Dr. Lauren Silvesti
Verified Veterinarian
Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
I have never had to euthanize my own pets in the hospital setting and always want my pet owners to have the same opportunity. Its truly a beautiful peaceful experience though sadness and grief are present. I have found over the years that those who have chose this option, often can move past the grieving experience easier and remember the many happier precious memories together. Being a veterinarian was never a choice but a life calling. I was rescuing injured birds and worms and yelling at my brother for hurting ants as a very young child. Then I experienced the tragic sudden loss of a childhood pet and that solidified my desire to be a veterinarian. I wanted to do all I could to keep pets well and ease the pain of the animal and people who loved them when unexpected events occur. I have never forgotten the empathy and compassion I craved and the immense heartbreak I felt when I lost my best friend so suddenly .
Education
Undergraduate: Cook College, Rutgers University - 1996
Veterinary Medicine: Iowa State University - 2000
Certifications
2Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Member, CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
- Based InAshburn, VA
- Service areasNorthern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. ...
- Work Experience20+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats, Rabbits, Small Mammals (includes ...
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
TuesdayTimes 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. Lauren Silvesti 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. CostFrom $35 - $200
Quality of life consult
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $150
What pet parents are saying
She was very kind and compassionate. I admire her being able to walk into these situations and immediately put the family at ease with her understanding and concern.
Dr. Silvesti was fantastic! We found ourselves in a dire situation and reached out via the "Urgent Request" option. Dr. Silvesti immediately responded , but then was able to be flexible and work with us on a time that allowed our family to prepare for what was about to happen. During the process she walked us through every step so we knew the what and how. And then amount of respect she showed Benson even after his passing was incredible. Cannot say enough good things about what was otherwise a situation I don't wish upon anyone!
Having to let go of our Ramsay (our french bulldog) was one of the hardest things we have had to do. He meant everything to us and we loved him with all our heart - he was a part of our family and he made our home special. Dr Silvesti understood the gravity of our loss, she was kind and understanding. I would recommend her to anyone having to let go of a beloved pet.
I recently had to say goodbye to one of my pets, and I wanted to take a moment to share my gratitude for the incredible kindness and compassion shown by Dr Silvesti. From the moment she arrived, she brought with her a calming presence. She spoke to me softly, she moved gently and she was patient - absolutely nothing was rushed. She truly gave me the time and space I needed to say goodbye - in my own time. What meant the most was how she worked around me. I didn’t want to let go of my pet during the process, and she respected that fully, allowing me to hold my pet in my arms the entire time. She explained everything and never once did I feel pressured or uncomfortable. There was no sense of guilt, no judgment — only compassion and understanding at a time when I definitely needed it. We all too often turn the pain and hurt inward, looking for fault and taking the blame, but she didn’t let me do that to myself. I know I’m not alone in the heartbreak of losing a pet, and I know my experience is not more unique or more painful than anyone else’s, but it makes such a difference when someone takes the time to truly care. Dr Silvesti did that, and I will always be grateful. I will recommend CODA to anyone facing this difficult moment because of their service and empathy during such a difficult time. Thank you Dr Silvesti! - Nancye Lewis
We found at home euthanasia was the right decision for our family - it was much more intimate than we've had in clinical office setting in the past. Dr. Silvesti graciously squeezed us in last minute that day. We were able to hold our fur baby and take our time. Dr. Silvesti took the time to listen to how our sweet baby came into our lives and wrote us the most beautiful hand written sympathy card a few weeks after. Saying goodbye to a pet, a part of your family, is the hardest, most difficult part of being a pet parent. Dr. Lauren Silvesti made this incredibly difficult experience better just by her kindness, patience, and empathetic nature throughout the whole process. We strongly recommend exploring this option when the time comes to say goodbye to your beloved pet.
Dr Lauren was so kind and knowledgeable. Highly recommend Codapet if you have the heartbreaking task of saying goodbye go a beloved pet.
