Meet Gentle Journey – Compassionate Advocates for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Care
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Christina Guttuso, DVM – Founder of Gentle Journey
“Dr. Christina” is a pioneer in the field of in-home pet euthanasia in Arizona. She graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and, in 2004, she became the first to offer in-home euthanasia services in the state.
Driven by the desire to reduce suffering for both pets and their pet parents,, Dr. Christina expanded her practice in 2014 to include pet hospice care. This program is designed to help properly assess your pet's quality of life and monitor their comfort to prevent unnecessary suffering during their aging journey. It provides compassionate support to caretakers in making thoughtful, informed decisions during the most challenging moments.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Christina is an active leader in the veterinary community:
Mentor to veterinary interns at ARECA
Contributor to the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AZVMA)
Advocate for veterinarian well-being as part of the AZVMA Wellness Task Force
Compassionate Care for Your Pet’s Peaceful Journey
Dr. Michelle Schack, DVM – Compassionate Care for All Creatures
“Dr. Michelle” joined Gentle Journey in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in both small and large animal care. Originally from California, she graduated from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Dr. Michelle’s career began with dairy cattle and expanded to providing home visits for animals of all kinds.
Dr. Michelle’s passion lies in educating pet owners on how to make the best decisions for their animals’ well-being, including the difficult decision of euthanasia. She believes deeply in the bond between pets and their families and is honored to provide gentle end-of-life care for all creatures—whether dogs, cats, or even emus.
Guiding Your Pet Through a Gentle Goodbye
Ready to Provide a Peaceful Goodbye?Schedule At-Home Euthanasia Services with Gentle Care
Why We Chose to Focus on End-of-Life Care
A Message from Dr. Christina
"When I was a veterinary student, I watched pets and their families suffer through terminal illnesses in clinical settings. I saw the relief families felt when they allowed their pets to pass peacefully, free from pain. Those experiences inspired me to pioneer in-home euthanasia services in 2004, creating a more compassionate option for pets and their families.
By bringing this service into the home, we offer pets a more comfortable experience and provide their families with the peace of mind that they are making the best choice for their beloved companion. Our team is here to support you and your pet with love and empathy, ensuring a gentle journey for everyone involved."
Dr. Christina
Join Our Team – A Fulfilling Career in Veterinary Care
Looking for a Meaningful Change in Your Veterinary Career?
At Gentle Journey, we’re not just focused on the well-being of pets; we prioritize the health and happiness of our veterinarians too.
Flexible Schedule: Choose the days and hours that work for you.
Autonomy and Support: Enjoy the freedom to plan your schedule while being part of a compassionate team.
Work-Life Balance: No more staying late at the clinic—finish your notes on your own time.
Make the Life Change You’ve Been Dreaming About
What Our Veterinarians Say About
Working with Gentle Journey
“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.”
— Amanda Simonson, DVM, cVA
"Together, We Make Every Journey Gentle"
At Gentle Journey, every word from our veterinarians reflects our unwavering commitment to compassionate care. Their stories highlight the heart, dedication, and empathy that define our mission. When you choose Gentle Journey, you’re choosing a team that truly understands the depth of love you have for your pet—and is here to support you through every step of their peaceful journey
