Kristi has been our savior as our pets have aged over the past 2 decades. We are grateful for her compassion and expertise.

At the end of what was personally an extremely difficult 2023, it became obvious that not one, but both of my dogs had reached the end of their 16 year old lives. My morkie had been in CLL remission for several months, but she suffered a massive seizure on Christmas eve and then several smaller ones resulting in fluid collecting in her lungs. My maltipoo's pain could no longer be controlled, he refused to eat or drink, and was constantly panicked over his "little sister's" struggle to breath. It was absolutely devastating and there was nothing left their vet could do. Because my dogs were always so nervous and scared at their vet's office, I made the decision that there last moments would be spent at home. I contacted more companies than I can remember. I wanted to make sure all three of us would be comfortable with the person coming into our home and was understanding of my need to honor their lives. I chose Dr. Kristi Freeman at Graceful Departure because she was knowledgeable, kind, used fear-free practices, extremely experienced, and genuinely cared. When Dr Kristi walked in the door, my timid little morkie went right to her. I couldn't have chose a better person. She was equally professional and compassionate while I cried my eyes out during their last minutes. She honored my dogs and my unusual requests of being able to wrap them and have them transported in the casket I made for them. She took the time to understand us and was a comforting presence. She made sure I was ready to proceed at each step and answered every little question I had. It was a terrible day that couldn't have gone any better. I wouldn't bother contacting anyone but Graceful Departure if your pet is in need of end of life services. Prices are *very* competitive while services are unmatched. There are no surprises and their partnership with Angel Paws for aftercare services make the entire process much smoother so that healing can begin much quicker. Thank you, Dr Kristi. read more

Kristi Freeman, DVM - Graceful Departure - Hospice Near Me - La Mesa, California

Dr. Freeman is an angel in disguise, literally. I couldn't be more grateful and thankful that I found her to help me make the hardest decision of my life, to put down my 15 year old dog. As soon as she walked in the door I felt a sense of peace and calmness take over. I was a nervous wreck leading up the the appointment. She is compassionate, understanding and just amazing overall with a heart of gold. My sweet boy Charlie was so calm in her presence as well. She listened to me and assured me that I was doing the right thing and that it was time for my sweet baby to cross over. She spent an hour with me and my angel and walked us through every step of the way and made sure to ask if I was ok during the whole process. I am beyond blessed that it was Dr. Freeman who was there for my Charlie and I. read more

Sadly had to use Dr Freeman again for our lil 21 year old kitty. She is professional, kind and very zen. I will continue to use her as long as my animals need her. Highly recommend her. read more

Sick pets don't want to get in the car and drive to the vet. Home hospice and euthanasia is really the only humane thing to do when our dear friends fall ill and warn us that their time is coming. I first met Dr Freeman many years ago, probably 9 or 10. She was graceful and kind as she helped our dear friend on his way to doggy heaven. A few years later, she helped a feline friend of mine make his transition. I have more recently called on her for hospice care and am so pleased with her readiness to help. If you are struggling with the idea of losing a companion, this is the woman to call. I have a background in veterinary nursing and have worked alongside many vets. I can say Dr Freeman is a special vet with a heart of gold. Thanks Dr Freeman! read more

It will be two years next month, since I put to sleep my best friend and companion of 14 years, her name was princess. Dr.Freeman is so kind and compassionate she made me feel at peace and she reassured me that the decision I was making was the correct one, for my beloved princess. It was very hard to say goodbye to my furry child, but I knew she was in good hands with Dr. freeman, the day I went to get princess remains, the staff was very welcoming and it was very special, they have you write your baby furry name and put it in a wall to remember them. read more

I never thought I'd be writing a review for someone who euthanized my dog... I always pictured my response would be in line with a John Wick movie. Its been a couple months and I can finally write this review... Dr. Freeman was called when my pup of 16 years was diagnosed with cancer and lost the quality of life that she had always enjoyed. It was the most difficult decision I've ever made, but Dr. Freeman was incredibly compassionate, caring, and understanding of the situation. She came to our home and provided the absolute best possible environment for our family as we cared for our dog's passing to the rainbow bridge. While it was emotionally difficult, my fiancee and I were comforted knowing we were with our fur baby through the end and she knew she was loved. read more

