Dr. Mary Gardner

Introduction / Overview

For pet parents in California, making decisions about the care of an aging or terminally ill companion can be one of the most difficult journeys. The needs of a senior pet are unique, requiring a special blend of medical expertise, compassion, and a deep understanding of the emotional challenges faced by families. In the heart of Yorba Linda, California, Dr. Mary Gardner stands as a leading expert and a compassionate guide in this field. She is a dedicated veterinarian who specializes in geriatric pet care, pet hospice, and end-of-life services, including peaceful in-home euthanasia. Her philosophy is centered on ensuring that a pet's final chapter is as comfortable, dignified, and loving as possible, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home.

Dr. Gardner's approach is not just about treating physical ailments; it's about holistic support for both the pet and their human family. She understands that the bond between a pet and their owner is profound, and the process of saying goodbye requires immense care and emotional support. Her services are designed to address the full spectrum of needs during this sensitive time, from pain management and quality-of-life assessments to grief support and aftercare services. The emotional toll of pet loss is significant, and Dr. Gardner provides resources and counseling to help families navigate their grief. Her work is a testament to the belief that every pet deserves a peaceful and gentle passing, and every family deserves a supportive hand to guide them through it.

Dr. Gardner's reputation is built on her deep expertise and heartfelt commitment. She is widely recognized for her work, having co-founded Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a nationwide practice dedicated to end-of-life care. Her passion for helping "a dog with a grey muzzle or skinny old cat" is evident in every service she offers. She has authored several books on caring for geriatric pets and has been a prominent speaker on the subject. This wealth of knowledge, combined with her gentle and empathetic nature, makes her a trusted and invaluable resource for California pet owners. Whether you are seeking to manage a chronic illness in your senior dog or cat, or you are facing the difficult decision of humane euthanasia, Dr. Mary Gardner provides a beacon of hope and understanding.

Location and Accessibility

Dr. Mary Gardner's practice is located at 18340 Yorba Linda Blvd #107, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA. This central location in Orange County makes her services accessible to a wide range of communities in the greater California region. Understanding that pet owners may have their own mobility needs, the practice has ensured its location is fully accessible.

The facilities include a wheelchair-accessible car park, which makes it easy to bring your pet to and from the vehicle. The entrance is also wheelchair-accessible, removing any physical barriers and ensuring that all pet parents and visitors can navigate the space with ease. Inside, there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet, providing additional comfort and convenience. The practice operates on an appointments-recommended basis, which allows them to manage their schedule effectively and ensures that each family receives the dedicated time and attention they deserve without feeling rushed. This focus on accessibility and personalized scheduling highlights their commitment to providing a stress-free and supportive environment for everyone.

Services Offered

Dr. Mary Gardner’s practice offers a specialized suite of services tailored for geriatric and terminally ill pets, as well as their grieving families.

• Geriatric Pet Care: Focused care for senior pets, addressing age-related issues and maintaining quality of life.
• Hospice and Palliative Care: Compassionate medical support to manage pain and symptoms for pets with terminal illnesses.
• Home Euthanasia: A peaceful and private option for a pet's final moments in the comfort of their own home.
• Euthanasia Support: Guidance and emotional support to help families through the difficult decision-making process.
• Pain Management: Tailored plans to alleviate pain and discomfort, ensuring your pet is comfortable.
• Aftercare Services: Assistance with arrangements for communal cremation and other aftercare needs.
• Grief Support: Resources and mental health services to help pet parents cope with loss and bereavement.
• Veterinary Acupuncture: An alternative therapy to help manage pain and improve mobility in aging animals.
• Routine and Diagnostic Services: Physical examinations, blood work, and other diagnostic services to assess and monitor a pet's health.
• Special Care for Cats and Dogs: Specific expertise in the unique needs of both feline and canine geriatric patients.
• Pet Photography and Portraits: Services to create lasting, cherished memories of your pet.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Dr. Mary Gardner’s practice apart is her unique focus and the comprehensive, compassionate approach she brings to every aspect of her work.

• Specialization in End-of-Life Care: Her practice is one of the few dedicated entirely to geriatric and hospice care, providing a level of expertise and empathy that is invaluable during this sensitive period.
• In-Home Services: The availability of home euthanasia and home hospice care significantly reduces stress for both the pet and the owner, allowing for a peaceful farewell in a familiar setting.
• Holistic Support: Dr. Gardner offers a full-circle of support that goes beyond medical treatment, including grief counseling, pet loss support, and practical advice for pet ownership.
• Published Author and Speaker: Her status as a published author and a co-founder of a national hospice organization attests to her deep knowledge and respected standing in the veterinary community.
• Compassionate and Caring: The core of the practice is built on a foundation of genuine compassion, ensuring that every pet is treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
• Accessibility: The facility is designed to be fully wheelchair-accessible, from the car park to the toilet, ensuring a smooth experience for all visitors.

Contact Information

For more information or to arrange a consultation, you can contact Dr. Mary Gardner’s office:

• Address: 18340 Yorba Linda Blvd #107, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA
• Phone: (855) 933-5683
• Mobile Phone: +1 855-933-5683

What is worth choosing

Choosing a veterinary practice for your pet's end-of-life care is a decision that requires careful thought, and for residents of California, Dr. Mary Gardner presents an exceptional choice. The most compelling reason to choose her services is the singular focus and unparalleled expertise she brings to geriatric and hospice care. While many general veterinary practices offer end-of-life services, it is often not their primary focus. Dr. Gardner and her team, however, have built their entire practice around this crucial life stage, meaning they are deeply attuned to the specific needs of aging animals and the profound emotional experience of their families. This specialization translates into more accurate assessments of quality of life, more effective pain management, and a deeper understanding of the subtle signs of suffering.

The ability to provide in-home care, especially for euthanasia, is another invaluable benefit. For a senior pet who may be in pain or anxious, the stress of a final car ride and a clinical setting can be traumatic. Dr. Gardner's home services allow for a peaceful, loving transition in the most comfortable and familiar environment possible. This consideration for the pet's emotional well-being is a hallmark of her compassionate practice. The grief support and aftercare services she offers further highlight her commitment to holistic care. Losing a pet is a form of bereavement, and having a professional who can provide resources and empathetic guidance through the mourning process is a service that goes far beyond traditional veterinary medicine.

Moreover, Dr. Gardner's reputation and professional standing speak volumes. Her role as a co-founder of a national organization and her work as a respected author and speaker demonstrate that she is a leader in her field. This level of authority provides immense confidence to pet owners who are navigating complex and heart-wrenching decisions. Her practice is a testament to the idea that veterinary medicine can be both a science and a truly human-centric, compassionate art form. For any pet parent in California who is cherishing the final months, weeks, or days with their beloved senior companion, Dr. Mary Gardner offers not just medical care, but a guiding light of comfort, dignity, and unwavering support.

Dr. Mary Gardner

18340 Yorba Linda Blvd #107, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA