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
SaturdayTimes 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 $0
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. Cost
What pet parents are saying
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 to us on one of the most difficult day in our lives. She was compassionate, caring, and gave us all the time we needed to ensure we gave our lovely boy, Iago, the dignity and passing he deserved after 17+ years with our family. I cant recommend her enough to anyone who has to make this heartbreaking decision. He was fortunately having a good day on his last with us, and Dr. Goldberg offered an extra step in the process to make sure he was as comfortable as he could possibly be, and that also caused us the least distress possible (which is saying a lot). we are so glad we chose to go with Coda Pet and Dr. Goldberg, she was a godsend for us on what was otherwise a incredibly difficult day for our entire family. She helped us give our loved pet the dignity he deserved, and we are relieved he is no longer in pain. She sent the most heartfelt hand written note to us a few days after and it was so wonderful to read what she wrote. I canot recommend her enough.
Dr. Goldberg was amazing. Made me feel like i made the right choice for my girl. She recognized the urgency of the situation and made sure to move quickly so Mable did not have to suffer anymore than she already had. The in home service was amazing, stress free for both Mable and myself I appreciate everything Dr Goldberg did and would recommend her to anyone going through this situation with a pet.
Dr. Goldberg was fantastic. We couldn't have asked for a better experience for our girl. No one wants to reach the day where euthanasia services are needed, but having arrived, the process was as peaceful as it could have possibly been. Our senior girl got all the treats and pets and love, she didn't even notice the injection of the sedative, and then she just went to sleep. It was a rough day for us, but as peaceful as could be for her. Dr. Goldberg was professional, kind, caring, offered additional comfort services we didn't require, and once everything was finished she quietly let herself out. She even sent us a very sweet card in the mail afterwards. Highly recommend her service for anyone in need.
It was obvious from the beginning that Melissa was a caring and compassionate person. We knew it was going to be a sad, hard day to experience; but from the moment Dr. Goldberg arrived, she made us all comfortable, including Dark Vader. She made letting go of my cat of more than 16 years a bit easier. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs to say goodbye to their pet in a gentle, caring way.
Dr Goldberg was caring and kind. She was sweet to Coz and asked us questions about his life with us. We never felt like just a client. Letting your very best friend is the most difficult thing and Dr Goldberg was sensitive to that. She reassured us we were doing the right thing after examining him. She took things slow giving us time with him throughout the process, but at the same time moving things along appropriately as not to make it any more agonizing. After that day, she kept in touch letting us know where in the cremation process our boy was. We were able to pick up his remains the moment they came available to Dr. Goldberg. She truly understands how hard it is to say goodbye to a beloved pet. She is a very compassionate vet and we truly appreciated her kindness on such an awful day.
