dog in the city without a car, we often worried about what to do as Otis aged. As his mobility declined—needing support to urinate, struggling with bowel movements, and requiring assistance up the stairs twice a day—we knew it was time. After searching for at-home euthanasia services, we found CodaPet and Dr. Melissa Goldberg. Initially nervous about making the appointment, I scheduled it on a Thursday for that Sunday morning. Dr. Goldberg arrived right on time, and from the moment she walked in, we felt a sense of relief. G*d definitely sent her to us. She was compassionate, patient, and walked us through every step of the process. We chose to have the procedure done on our sofa, where Otis loved to sleep. We had set up sheets and pads on the chaise, making it feel like a hospital bed. When Dr. Goldberg arrived, Otis even mustered a bark to greet her. My wife and I, along with our other dog, Dani, and any of our four cats who wanted to say goodbye, were able to be there with him. Dr. Goldberg explained each step, starting with a sedative to help Otis relax, followed by Propofol to anesthetize him about five minutes later. The final medication was administered shortly after, and Otis passed peacefully in his favorite spot, surrounded by his family. We've had many pets over the years, saying goodbye in different ways—at the vet's office or with our regular vet at home—but this was, by far, the most peaceful and compassionate experience we've ever had. I cannot praise Dr. Goldberg and CodaPet enough. They provided thoughtful follow-up emails, and we even received a heartfelt sympathy card from Dr. Goldberg. She also took care of Otis’s aftercare, bringing a stretcher so I could walk him to her car. Knowing that CodaPet and veterinarians like Dr. Goldberg exist gives us great comfort for when we face this difficult decision again. Five stars all the way. We are so grateful that Otis had her gentle presence to guide him across the Rainbow Bridge—where I imagine an "Old Home Day" reunion with all his previously passed fur siblings.
Dr Goldberg was wonderful. When my dog became worse and worse throughout the day, she came to my house early and helped me through one of the most difficult hours of my life. She was kind, compassionate, and understanding.