This was my first time with making this decision and actually going through the experience. My husband had done it once at a veterinary office, and it was an awful, traumatizing event. He did not want to be present if it was going to be similar to the first. After reading Dr. Kristi's reviews and website, we booked an appointment once we felt it was time. She was completely professional, compassionate, and respectful. We, and more importantly our good girl, were completely at ease from the minute she walked in our house. She guided us through the entire process step by step and, while sad, made it a very peaceful event. I told my husband several times that he didn't need to be present if he chose, but he had a completely different experience this time around. We both agreed that it was the perfect send off for our sweetheart. I will add that my fears of not having met Dr. Kristi before that day, or of being judged for our choice, were completely unfounded. Brittney also did a great job of communicating with us. Overall, choosing to use Dr. Kristi will not leave you wondering if you could've made a better choice. She is wonderful, and we are blessed to have found her. RIP Montana read more

Kristi Freeman, DVM - Graceful Departure - Hospice Near Me - La Mesa, California

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While I am sad to be writing this post - I am so glad I discovered Dr. Freeman and her amazing team. I feel bad that I do not remember the name of the vet that came to the house to lay my best friend to rest. But, she had to be the most compassionate person I have ever met in my life and I worked in hospice. read more

Kristi Freeman, DVM - Graceful Departure - Hospice Near Me - La Mesa, California

Thank you for making TJ's passing so dignified and peaceful. You are a Godsend to families who must say good-bye to their beloved pets. You have a gift, and I know you were placed in our life to help us through this difficult transition. In gratitude, TJ's family read more

This veterinarian, Kristi Freeman was very open, clear, transparent, and prepared me step by step with what was going to happen in this first time experience for me. While internally it was emotionally painful for me, Dr. Freeman appreciated my honesty towards my fear and sadness that arose from this decision. I am so very very glad that I spent my last moments with my best friend here with Dr. Freeman, I would not have had it any other way. Dr. Freeman had a peacefulness and comforting calm about her that made the situation seem not as sad. Dr. Freeman created a very peaceful environment and it was a very peaceful process, for my dog, myself and my family... Dr. Freeman evaluated my friend as we discussed what he was enduring..... the choice was clearer than ever... one that brings peace to your heart, for your dog, but rips it apart emotionally for yourself. Among one of the most selfless decisions one could make. Dr. Freeman made sure to address the respect and dignity that she and her staff valiantly exhibit towards your animal and their after care. The Aquamation process that Dr. Freeman offered was the perfect fit for what I had envisioned for after care for my dog, the helpful videos on the website were very helpful and explanatory. Thanks again fellow Yelpers for sharing your experience with this Vet on this site, it took a lot of courage, but I thank you for sharing this great Veterinarian, Dr. Freeman with me and the world. read more

Our 15 year old Chow/Samoyed mix, struggling with degenerative arthritis finally could no longer walk even with a support strap and pain meds and it was time. I'd previously taken my dogs in when their time had come, but we wanted Sparky to leave us at home, not in the cold environment of a vets office. I contacted Dr, Freemans office and arraigned for her to come over. Having to say goodbye to a beloved pet is a horrible, devastating experience, one I have done many times, being a lifelong dog owner, and it never gets easier. That being said years of love and loyalty are worth the grief, and having your pet euthanized at home is better than at a vets office, no matter how good the vet a cold floor or stainless table in a crowded facility is no match for your friends own bed. Dr. Kristi Freeman was supportive and professional. She knew how to work around and ease a protective male dog in his house, and we were able to express our grief and give our pet his last moments on earth in the comfort of home. I cannot recommend Dr. Freeman enough. read more

