Dog and cat cuddling by window.

In-Home Compassionate Euthanasia

"Home" is more than a place; it is where the heart is.

Making the decision to euthanize a pet is one of the most difficult decisions a family may ever be faced with. We are here to help navigate you through this difficult chapter.

Uncertainty and mixed feelings are common. Very often, the "time" will never feel right. We are here to discuss quality of life, provide guidance, and offer compassionate and peaceful euthanasia services in the comfort of your home.

Home may also be your pet's favorite location, such as a park, the beach, or even the car. We feel every pet deserves to feel comfortable and at ease and that their last moments should be surrounded by their people and in the place they most love.

If you feel your pet's quality of life has become difficult and you would like to discuss euthanasia or hospice consultation options, please contact us.

Request a Home Visit

Your In-Home Euthanasia Visit Includes:

"It is always my goal to help my patients pass peacefully in their sleep, free of any pain or anxiety."

Melanie Cohen, DVM

  • Quality-of-life consultation
  • Pain and anti-anxiety medication to allow your pet to fall into a comfortable sleep
  • Peaceful euthanasia
  • Clay paw impression and/or noseprint
  • Lock of hair, if desired
  • Coordination and transport for cremation, if needed
Angel Pets

Home Can Be...

Wherever your pet feels most at ease, whether it is their favorite bed or yours, the beach, a favorite park, or under a special tree. Our goal is to come to you, and we strive to be there when you need us.

The Definition of Home

Be it ever so humble, it's more than just a place. It's also an idea—one where the heart is...

Find Out More

In-Home Hospice Services

Veterinary hospice is a specialized type of care for pets facing a life-limiting illness, their families, and their caregivers.

Hospice care addresses the patient's physical, social, and dietary needs, as well as provides much-needed support to our patients' families and caregivers.

  • Personalized care and action plans in the comfort of your home
  • Personalized quality-of-life assessments and aid in the recognition of subtle to major signs of pain and impending distress
  • Disease-specific education
  • Pain management—pharmaceutical and integrative options
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Fluid therapy instruction
  • Minor wound care and prevention

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Please contact us if you feel your pet may be a candidate for hospice care, or scroll down for further information.

Contact Us

"We believe in the importance of quality of life over quantity. We believe that the treatment should never be worse than the disease. We believe in minimizing stress and pain and that their last days should not be their worst........."

Dr. Mel

Appointment Request Form

Northern Virginia Services & Fees

Angel Pets began serving Northern Virginia families on May 1, 2026, providing compassionate in-home hospice and euthanasia care throughout the region.

In-Home Euthanasia — $485

Our in-home euthanasia appointment includes a quality-of-life evaluation, appropriate comfort-care medication to allow your pet to fall asleep peacefully, and compassionate euthanasia once your pet is asleep. A paw print impression is included at no additional cost, and a lock of fur is available upon request.

In-Home Hospice Consultation — $525

A thorough quality-of-life evaluation, discussion of your pet's disease and prognosis, review of signs and symptoms to watch for, evaluation for pain and anxiety, and a treatment plan designed around your family's needs. Appropriate medications and dietary plans may also be prescribed.

Follow-Up Consultation With Therapy — $300

A typical 60-minute in-person consultation to review your pet's progress and adjust treatment plans or medications as needed.

Telehealth Appointment — $250

A virtual appointment with one of our doctors for questions and concerns that do not require a physical examination. Your pet's medical history and veterinary records are reviewed ahead of the appointment so your time can be focused on your specific concerns. Medications cannot be prescribed without an in-person examination within the previous six months.

Additional fees may apply for extended travel, holidays, after-hours or urgent appointment requests, and other special circumstances.

Aftercare & Cremation Options in Northern Virginia

When the time comes, you do not have to navigate aftercare arrangements alone. If you choose cremation, Angel Pets can coordinate transportation of your pet to In Memoriam Pet Services in Chantilly, a trusted local pet funeral home partner.

