Dr. Katie

The Hospice Vet offers in-home euthanasia

for pets in Northeast Florida

SERVICES

In Home Euthanasia $375

We will provide a peaceful passing for your pet in the comfort of your home. This includes all medications needed, a clay paw print impression and a shaving of fur for keepsake. Please don't hesitate to ask for any other requests. We are happy to accommodate as best we can.

Aftercare Options - Cremation

Private Cremation

Pets up to 40 pounds: $325
Pets 41 to 99 pounds: $350
Pets 100 pounds and over: $375

This option includes a wooden urn with custom engraving of your choice. Private cremation is performed by local crematory, Crevasse's Pet Cremation, and your pets cremains can be picked up directly at the crematory, or we can arrange delivery back to your regular veterinarian's office.

Communal Cremation

Pets up to 40 pounds: $225
Pets 41 to 99 pounds: $250
Pets 100 pounds and over: $275

This option is for families who do not prefer a home burial, but need their pet to be cremated and do not wish to have cremains returned.

Quality of Life Consultation $375

When you are not sure the time has come for euthanasia, the doctor can come to your home for a quality of life consultation. The doctor will perform a physical examination of your pet and complete assessment of quality of life in the home, as well as guidance for future care. If the time is right, the doctor can proceed with euthanasia. If not, the doctor will make a plan for comfort care and an end of life plan customized to your pets needs.

please note a consultation visit is not required prior to an in-home euthanasia visit

Service Area

Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas

Regularly servicing Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and parts of Nassau County. Please check with our team for possible drive fees.

Appointment Request

For questions and more information,

please call or text us at (904) 521-3440

*can receive texts 7 days a week*

OUR TEAM

Owner & Veterinarian

Dr. Katie Stender is a graduate of the University of Florida, for both her undergraduate studies, and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, she worked in general practice, as well as providing in-home euthanasia. It quickly became clear what her calling was, and she started exclusively practicing in-home end of life care. For years she has proudly served Jacksonville and the surrounding community, helping thousands of families all over northeast Florida. After the birth of her second son, Dr. Katie knew it was time to start her own practice and specialize in her true passion.

Dr. Katie loves spending time with her family. Her favorite day would be a day doing anything with her husband and sons. She has two senior cats, and a rescue hound dog (who is very naughty!) and understands the challenges of caring for senior pets. She loves doing house projects, hiking adventures in the mountains, trying new restaurants, sailing, and watching a good TV show.

Dr. Katie is so grateful to be able to continue the work she loves, sharing what she believes to be the most sacred space, as a family parts with their pet, in the comfort of their home. It is with great care that she performs this service for our pets and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Dr. Melissa Sheppard is a proud graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she spent several years in general practice in North Carolina. She and her family felt called back to their roots of north Florida, and has felt so lucky to be a part of what Dr. Katie has built in the veterinary community.

A message from Dr. Melissa: During my time in general practice in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina, I felt incredibly fortunate to help guide many clients and friends through one of the most difficult decisions pet owners often times have to make. The ability to assist in a dignified and compassionate “goodbye,” in a comfortable and safe space, is a privilege I acknowledge daily as a veterinarian.

I have loved animals since I was a little girl, and when I’m not working, I take great pride in my own furry and feathered family at home. I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband, 3 rescue dogs, my one spoiled “queen of the house” cat,

and many beautiful chickens. I love anything outdoors

and catching sunrises whenever possible.

Dr. Melissa

Veterinarian

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Dr. Autumn

Veterinarian

Dr. Autumn Cummins received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies and University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. After graduation, she moved to Jacksonville, where she has been caring for pets and their families in general practice for eight years. Though honored to help families in a clinic, she felt she was meant to do more. After meeting Dr. Katie, her purpose was clear and she is so grateful to be able to support families during their most difficult times.

A message from Dr. Autumn: When I was in high school, my family dog, Star, started to decline and my family had to make a decision. At that point in my life, it was the saddest and most difficult thing I had experienced. Star’s vet came to our house and made her transition so special for our family and I will never forget how at peace she made me feel when I was heartbroken. It was in that very moment, that I knew I wanted to help families and their pets, just as Star’s vet had helped us. I am so grateful for the endless love that Star, Buttons, and all of our pets give to us.

Dr. Autumn lives with her husband, a spoiled senior kitty named Buttons (who she is obsessed with!), and several fish. She loves cuddle time with Buttons, the beach, doing craft projects, going to movies with friends and family, and staying in for game night.

Gabrielle Harsey is a graduate of the Florida State College at Jacksonville. Over the last decade of her professional experience, she gained an expansive knowledge in customer service, management, and client communications.

Gabrielle is a Florida native. Growing up, she always had a deep connection to animals. Her childhood home's backyard became a burial place for departed strays and wildlife, as she found purpose in giving them a dignified eternal rest.

When Gabrielle met Dr. Katie and learned about the service she provides, it felt like what she could only describe as "an awakening of that calling to be a guide through the animal end of life care process". She finds it to be a true honor supporting local families during such a difficult and sacred time.

In her personal time, Gabrielle enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, going to concerts, creative projects, and spending quality time with friends, family, and her two cats - Franklin and Milson.

Gaby

Practice Manager

I am often asked, “How do you do this everyday?” And my most sincere and candid response is, “How could I not?” After my first home visit with a family, I knew this kind of work was what I was meant to do as a veterinarian. She was a yellow Labrador, who couldn’t get up anymore. It was a scenario I was all too familiar with, as I had grown up with labs and had to say goodbye to my Daisy just 3 years prior. The time I was able to spend with my first family at their home was unforgettable. We smiled about the bad puppy stories, and they proudly told me all the things she ate on her last day. I felt as though I had become part of their family. Lots of tears were shed, and I remembered the sadness I had felt saying goodbye to my own yellow lab, but it was different for me this time. I saw the relief I was able to provide to their sweet old girl, comfortable at home in her bed. I wanted to do this for everybody’s pet. Over a decade later, and with immense amounts of gratitude to the thousands of families I have shared couches, and floors, closets and beds, front yards and back yards with - I will continue to help as many as I can. How could I not?