the helpers

Mr. Rogers emphasized the need to look 'for the helpers' when things feel uncertain or scary. I'm a firm believer in ensuring that families have access to the best veterinary care services that meet their needs and that of their pets during a time that is uncertain and ever-evolving. Many pet guardians find that mobile/housecall or hybrid vet practices are a viable option.

Housecall (mobile) vet practices for any stage of life

Four Paws Veterinary Wellness: Dr. Monica Turenne, DVM

734-385-7161 (holistic, integrative & Western veterinary medicine, acupuncture, hospice/end-of-life/home euthanasia care; serving Ann Arbor)

Vet On The Run: Dr. Andrea Burkhart, DVM

734-822-7010 (general vet care, home euthanasia; serving Ann Arbor & Dexter)

Ann Arbor Mobile Vet: Dr. Annie Staebler, BVetMed, MRCVS 734-719-0555 (general vet care, home euthanasia; serving Ann Arbor)

Home Care Vet Services, PLLC: Dr. Sarahbeth Bargas, DVM

734-413-8579 (general vet care, home euthanasia; serving much of SE Michigan)

Veterinary hybrid practices offering general vet care + palliative care, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and veterinary hospice/end-of-life/euthanasia care services:

Personalized Vet Behavior & Rehab: Dr. Akshay Verdema, DVM, CCRP, CVMA 734-883-7168

(general vet care, rehabilitation (including acupuncture and laser), behavior, hospice/end-of-life/home euthanasia; serving housecall families in close proximity to their brick and mortar facility in Fenton, and Whitmore Lake, with exceptions made for established clients of Telos Companion Animal Services, LLC)

Comfort Care Vet Services: Dr. Steven Zinderman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP (248) 429-9866

(holistic, integrative and Western veterinary medicine, rehabilitation (including hydrotherapy, acupuncture and laser), hospice/end-of-life/home euthanasia care; serving housecall families in greater Ann Arbor)

veterinary housecall (mobile) palliative, hospice, end-of-life, & euthanasia care practices

Peaceful Promise Veterinary Hospice Dr. Cate Szurek, DVM, CPEV 734-494-0794, (serving Brighton, Commerce Charter Township, Fenton, Fowlerville, Green Oak, Hamburg, Hartland, Highland Charter Township, Howell, Milford, North Ann Arbor, New Hudson, Novi, Pinckney, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Whitmore Lake, Wixom)

Crossroads Veterinary Hospice: Dr. Ellen LaFramboise, DVM, CHPV, Dr. Kristin Mitchell, DVM & Dr. Kristin Kender, DVM (serving much of SE Michigan)

Lap of Love: (313) 918-1022 (limited to animal hospice, end-of-life & euthanasia care; serving greater Ann Arbor)

housecall euthanasia care-only practices

Sweet Life Veterinary Services: Dr. Kimberly Scutchfield, DVM

(734) 210-0240 (practice limited to in-home euthanasia care; serving much of SE Michigan and NW Ohio)

Pet Loss At Home: Dr. Christine Scott, DVM

(practice limited to in-home euthanasia care; serving the greater Ann Arbor area)

Peaceful Pet Home Euthanasia: Dr. Lori Themel, DVM, CHPV

(practice limited to in-home euthanasia care; serving the following counties: Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee and Livingston)

Humane Society of Huron Valley: (734) 662-4365

(in-home euthanasia care; serving greater Ann Arbor)

aftercare options

Just as families navigate their pet's final weeks, their end-of-life, and death that's in line with their wishes, values and beliefs, their pet's aftercare is deserving of the same thoughtfulness and intention. My recommendations, seen below, are carefully curated.

Flame cremation

Faithful Companion: Troy, MI (248) 435-7500

Aquamation (water cremation)

Nature's Way Pet Aquamation: Lansing. MI (517) 617-8654