We Are Animal Lovers and Advocates First, Veterinarians Second.
Christina Guttuso, DVM
aka “Dr. Christina”
Michelle Schack, DVM
aka “Dr. Michelle”
Dr. Christina is dedicated to improving the end-of-life experience for pets, aiming to minimize their suffering.
Graduating from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, Dr. Christina pioneered the first in-home euthanasia service in Arizona in 2004.
Driven by the observation of pet parents struggling alongside their suffering pets, she recognized the need for additional support. In 2014, she established a pet hospice program, specializing in enhancing the quality-of-life for pets and their caretakers.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Christina plays a pivotal role in the veterinary community. She actively contributes to the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AZVMA), serves as a mentor to veterinary interns at ARECA, and provides continuing education for veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians.
Dr. Michelle graduated from University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She is originally from California and now calls Arizona home.
Dr. Michelle started her career working with dairy cattle, which expanded out to doing house calls and farm calls to provide veterinary care for all animals in the comfort of the animals' homes.
Whether she is caring for cows, sheep, dogs, cats, or emu, Dr. Michelle enjoys educating owners on how to best care for their pets, which includes making the toughest decisions. Dr. Michelle joined Gentle Journey in 2023 to help provide a more comforting end-of-life experience for all animals. She enjoys hearing your stories about your pet and experiencing the profound bond you have, and is honored to help provide compassionate, gentle care for your pet during their final journey.
Why We Chose to Provide End-of-Life Care for Your Pets
When I was young, I never thought that I could put an animal to sleep. As a veterinary student, I watched animals suffer in cancer wards and critical care units. These experiences left an indelible impression on me. I watched people holding onto their pets and suffering right alongside them. I witnessed their relief as they allowed their pets to go peacefully and end the suffering. I knew then that to not have euthanasia as an option could potentially cause more suffering for pets and the people who loved them.
In 2004 I pioneered the offering of in-home euthanasia services allowing pets and their families to be more comfortable. A big part of making sure the ending is comfortable is also about timing. Things progress quickly and unexpectedly at the end. We’re here to support you and your pet with the most loving and peaceful passing possible.
Dr. Christina
Join Our Team
The ultimate job for a veterinarian looking for work/life balance, fulfilling purpose and support to care for your well being.
We are a group of compassionate veterinarians who not only care about quality of life for pets but also for our vets! Dr. Christina pioneered the in-home euthanasia service and is an active member of the AzVMA Wellness Task Force.
Ready to have more autonomy, flexibility and a boss that supports your well-being? Email now to learn more.
What are the days/hours?
What do you want them to be? Seriously, this is the most flexible job you will ever be offered in veterinary medicine. Not all euthanasia services can offer this flexibility. We have so many clients in need, we just need a caring veterinarian to be available to serve them.
Make the life change you’ve been dreaming about and email now.
What Veterinarians Are Saying About Working With Us
“I worked for Gentle Journey for a little over a year and it was a very rewarding experience. The families are so appreciative and we are able to create a peaceful, beautiful service in the comfort of their homes. It was a breath of fresh air to be out of a clinical setting with a manageable daily caseload. There is no staying late to finish charts as they are easily completed during the shift. If you’re feeling burnt out in a clinical setting or need a change that will have you appreciating your career, Gentle Journey is a great place to be.”
— Hayley Shafer, DVM
“Working for Gentle Journey was not only rewarding, it offered a flexible schedule so that I could work around time to spend with my family.
“I really enjoyed helping owners through this difficult time with their pets while in the comfort of their own home.
“I applied to Gentle Journey as a way to earn supplemental income and I was able to do this while still working a full time job and being home with my family when needed.”
—Lisa Schnier, DVM
“During my time with Gentle Journey, I genuinely enjoyed working for Dr. Guttuso and the organization as it provided me with the tools to make a difference in the lives of the owners and pets, and allowed me the flexibility and independence I desired in my personal life. Throughout my years of veterinary medicine, I can easily say that I felt most appreciated when I was able to help a family peacefully say goodbye to their beloved pet in the calm and comfortable space of their home. Not only was the work rewarding, but it also gave me a lot of freedom to plan which days I wanted to work and how to schedule my day. Whether a veterinarian is looking for part time work or start a new career in home hospice/euthanasia, Gentle Journey is an outstanding organization to be a part of.”
— Adrien Pesque, DVM
“Working with Gentle Journey was an honor. I was able to deeply connect with clients and pets in their home environment even though we may have been meeting for the first time. Helping our beloved family members make a peaceful transition in the most comfortable way was a privilege for me and a true blessing for these families. I hold these pets and families along with each of their unique stories in a special place in my heart. I loved listening to each amazing story about the bond and incredible love that our dogs and cats (and even rabbits) shared with their humans. For my personal family, it was also rewarding to be more available and have flexibility with my schedule when I needed to be home. I appreciated and enjoyed my time with Gentle Journey; thank you Dr. Christina.”
