Dr. Courtney Mills

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

As a young girl, I knew two things for certain: I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and I wanted to help those who couldn’t help themselves. This guiding principle led me to veterinary medicine. Early in my career as a general practitioner in San Diego, I found myself drawn to the most vulnerable patients—those nearing the end of their lives. I began connecting deeply with families, offering a safe space to openly and honestly discuss quality of life, quality of death, grief, loss and love. When I realized that the traditional clinical setting was limiting my ability to fully support my clients and patients, I transitioned in 2020 to focus exclusively on end-of-life care. Helping families give their beloved pets the gift of a passing that is peaceful, loving and dignified has become my life’s work.

Education

Undergraduate: Cornell University - 2009

Veterinary Medicine: Cornell University - 2016