About Gentle Journey
Meet Gentle Journey — Compassionate Advocates for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Care
We provide thoughtful guidance, trusted support, and compassionate care for pet families navigating one of life’s most difficult decisions.
Why I Chose This Work
A Message from Dr. Christina
If you're visiting this page, you may be facing one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will ever make.
First, I want you to know that you're not alone.
For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of helping families navigate aging, quality-of-life concerns, hospice care, and end-of-life decisions for the pets they love. During that time, I have witnessed the deep bond people share with their animals and the tremendous responsibility they feel when it comes to making decisions on their behalf.
My hope is that every family we serve feels supported, informed, and cared for throughout this journey. Whether you're seeking guidance, reassurance, or a peaceful goodbye for your beloved companion, it is an honor to walk alongside you during this important time.
Thank you for trusting us with your pet's care.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Christina Guttuso, DVM – Pioneer of In-Home Pet Euthanasia Services
Compassionate Care for Your Pet’s Peaceful Journey
For more than 20 years, Dr. Christina Guttuso has helped families navigate one of the most difficult parts of loving a pet.
After graduating from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, Dr. Christina became a pioneer of in-home pet euthanasia services and has since guided thousands of families through aging, quality-of-life concerns, hospice care, and peaceful in-home euthanasia.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Christina has seen firsthand how overwhelming end-of-life decisions can be for families. Her work has reinforced the importance of providing not only compassionate medical care, but also the guidance, education, and support families need to feel confident in their decisions.
Today, Dr. Christina's mission remains simple: to reduce suffering, support families, and help pets experience a peaceful and dignified end-of-life journey.
Dr. Christina is an educator and leader within the veterinary community. She serves on the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association Wellness Task Force, provides continuing education for veterinary professionals, speaks nationally on quality of life and end-of-life care, and is the creator of the Gentle Journey Method.
Dr. Michelle Schack, DVM – Compassionate Care for All Creatures
Guiding Your Pet Through a Gentle Goodbye
“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.
Ready to Provide a Peaceful Goodbye?Schedule At-Home Euthanasia Services with Gentle Care
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