I called Dr. Kristi Freeman back in January this year when it came time to say goodbye to Booballa, my best cat friend of 22 years (I'm 27 so I really don't know life without her). We had it done at home because the vet always just stressed Booballa out. My former boss used her services before and recommended her to me. She made one of the worst days of my life as tolerable and painless as possible. She was very reassuring because I was agonizing over the decision. She gave me some pamphlets and information on the guilt of making this decision and didn't rush me at all. She understands how it feels. I'm glad I called her. I got my cat's ashes and her paw print in clay about a week afterwards. I chose the eco-friendly alternative to cremation and everything was fine. The girl that does Dr. Freeman's scheduling over the phone was very nice too. Maybe she felt bad because I was crying every time I talked to her but whatever. Nice people get 5 stars. read more

If we could give Dr. Freeman more than 5 stars we would. We are so grateful that we found her on Yelp so that we could make the transition for our 18 year old cat as easy and peaceful as possible. Having been through the process before with previous pets, there was no way we were going to take our little girl to a vet's office for a cold, sterilized goodbye. Kristi Freeman was so warm and compassionate. She took us through the process with so much kindness and caring. We even got to hold our kitty while she passed and for as long as we needed to after she was gone. Dr. Freeman was even so thoughful to have brought a blanket with crowns on it since our cat's name is Queenie. I can't recommend her enough to help make a painful decision into an experience that honors your pet as well as respects you and your feelings. We really feel like we got to say goodbye to our beloved pet the way we wanted to. read more

Kristi provides an amazing service to pet owners... FYI, her website is http://kristi-freeman.com/ I wrote the story about the dog who picked me over 10 years ago inside my review of the VCA emergency hospital. She was terminal with lung cancer. And my awesome ex-wife's friend for 16 years was immobilized from arthritis. Kristi came with us together to help our companions leave their pain behind. There absolutely is no better way my ex and I could have handled everything and Kristi is central to our experience regarding how our dogs left us. Thank you, Kristi. Sorry about all the tears we shead -- I don't know how you can surviving all the sobbing but you're a saint and we really appreciate your help. read more

Deciding to put my 15 year old dog down was one the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. By the time Dr. Freeman was done with the much needed procedure I knew without a doubt it was the most humane thing to do. She is respectful, considerate, informative, compassionate, and most of all understating. The doctor acted as if she'd known Mia, my dog, her entire life. She acted as if she were our vet. I just moved to SD and didn't have a primary vet for Mia and just randomly chose Dr. Freeman. What a zero regret choice!!! The doctor allowed the pace of the procedure to be as I wanted it. She never acted as if she was on the clock or needing to be somewhere else. While she was with Mia that's all that seemed to matter. I can't say enough about how comforting she was and how truly sorry I am if you're are having to make the same tough decision I recently had to. read more

It was a devastating decision to put down our dear 13 year old black lab Loki, who had bone cancer. I was a mess. Dr. Freeman came over and discussed the process, looked over my girl, and agreed with the decision. She gave rational and medical reasons why it was the right time, which is exactly what I needed to hear. This was the most difficult decision of my life, and Dr. Freeman made it easier. Dr Freeman was courteous, professional, respectful of our family and our other dog. I would highly recommend her services and plan to use her again myself when the time comes. Having you dog at home when you say goodbye is definitely worth the cost. It was so peaceful, and I know my best friend was relaxed and comfortable as she went. read more

I really appreciated Dr. Freeman's counsel via phone prior to choosing her as my in home euthanasia vet many years ago with my boy, Simba. I basically interviewed her and others and chose her. Now, as I face this again, I called to ask questions because I know I'm going to chose in home euthanasia and wanted a price update, etc. Dr. Freeman has a cold, rude person who answers the phone who has zero compassion and interrupted my questions - flat out talked over me. Dr. Freeman has put process in front of compassion or else she's hired the wrong person to answer the phone. I'm looking elsewhere to find my in home euthanasia vet. What a disappointment. read more

Our Sphynx had a rather sudden deterioration and after an overnight stay at the local pet hospital, it became apparent that it was time to let her go. Heartbreaking as it was, we didn't want to have to bring her back to the vet to do it, and asked our regular vet and the hospital for in home euthanasia options. They both recommended Dr. Freeman. I called to set an appointment, and found her to be caring and concerned about me and my little girl. When the time came, Dr. Freeman was very caring and went through each step beforehand so I knew what to expect. She gave me plenty of time to say goodbye,. She asked about the other cats and had them come over to sniff and say goodbye after my girl was gone. If you EVER need to put a beloved pet down, this is the only way to do it. My little girl was able to leave in her home, surrounded by love and with no stress. Thanks, Dr. Freeman. read more