Private Cremation

Your pet is cremated privately at In Memoriam Pet Services, which offers compassionate pet cremation and memorial services. The standard urn is a gorgeous wooden urn with cherry blossom carvings. You will be given the option to select a different or custom urn of your choosing or additional meaningful memorial items directly through their family-friendly portal.

  • 1–20 lbs: $260
  • 21–60 lbs: $340
  • 61–99 lbs: $380
  • 100–149 lbs: $500
  • 150+ lbs: Please call for a quote

Communal Cremation

Communal cremation is available for families who do not wish to have individual ashes returned.

  • 1–20 lbs: $200
  • 21–60 lbs: $220
  • 61–99 lbs: $250
  • 100–149 lbs: $390
  • 150+ lbs: Please contact us for a quote

With communal cremation, pets are cremated alongside other cherished animal companions, and individual ashes are not returned. The remains are respectfully scattered on private property in a memorial garden.

If aftercare is selected, your veterinarian will bring a stretcher or small basket with plush blankets to safely and respectfully transport your pet to the funeral home. You do not need to make your aftercare decision before the appointment; our team can discuss the available options with you.

Important: Most urns are ready for pickup at In Memoriam Pet Services in Chantilly within approximately 10–14 days. In Memoriam, where your pet’s cremation takes place, will notify you directly when your pet’s urn is ready. Families may pick up the urn from In Memoriam, or hand delivery may be arranged with a member of the Angel Pets team.

Angel Pets

Northern Virginia Communities We Serve

Angel Pets is honored to serve families throughout Northern Virginia, including:

  • Alexandria

  • Fairfax

  • Falls Church

  • Portions of Loudoun County

  • Manassas

  • Arlington County

  • Fairfax County

  • Portions of Prince William County

Service availability may vary by location, and some areas may require additional notice to allow our team to provide the best possible support and care.

Meet Our Northern Virginia Veterinary Team

Our Northern Virginia team brings experience in veterinary medicine, hospice, palliative care, and compassionate end-of-life support. Families in NoVA can receive care from veterinarians who understand the importance of comfort, dignity, and thoughtful guidance during this difficult time.

Dr. Melanie Cohen

Dr. Melanie Cohen, DVM

Founder & Owner

For Dr. Melanie Cohen, helping pets and their families navigate the end of life is both a professional calling and a personal commitment. As the founder and owner of Angel Pets, she is dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary hospice and end-of-life care in the comfort and familiarity of home.

Dr. Cohen earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida and has devoted her career to caring for pets with complex, chronic, terminal, and age-related conditions. Through years of veterinary experience, she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of comfort, dignity, and quality of life—not simply extending a pet’s life, but making the time they have together as meaningful and peaceful as possible.

Her approach to hospice and end-of-life care is centered on listening to families, understanding each pet’s individual needs, and providing clear, compassionate guidance through difficult decisions. She believes families deserve the time, information, and support they need to make choices that feel right for their pets.

Through Angel Pets Northern Virginia, Dr. Cohen is honored to extend this same compassionate approach to families throughout the region. Whether a family is seeking guidance about quality of life, exploring hospice care, or preparing for a peaceful goodbye at home, she strives to make every experience as comfortable, personal, and supported as possible.

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Dr. Trish Hessel

Dr. Trish Hessel

I was born in Deadwood, South Dakota. Growing up, my family moved frequently because of my dad’s job with the Department of Agriculture. We lived in Colorado, Louisiana, Virginia, and Alaska. 

My love of animals started at a very early age with a senior Labrador named Peggy.

I took a non-traditional path to veterinary school. I graduated from Iowa State University, where I played Division I basketball. I met my husband, Brad, through collegiate athletics while at Iowa State. I earned my Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. During law school, my husband and I adopted a dog with a multitude of health issues, which sparked my interest in veterinary medicine. After law school, we moved to Houston, Texas, so that Brad could work with the Space Shuttle program.

