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Why choose a locally owned practice?
Because the families we serve are our neighbors. We are not part of a national corporation or franchise. The people you speak with are the same people caring for your pet. We are a small, local team deeply invested in our Upstate South Carolina community. As of mid-2026, we have given memorial donations of over $30,000 to animal rescues in the Upstate and to help fund veterinary research!
Why does having two team members matter?
A peaceful goodbye takes more than medicine. Having two experienced team members allows one of us to focus fully on your pet’s comfort and medical care while the other supports your family, helps with keepsakes, and quietly manages the details. Nothing needs to feel rushed or divided.
Why is veterinary hospice & palliative care (CHPV) certification meaningful?
Unfortunately veterinary end-of-life care is a topic that is not covered well at many veterinary schools. CHPV certification represents a year or more of post-doctoral advanced training: it means Dr. Alissa has pursued specialized education in comfort, quality of life, communication, and end-of-life care.
Families and pets deserve dedication and expertise as well as compassion.
Why don’t all veterinarians receive extensive end-of-life training?
Veterinary school prepares us to diagnose, treat, and save lives, but relatively little time is devoted to the complexities of dying, grief, hospice care, and creating a peaceful euthanasia experience. This is why additional end-of-life training and experience can make such a meaningful difference.
Why choose aquamation?
Aquamation is a gentle, water-based form of aftercare that uses water flow and alkalinity rather than flame. For us, it is a natural extension of the same philosophy that guides our euthanasia care: gentleness, dignity, and respect at every step as well as using environmentally-responsible technology to help keep the Upstate beautiful.
One of families biggest concerns with cremation is if they get their pet back, and how their pet is cared for once they leave the home. Offering our own cremation care means your pet stays with the same small compassionate team for all of their end-of-life care, rather than being handed off to a large flame crematorium receiving hundreds of pets every week.
What makes your appointments different?
Our goal is not simply to perform a euthanasia. It is to help create the gentlest goodbye possible. From including keepsakes to ongoing support, including complimentary pet loss grief group meetings, we do everything we can to make this heartbreaking time a little less difficult.