When it came time for my sister & brother-in-law to make the decision to put their wonderful dog to sleep, it wasn't easy for them. He was a beautiful shepherd-lab mix that they rescued from abusive circumstances and had for almost 15 happy years. He was big, sweet and gentle - a beloved member of their family and friend circle. The big guy hated going to the vet's office and they didn't want his final memory to be of a place he wasn't happy in. They wanted his passing to be gentle. My sister did some research and found Dr. Freeman. Kristi is an amazing woman with the kindest, deepest heart. She understands how deeply people love their pets and did everything possible to make sure that my sister & brother-in-law had time to say goodbye and were ready to let him pass. I don't know how she does this day after day, but thank you Kristi for being so patient, for helping them through their loss and making his passing so gentle. read more

Back in '09, I called Dr. Freeman via my vet's recommendation to put our dog down at home. After calling around, Dr. Freeman's receptionist was THE best, most sympathetic and empathic, yet very professional and efficient. I did not hesitate after shopping around. Sure enough, the receptionist at the time (Mandy) truly represented who Dr. Freeman is. Our 130 pound dog was in a lot of pain. When he collapsed while pottying in the yard, I asked them to come sooner than the appointment date two days later. Dr. Freeman happened to be open the next day, no problem. Our dog was very alert, so I had to work with our regular vet to sedate him prior to her coming over. Dr. Freeman is quite used to be around over-protective male dogs in pain, despite our concern that he might harm her although he couldn't move. She gave a shot in a split second, jumped off the dog to a safer spot, and took the time to do everything right for everybody. Because our dog was strong-willed, he was a difficult case, and Dr. Freeman needed an extra shot to sedate him. We got to chat between shots, and she was very friendly yet courteous and extremely professional. The whole procedure took over two hours! She just smiled and said, "I was due to have a difficult case", and she consoled us the whole time. After he finally decided to "go", she again took the time to explain to us by pointing at his leg and joints to explain how the "old age wear & tear" caused it and how much pain he had been, and she assured us of the timely decision to free him from the incurable condition. We can't thank her enough, and I just recommended her to a friend and found her name on Yelp. Glad to read everybody else had the same experience with her. Shortly after we met her, we received a phone call from her office because we told her we lost our beloved cat before we put our dog down. They rescued kittens, and they were looking for homes. We weren't ready to have another cat yet, but we were pretty impressed that she remembered our "casual" conversation and thought of us. Surely it's much less expensive to take in our pets to the vet or to the Humane Society. But if you cannot transport a large dog like us or if you can afford it, there's no need to add stress to our pets' final moment. Call Dr. Freeman before your pet needlessly suffers. read more

Yesterday Kristi Freeman & Graceful Departure Pet Center helped us usher Luna over the rainbow bridge and it was the most wonderful experience it could possibly be, all things considered. From my first phone call and my interaction with her office staff, to the event itself.... 10 stars if I could. Dr. Balma was the vet who helped us and she was perfect.... i would change nothing about the way she handled the situation, her bedside manner, her ability to comfort us and Luna. Top notch. After this experience I will never take my beloved pets to a veterinary clinic for that dreadful decision of euthanasia. My partner and I were on the fence and Dr. Balma's experience helped us understand the reality of where we were all at, and what was really going on with Luna's body. It's such a tough decision when your pet still has a sparkle in their eye, but their body is failing.... It's easy to 2nd guess yourself, rationalize and be in denial, but it became 100% clear to us through the process with Dr. Balma. Luna passed with a sweet, peaceful look on her face, and every part of the process was handled with dignity and respect and empathy. They want you to be as involved or as little involved as you feel you need to be, and special consideration was given for my other pets and their need to understand whats going on so they can grieve too. I just can't say enough positive things about this experience in light of the devastation and sadness of this day. Thank you Dr. Kristi Freeman, Dr. Jackie Balma, Sally and staff. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to deal with this side of life with the compassion and professionalism that you showed to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! read more