After working for about 10 years in the legal industry, I attended veterinary school at Texas A&M University, where I obtained my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. While I was in general practice, I loved working with families to keep their senior dogs and cats comfortable. I obtained my Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care Certification in 2022. At this time, I began working in veterinary hospice and palliative medicine, where I found my true calling. I am currently working on finishing my certification in Veterinary Acupuncture from Chi University. I am excited to combine Eastern and Western medicine for my patients!

Over the years, my husband and I have said goodbye to many four-legged family members. Being able to have them pass in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their loved ones, is one of the last best gifts we can give them. I am honored to continue this work with Angel Pets NOVA!

In my free time, I coach Special Olympics and volunteer with my church. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our nieces and nephews. My husband and I share our home with a Great Dane, Giant Panda, a Chihuahua mix, Bug, and three cats: Tiggey, Spikey, and Butterball.

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Dr. Margaret Baird

Dr. Margaret Baird

Dr. Margaret Baird earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Before joining Merrifield Animal Hospital in 2017, she practiced in both Scotland and at a busy small animal hospital in Stafford County, Virginia. 

A proud New England native, she is also a graduate of the University of Connecticut (Go Huskies!).

Throughout her career, Dr. Baird has developed a special passion for supporting pets and the people who love them during every stage of life. In addition to providing comprehensive primary care, she has been honored to offer compassionate in-home hospice and end-of-life care to families throughout Northern Virginia for several years. Her calm, thoughtful approach helps families navigate one of life’s most difficult moments with dignity, comfort, and compassion, making her a wonderful fit for the Angel Pets mission.

Dr. Baird enjoys all aspects of feline medicine and has a special interest in complementary therapies, including veterinary acupuncture. She is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Outside of work, Dr. Baird volunteers with the Humane Rescue Alliance’s feral cat spay/neuter program in Washington, DC. We are absolutely thrilled to have Dr. Baird as part of our Northern Virginia team and know the families she serves will appreciate her exceptional medical expertise, kindness, and genuine compassion.

I took a non-traditional path to veterinary school. I graduated from Iowa State University, where I played Division I basketball. I met my husband, Brad, through collegiate athletics while at Iowa State. I earned my Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law. During law school, my husband and I adopted a dog with a multitude of health issues, which sparked my interest in veterinary medicine. After law school, we moved to Houston, Texas, so that Brad could work with the Space Shuttle program.

After working for about 10 years in the legal industry, I attended veterinary school at Texas A&M University, where I obtained my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While I was in general practice, I loved working with families to keep their senior dogs and cats comfortable. I obtained my Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care Certification in 2022. At this time, I began working in veterinary hospice and palliative medicine, where I found my true calling. I am currently working on finishing my certification in veterinary acupuncture from Chi University. I am excited to combine Eastern and Western medicine for my patients!

Over the years, my husband and I have said goodbye to many four-legged family members. Being able to have them pass in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their loved ones, is one of the last best gifts we can give them. I am honored to continue this work with Angel Pets NOVA!

In my free time, I coach Special Olympics and volunteer with my church. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our nieces and nephews. My husband and I share our home with a Great Dane, Giant Panda; a Chihuahua mix, Bug; and three cats, Tiggey, Spikey, and Butterball.

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Dr. JoAnn Levy

Dr. JoAnn Levy, VMD

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. JoAnn Levy to the Angel Pets Northern Virginia team beginning in October!

With more than 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Levy brings a wealth of knowledge to Angel Pets—but it is her heart for senior pets and the families who love them that makes her such a wonderful fit for our team.

Dr. Levy earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Over the course of her career, she has practiced small-animal medicine and surgery, emergency medicine, and house call care, giving her a unique perspective on the many different stages of a pet’s life.

Dr. Levy is certified in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care and has a special passion for caring for aging pets. She believes deeply in preserving comfort, dignity, and quality of life while helping families navigate the medical and emotional decisions that often come with a beloved pet’s final chapter.

Her approach is thoughtful, compassionate, and individualized. She takes the time to listen, to understand what matters most to each family, and to help them make decisions that feel right for both them and their pet.

We couldn’t be happier to have Dr. Levy joining our Angel Pets family and caring for pets and their people throughout Northern Virginia. 

