Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Making the decision to euthanize a beloved pet is never an easy decision. But it is often one of the kindest decisions we can make for them. With my own pets, I have experienced euthanasia both in a clinical setting and at home. The kindness and support provided by the veterinarians in both situations has always been incredible, but I felt that being in my own home provided a level of comfort and familiarity for both me and my pets that can’t be replicated outside the home. I am honored to be able to provide a similar experience for other families and help make their pets’ transition from this world as peaceful as possible.
Education
Undergraduate: University of Florida - 2000
Veterinary Medicine: University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine - 2005
Certifications
2Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Member, CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
- Based InChester, VA
- Service areasRichmond, VA and surrounding areas
- Work Experience20+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required3 hours
General availability
Thursday10:00 am - 4:00 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. Angela Schmillen 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. CostStarting at $50
What pet parents are saying
Dr. Schmillen, Was very professional, accommodating, suportive and helped us with our precious Carlita crossing the rainbow bridge. Very thankful she was here during that moment.
Given the situation< having to part with a much loved pet, it was as good as it could be. Dr. Angela was so supportive & calm/quiet that it helped us to try& manage to let go. My husband does not do well with grief&loss and she handled him so well. We miss our boy so much but this was absolutely the right thing to do and we appreciated her so much.
In such a time of sadness and despair Dr Schmillen was exactly perfect. From the first moment we booked the appointment with her via website she immediately replied with such a kind and helpful demeanor. She made things simple and easier for us, provided all the information we needed it and put our minds at ease about the process. She stayed in contact with us during the two days prior to Elsa’s passing and answered a few more questions we had. And when she finally arrived to our house it was all done in peace and calmness. I can’t imagine a better person to perform this service. I absolutely recommend her 100%.
Choosing to put down my beloved cat of 13 years was an incredibly painful and difficult decision, but Dr. Angela was very comforting, patient, and gentle through the whole experience. I am grateful for her support before, during, and after the event.
When the dreaded day came of my best friend, George, looking me in the eyes as if to say "mom, I can't fight this cancer anymore," I found that I didn't know where to turn. Similarly to many dogs, George did not like the vet and I wanted to offer him the opportunity to pass peacefully in his home rather than stressed at the vet's clinic. Additionally, I was unsure if I would be able to manage even getting him to the vet. After a quick google search, I found CodaPet, which happened to have same-day availability with Dr. Angela. Given that I had never used this company, nor had I heard of it, I was skeptical, but decided to give Dr. Angela a chance. Dr. Angela was amazing every step of the way! Upon scheduling the appointment, Dr. Angela reached out offering to answer any and all questions that I had, allowing me to mentally process the impending loss and the process of euthanasia, cremation, etc. She was patient, had excellent communication, was sympathetic, and caring. Dr. Angela even continued communication after the euthanasia and cremation to inform me of the arrival of George's remains at his normal vet's office and ensured I had no further needs. She even went above and beyond reaching out to the cremation company to ask them a question that I had for them. Then, after all of that, she sent my girlfriend and I a handwritten card that was touching to both of us, even remembering my girlfriend's name, which was only given verbally upon meeting. There are not enough words to truly describe the gift that she gave the three of us as she gave us a peaceful goodbye in a place that George loved so much. I am forever grateful for her kindness and to make something so heartbreaking a lot less stressful.
She was amazing! Very kind and compassionate. She made an awful decision easier. She was supportive and understanding. While it's an awful decision to make, and a difficult experience, she made it as good as it possibly could be. I can't say enough good things!