Kristy Freeman has such a gift! I had my girl for 13 years and she was 15 when she was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. Kristy helped me get thru the whole thing and Mini looked like she was smiling as she drifted away while she was laying in my arms. I will never stop missing her but I know that this was the absolute best decision for us. She did not experience the anxiety of going to the vets office and it was such a comfort to know I had been there holding her as she left this world. Thanks Kristy you are incredilbe and your Receptionist is such an asset I had to talk to her several times to cross that bridge! read more

As the health of my 17 year old Jack Russell deteriorated, several of my friends recommended the services of Dr. Freeman. As any of you who have made THE decision know, when you've made it and you're certain, you want it done ASAP! When visiting my vet I had often seen unfortunate pet owners crying in the waiting room or outside spending a last few moments with their pet and I did not want to be that person... Dr. Freeman was booked up when I called but made some special arrangements and was able to come to my house on Monday. She does a quick exam to ensure that you've made the right decision (and it's always comforting to know that you've made the right decision), explains the entire process to you, does all the paperwork and explains everything as she's going along. When she's done, she offers you some materials on grieving and will assist with the cremation of your pet. The pet cremation services was on the expensive side for a 9 lbs. dog but when you're in that situation, cost isn't much of a concern. However, it would have been nice to have been offered different packages. I had planned to plant my dogs ashes along with a tree and therefore didn't need the nice cedar box with a brass name plate (cremation cost was about $200). If you can manage it, I had to take my other dog to the pet cemetery in Sorrento Valley for cremation when he died one morning and the charge was only $90 (plastic bag in a cardboard box). I was very happy overall with Dr. Freeman, her compassion and her level of service and would not hesitate to recommend her. read more

Not too long ago, we were faced with the difficult decision to put our dog, Reilly down. From the moment Dr. Freeman's office called in response to my initial email, to the moment we said our final goodbye to Reilly, the treatment we all (including Reilly) received was nothing but compassionate, understanding, and gentle. Words really don't come close to expressing the gratitude we all have for Dr. Kristi Freeman and her staff. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. read more

We've called Kristi for help at the end of a beloved pet's life several times over the years -- and sadly, we're about to call on her again. I can't recommend her highly enough. Five stars. read more

No one is ever ready to make the call to euthanize their pet but I didn't want my furbaby Polly to suffer. She'd been by my side through many life transitions and when I was told she had cancer I couldn't put her through any treatment. I called Dr. Freeman and was able to get an appointment within two days of the diagnosis. Dr. Freeman was so patient and walked me through the process. We listened to harp music which helped ease the silence and sadness. I had a clay pawprint of Polly made then as a memento for me. I chose aqua-cremation which I had never heard of before and felt that was the right choice for me. Thank you Dr. Freeman for giving me the option of letting Polly pass away peacefully in our own home without any stress and for letting our other kitties have their goodbye as well. read more

There are no words for Dr. Freeman! I can only say that we are all lucky to have her and wish there were more doctors who did what she does. She can turn a horrible, tragic event into a beautiful memory. read more

I have never had to put an animal down before, my other childhood cat lived to be 24 and in the end it's a relief not painful. But the decision to put my beloved Cool Whip down at the age of 8 was simply killing me. A product of a kitten mill, he had issues from the start, but I gave him all the love I had and he was very happy and extremely loved by my boyfriend and I. When his issues just became too painful for him to live comfortably and he lost half his weight, I tried to take him to multiple Vets to find a loving way to say goodbye. I was met with brutal apathy and contempt that I would just put him down, even one Vet telling me I had not done enough for my animal. I was emotionally devastated. This was my best friend, how would they know what I knew? I was referred to Kristi Freeman by another home vet who told me I would have the compassion I felt Cool Whip deserved. My little monkey (his nickname) was not at all the kitty I knew, he was dying and he was asking me to help him. And did I make the right decision in Kristi Freeman. Right away it was as if a friend came to my home to help me say goodbye to my best friend. She talked to both of us with kindness and compassion, examining Monkey and telling us what we already knew. She showed us where other issues were beginning to happen, and how an old deformity that I never knew about was beginning to cause him pain. I knew I was making the right decision but it doesn't stop your heart from breaking. I held him in my arms as my sweetheart held me and we just sobbed as he was given the shots. Kristi then leaned over as she was giving him the final shot, stroked his face and said "Goodbye Monkey, you were truly loved." I felt him leave. I just lost it. I was so grateful and thankful that there was someone there who understood. She was the definition of compassion and understanding and hugged two people who were sobbing. Kristi Freeman, you are a fantastic human being who is so needed in this capacity! If I could give her more stars I would. The entire process was heartbreaking but I felt like we weren't alone. Kristi Freeman, you rock! read more