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Screenshot

Melanie Stanton - Practice Manager

Bio Coming Soon!

Brenda Johnston -VCC

Brenda Johnston - VCC

Brenda has spent more than 20 years working in veterinary medicine, primarily in client service, while also gaining hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant. Her lifelong love of animals began early—one of her first memories is excitedly running next door to visit Winston, her neighbor’s Old English Sheepdog. As a child, she was known for following stray dogs home and caring for baby birds, mice, and other animals in need.

Over the years, Brenda has rescued and fostered rabbits and cats and has had the special experience of bottle-feeding orphaned kittens and baby squirrels. Her compassion for animals and extensive veterinary experience allow her to bring both knowledge and understanding to families navigating difficult decisions for their beloved pets.

A Northern Virginia native, Brenda now calls West Virginia home, where she enjoys the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. A devoted cat lover, she shares her home with Olivia, a spirited orange tabby, and Piper, a sweet gray tabby.

VCC - Karla Jones ands kitty

Karla Jones - Veterinary Care Coordinator

Originally born in Bolivia, Karla moved to the United States as a child and has called Northern Virginia home for nearly 40 years. The daughter of a veterinarian, she grew up surrounded by animals—including an array of exotic pets—and developed a deep appreciation for the bond we share with the animals in our lives.

Karla brings several years of experience helping families navigate end-of-life care for their beloved pets. She understands how emotional and overwhelming this time can be and finds great meaning in being a calm, compassionate presence for families—helping answer questions, coordinate care, and make a difficult process feel a little less daunting.

Karla lives locally in Northern Virginia and has a strong connection to the community she serves. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with her sisters who live nearby. Although she doesn’t currently have pets of her own, she is a proud “auntie” to many fur babies across the country and around the world—a role that, in her words, “fills my heart.”

For Karla, caring for others—both people and animals—has always been an important part of who she is, and she feels privileged to support Angel Pets families during such an important and tender time.

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Jenna Shaughness

Jenna Shaughness — Lead VCC

Originally from Maryland, Jenna grew up on a small farm where her love for animals blossomed and has continued to grow throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, the study of human movement. She now resides in Virginia Beach to be close to her family.

Jenna has always had a passion for her community and for helping others feel supported and cared for. As a natural people person, she especially values the connections she builds with the families she meets through Angel Pets. She loves being part of the Angel Pets team and feels honored to help families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Providing comfort, compassion, and a sense of support when families need it most is something she finds deeply meaningful.

Alongside her work with Angel Pets, Jenna teaches group fitness classes and works as a personal trainer at the City of Virginia Beach’s recreation centers. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys exercising, traveling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family and friends. And she loves spending time with her sweet dog, Jovie Jean, who keeps her life full of joy.

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In the News

Dr. Melanie Cohen, Veterinarian in Virginia Beach

May 2018

Angel Pets: Local Veterinarian Offers Dignity, Love and Comfort

Read the Article

January 2015

Daily Press Video Feature

Watch the Video

Extended Northern Virginia Service Area

Woodbridge, Lorton & Dumfries

Woodbridge

ZIP Codes: 22191, 22192, 22193

Lorton

ZIP Code: 22079

Dumfries

ZIP Codes: 22025, 22026

Limited Availability

We are pleased to offer limited service to families in Woodbridge, Lorton, and Dumfries. Appointments in these communities are subject to veterinarian availability, existing caseload, routing, and travel time. At this time, availability may be limited to morning appointments. Our team will always do our best to accommodate families when scheduling permits.

Two friends were taking an afternoon nap, when the sun shined through the blinds.

Local Contact Information

Northern Virginia Angel Pets

Phone: (571) 350-3242
 Service Area: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and portions of Loudoun and Prince William Counties.

In-Home Visits: By appointment only.

Angel Pets strives to be available seven days a week, with same-day and short-notice appointments sometimes available depending on the doctors' schedules. Some areas may require additional notice.

Request an Appointment