At Home Pet Euthanasia in Northern Jersey

Dr. Sandra: Compassionate In Home Veterinarian

Experienced empathetic care tailored to your family’s needs during this difficult farewell, ensuring a peaceful transition for your beloved companion, serving the North Jersey area.

Our Story

A Commitment to Compassionate Pet Care

Ever since I can remember I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. This desire was further encouraged by my parents who allowed me to have a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, snakes, birds, ferrets, lizards, fish, and even a tortoise while growing up! This dream was realized when I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and Criminal Justice from Rutgers University, and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health concurrently from the University of Florida in 2012. Following graduation I pursued a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital. In 2014 I first started offering veterinary end-of-life care on a part-time basis. It didn’t take long to realize this is what I was destined to do and that there was such an incredible demand for these services. In 2016 I left my full-time job to be more available to the families seeking end-of-life care in the home.

One aspect of veterinary medicine that I love to witness is the strength of the human-animal bond. When I was 2 years old a kitten literally walked into the house while my mother was standing at the door. Ultimately my family decided she could stay and Tina was welcomed into our home. I’ll never forget my parents calling me at Rutgers, 19 years later, and telling me that Tina was not doing well. I went home to spend some of her last days together. The pain of losing Tina was immense, but the memories we shared I’ll never forget. It is this love I have for my first kitty that made me truly understand the strength of the human-animal bond. This was only further reinforced by the bonds I shared with my first pets as an adult, Lulu and Max, two beautiful kitties. They were with me through my early adult life, from shortly after college, to veterinary school, my first job as a veterinarian, marriage, first home, my children, and the humble beginnings of TLC In Home Vet. When I lost Lulu in November 2020 and then Max just 3 months later in February 2021, I learned more about grief, than I could have ever imagined. But my experience with the loss of a pet, especially as a veterinarian who provides end-of-life care, gave me tremendous insight as to what the families I help are going through. And while I would give anything to have them still with me, I will honor their lives by using my experience with loss to better empathize and support other families during their time of loss.

I have witnessed time and again families looking to do everything they can for their beloved pet. Unfortunately and inevitably there comes a time where there is little or nothing that can be done to fix or cure their friend. Although this is a difficult experience for owners and tough decisions need to be made, I believe humane euthanasia is one of the greatest blessings veterinary medicine has to offer, and can be a relieving option when a pet’s quality of life is no longer acceptable.

As the founder of TLC In Home Vet, I strive to make difficult times like these as peaceful, stress-free, and comfortable as possible for both the pet and their family. I truly love witnessing the bond that families share with their pets.

I love hearing the stories about how the pet came into their life and how they got their name. The memories people share during our appointments are beautiful, heartwarming, inspiring, and sometimes even shocking or funny. More than once I have heard the story of a pet saving a family members life, alerting them to a fire or obsessively pawing their owner leading to a life-saving early cancer diagnosis. So often people comment that I have a “hard job” and no doubt it can be, but hearing the pets story and their families memories, bringing peace to a pet who is struggling, and helping their family through, what many might say is one of the most difficult days of their life, is so much more than a “hard job”, it’s an honor, a privilege, and a calling. It’s something I am passionate about and feel truly blessed to be able to provide.

I grew up in and still reside in Essex county New Jersey with my wonderful and supportive husband, my adorable son, my beautiful daughter, my scruffy (oh so cute) terrier mix James, my stunning kitty Meika, and my handsome, purr-monster, Olaf. In my rare free time I can usually be found entertaining my children, cuddling with my kitties (not the dog, he’s not a cuddler much to my dismay), walking my pup, spending time with my family and friends, gardening, exercising or doing anything outdoors, especially if it involves water and/or mountains.

Owner / Operator, TLC In Home Vet

The Fun Facts

Dedicated to Providing Exceptional Pet Services

I’m genuinely passionate about supporting families during one of life’s most challenging experiences. While I often find moments of beauty and comfort in appointments, I can’t deny that it’s emotionally demanding at times. Outside of work, I find joy and rejuvenation in various activities. Here are a few fun facts about me:

I'm happiest surrounded by water and mountains.
I’ve coached T-ball and soccer.
My dog is named after a singer, while my cats are named after movie characters.
I enjoy spending time in my garden.
Hockey is my favorite sport – Let’s Go Devils!

Stories of Comfort and Support from Our Clients

Reviews for End-of-Life Pet Care

Dr Sandra was an angel to work with. She was incredibly compassionate, gentle, calm, and reassuring. We unfortunately had to say goodbye to our Ginger (14 y.o Yorkie) and the most dreaded time of our lives were accompanied by someone who understood the hurt. While I don't want any fur parent to go through this, during the inevitable Dr Sandra is who you want there.
~ Gizem Kem

I was compelled to write this review after the phenomenal experience we just had during the most difficult time in a pet owners life. The decision to put your fur baby to sleep is the hardest decision ever but Sandra made it so much better. She is kind, compassionate, caring, professional and knowledgeable. She walked us through everything, gave us time to mourn and treated our baby kitty like she was her own. My family is so thankful to you Dr. Simko, you are an angel.

Dr. Sandra is amazing. I will recommend her and her team to everyone. We had to help our beloved family dog, Lefty, cross the rainbow bridge. Being able to have such a sweet Doctor come to our home, talk the family through the process and make sure he as well as us were comfortable, was special. He went in peace and with care. You can truly see her love for animals and we cannot thank her enough for her care and offering this in-home service.

It has been a year since I trusted Dr. Sandra with in home euthanasia and not a day goes by that I don't find myself grateful to have had her lead my 16 year old Lucky boy to peace. She brought compassion and a sense of calm to an otherwise painful moment. Nothing about making the decision was easy, but she made his final moments peaceful and beautiful for him and all of us.

The hardest day of a pet parents life can be made a bit lighter and brighter by having Dr Sandra by your side. She is patient, loving, & kind through out the whole process. Family & Friends were around for the final moments, and you would have thought Dr Sandra was apart of our loved ones. Anyone who needs to make this tough decision deserves to have Dr Sandra by your pets, and your own side.

Dr. Sandra brought peace, reassurance, and comfort on a day that all pet owners fear. My beloved Great Pyrenees, Samson, showed none of his typical aloofness and skittishness with Dr. Sandra. She immediately put him at ease and he remained calm and peaceful the entire time. I’m grateful that my final memories of my sweet boy are so serene - just as they should be for our selfless, precious animals and the devoted owners who are blessed to have shared their hearts and homes with them.

Dr. Sandra Simko make our dog's passing more bearable than I could ever imagine. She is so compassionate and patient. Our dog did not welcome strangers, but when she sat beside him, he calmly looked up at her like he knew she was here to comfort him. She explained every step and gave us time to be ready. His passing was so perfectly peaceful. He was comfortable until his last moment, and it eased our pain tremendously. I highly recommend this doctor for her expertise and tremendous heart, and the compassion and respect from all of her staff was remarkable.