Saying goodbye to a family pet is one of the heaviest decisions we make. For families in Wellington, the option of handling this difficult moment at home offers a level of peace that a clinical setting simply cannot match. Instead of a stressful drive and a sterile exam room, your pet can remain in their favorite spot, whether that's a sunbeam on the living room rug or resting on the patio overlooking the backyard.
We understand the unique lifestyle here in Wellington and Western Palm Beach County. Many of our clients live on large properties or in the equestrian community, where animals are deeply integrated into daily life. Dr. Katie Matzke is experienced in navigating these spacious estates and acreages to ensure the process is handled with the utmost privacy and respect. We are not a large corporate chain; we are local neighbors dedicated to helping Wellington families find closure in the most gentle way possible.
Choosing to say goodbye at home changes the memory of your pet's final moments from one of anxiety to one of love.
Pets are most relaxed in their own environment. By staying at home, they are surrounded by the scents, sounds, and people they love. This is especially important for pets with mobility issues, where being lifted into a car causes unnecessary pain.
In a clinic, space is often limited, and the environment can feel rushed. At home, you set the pace. Children, family members, and even other household pets can be present to say their goodbyes. Allowing other pets to sniff and see their friend after they have passed helps them understand where their companion has gone, often reducing their own grieving process.
For an ailing pet, a car ride can be terrifying and physically uncomfortable. Avoiding the veterinary clinic means avoiding the stress of barking dogs, slippery floors, and the anxiety of a medical setting. Your pet's last moments should be spent in your arms, not on a metal table.
We believe that knowing exactly what will happen removes some of the fear from this process. Appointments typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, ensuring nothing feels rushed.
Not sure if it's the right time? Call (561) 295-7979 for a compassionate quality-of-life discussion.
We offer two respectful options for your pet's aftercare, handled by trusted local partners.
This is the choice for families who wish to have their pet returned to them. Your pet is cremated alone, ensuring the ashes you receive are exclusively theirs. The ashes are returned to you in a beautiful keepsake urn, usually within a week.
Book NowFor families who do not wish to have ashes returned, communal cremation is a dignified and more affordable option. Pets are cremated together, and their ashes are spread respectfully by the crematory.
Book NowWe are proud to serve the entire Wellington area. From the bustling neighborhoods near The Mall at Wellington Green to the quiet, expansive farms in the equestrian preserve, we come to you.
Our service area includes:
If you reside on a large property or horse farm, please let us know when scheduling so we can ensure smooth access and parking for Dr. Matzke.
Dr. Matzke provides compassionate in-home pet euthanasia throughout the region.
Dr. Katie Matzke was born and raised in Jupiter, Florida. She attended the University of Florida for both undergraduate and veterinary school, graduating from the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. Katie founded Rover Veterinary Care in 2020 after seeing firsthand the need in the community for in-home euthanasia services. In 2023, she moved her family back to her hometown of Jupiter and expanded Rover Veterinary Care to South Florida.
With a 5-star rating and 98+ reviews on Google, she is trusted by the community for her gentle touch and professional demeanor. Dr. Matzke understands that our pets are family. Her goal is to ensure that your final memory of your pet is one of peace and dignity, honoring the bond you shared.
You do not have to make this difficult journey alone. If you have questions about the process, pricing, or your pet's condition, please reach out. We are here to listen and help you make the best choice for your pet.