This was the first time I had to make the decision to let my 14 year old puppy go. Dr Andrea Leach arrived and was so kind and compassionate, helping me know that my decision was right. She fully explained how this would go, loved on my dog, and gave us the time we needed to say goodbye. It was so peaceful and good. But that's not all...a few days later I received a beautiful card from Andrea expressing sympathy for our loss. I wouldn't do this any other way, but in my home where my pet is not afraid. Thank you, Andrea! And Pepper sent us a thank you "message" as well. She is free again! read more

Dr. Freeman was recommended to me by the outstanding staff at Vetinary Specialty Hospital in 2008 where we had been taking our 15 year old Black Lab, Flash, for some time for various health problems including a round of treatment for lymphoma when he was 11, which he overcame and continued to live happily four more years. Obviously we wanted only the best care for our dog so I knew when the time came to put our dear friend to rest, that we wanted it to be at our home where we, and more importantly, Flash would be most comfortable. Dr. Freeman was amazing and helped us through a very difficult time. We live in a condo downtown and she handled every aspect with the utmost respect for Flash. I can't recommend her services enough to all my pet-owner friends. I couldn't imagine saying goodbye any other way. Thank you so much Dr. Freeman for the services you provide. read more

I wanted my dog of 12 years to go peacefully and at home. Kristi came to my home and really eased the pain. She was SO helpful and caring. It made what needed to be done so much easier. Kristi walked us through the process and just made it as easy as something like this could be. I hope I dont need to use Kristi's services anytime soon but she will be the first person I call when the time comes. Thank you Kristi your a A++ in my book. read more

We called Kristi to help us put down an elderly cat who was very ill. It was so much nicer being in our own home where our cat was comfortable and surrounded by family and our other animals rather than in a vet's office. We called her again when another cat was diagnosed with a very fast growing cancer. Kristi is very professional, compassionate, and patient. read more

Our rabbit was suffering kidney failure, which we were treating with aggressive fluid therapy hoping he would bounce back. But Sunday July 3rd he began have seizures, and it was clear it was his time. The middle of the night before a national holiday is a bad time: our vet was closed, all the exotic vets in the county were closed, and all the emergency rooms, even the ones that advertise exotic specialists, flatly refused to euthanize by lethal injection or even have us in the room. As much as we wanted to end his suffering, we also didn't want his last memory being strangers taking him away and throwing him in a gas chamber. Finally, we called Dr Freeman, the fifth closest of the at-home-euthanasia vets in the area; this was the 26th phone call of that horrible night/morning. And in 90 minutes she was in our home, with sympathy, clarity, competence, and calm even when our defiant little diablo refused to go down easy. We will remember her presence as the only spot of gentleness in a cruel time. read more

Dr. Freeman made the devastating process of letting our dear friend go as peaceful and painless as it can possibly be. He was so old and sick with cancer, and we knew he was beginning to suffer. Our regular vet confirmed that it was the right thing to do for him, and recommended Dr. Freeman when I said I would like to have it done at home. I do not know how she does it, but I am so thankful that she offers this service. Although it is heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet, I have absolutely no regrets about the way he passed...comfortably in his own bed, in the backyard breeze, with the friends he loved surrounding him. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that we gave him the ending he deserved and I am so thankful to Dr. Freeman for making it possible! She is so kind and compassionate with pets and their owners. She is respectful, explains everything and makes sure that you are ready for every step of the procedure. I would recommend her without hesitation for anyone who needs to help their pet when it is time. read more

Our seven year old Belgian Malinois developed bone cancer and quickly got to the point where we knew he would need to be put down. As hard as the thought of losing him was, we did not want him to suffer for our benefit. As he was always terrified of the vet's office, we did not want his final moments to be at a place he feared so much. Our veterinarian recommended Dr. Freeman for in-home euthanasia, so we gave her a call and made an appointment. Dr. Freeman was absolutely awesome - she came to our home and handled the process with kindness and compassion. Nothing was rushed and she made sure we understood every step, giving us all the time we needed to make it through this difficult process. Our precious boy was able to leave this world at his home with his "pack" by his side, chewing his favorite toy until he drifted off to sleep, and then the final shot was administered. Our other dog was present during the process and I think it helped give her some closure as well. I highly recommend in-home euthanasia for situations where pets are fearful of the vet's office, and I would especially recommend Dr. Freeman. read more

Dr. Freeman provides such a wonderful service. We are eternally grateful to her for helping our beloved 15 year old golden retriever die so peacefully in our home. My biggest fear was that our dog would suffer or we would stress her by having to take her into a vet office. But she died in the most peaceful way that we could imagine. Dr Freeman is a gift; so kind and professional. Don't hesitate to call her. read more

We had to say goodbye to our sweet pup Atticus way too soon, but Dr. Freeman's services made the experience peaceful and one that we could feel good about despite our grief and the trauma of his sudden decline. read more

I've known Dr Freeman since not long after I began fostering German Shepherd Dogs for rescue 12 years ago. I've always believed that older dogs abandoned by their owners because of illness or inconvenience deserve to live out their remaining time in a home where they are loved and cherished. (It will always be hard for me to understand how anyone could dump his/her dog or cat after the lifetime of devotion they so willingly gave.) Since I've fostered so many older dogs, I've been called upon to make "that final decision" for them, as well as for my own dogs, when I knew their time had come. Vet's offices are a stressful place for most animals because they have so many negative and/or unpleasant associations with them. When I discovered Dr. Kristi Freeman, the very first time I called her, I was so comforted by her genuinely compassionate, as well as highly competent approach and methods, that I called her again and again, every time the need arose. It never gets easier, no matter how many times you go through it, but Dr Freeman helps make it the best experience it can be for all concerned. After using her services so many times over the years, I can confidently say that you'll not regret the few extra dollars it takes to have this event take place in your home, where your dog is comfortable, and feels loved and (most of all) safe, rather than in the cold atmosphere of a vet clinic. Also, Graceful Departures, Dr Freeman's hospice care center on Greenfield in El Cajon, offers a one-of-it's-kind alternative, providing a home-like setting with a calm, serene, and much friendlier, less frightening and stressful environment compared to the typical veterinary office. It can also be a bit less expensive. Whichever alternative you choose, this last gift may be the greatest one you've ever given your much-beloved canine/feline family member. I couldn't recommend Dr Freeman more highly! read more

My 17 year old Cocker Spaniel, Pee Wee, was in a lot of pain and suffering. He would get very anxious and nervous and start shaking whenever we would take him to the vet. We didn't want him to have to be in discomfort during his last moments. So fortunately Dr. Freeman was recommended to me by my vet as someone who could come out to the home. I can't begin to say what an amazing person Dr. Freeman is. She was so caring, sensitive and loving towards Pee Wee. She never rushed me once. She let Pee Wee and me say goodbye to each other the right way. When it came time for the injections Dr. Freeman made it so that Pee Wee felt no pain whatsoever. This was such a difficult moment for me that I am SO glad that I had such a skilled professional like Dr. Freeman I can't begin to thank you Dr. Freeman for making Pee Wee's last moments on earth so peaceful. Thank you for everything you did for us. I would highly recommend Dr. Freeman for anyone who is faced with this difficult decision. She comes to your home and will treat your loved pet with dignity and respect. read more