Charlotte's AAHA-Accredited End-of-Life Care Team

Walking with families through their pet's final chapter.

Comfort Care, Quality-of-Life guidance, and peaceful in-home end-of-life care, delivered with compassion from beginning to end.

Available 7 days a week

How We Can Help

Our Pathway of Care

Every family's journey looks a little different. Wherever you may be along the path, we're here to walk beside you.

Not sure where your pet is on this pathway?

You don't have to know what you need before asking for help. Our veterinarian-developed Pathway to Care Assessment can help you understand your pet's quality of life and what your next step might look like.

Take the Assessment
Who You'll Meet

Meet Your Charlotte Care Team

Our local team who shows up for Charlotte families.

  • Dr. Alex Schaeffer

    Alex Schaeffer

    Lead Veterinarian

  • Dr. Maria Peoples

    Maria Peoples

    Veterinarian

  • Dr. Jessica Anderson

    Jessica Anderson

    Veterinarian

  • Deneige Arguin

    Deneige Arguin

    Hospice Technician

In Their Words

What Families Are Saying

A few words from Charlotte families our team has been honored to walk alongside.

Posted on Google Google
Thomas Stroud profile picture
Thomas Stroud
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The care and compassion shown to our family made this most difficult time a little more bearable. I highly recommend this service.
Posted on Google Google
Andy Brown profile picture
Andy Brown
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I can't recommend Caring Pathways enough. Such a beautiful service they provide. Dr. Jess was amazing and we could tell that she truly cared. Thank you so much!
Posted on Google Google
Elizabeth Stollbrink profile picture
Elizabeth Stollbrink
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Losing our dog, Pond, was devastating, but Dr. Alex Schaeffer from Caring Pathways made the experience much less traumatic than we imagined. She was incredibly kind and didn't rush the process, giving us the space and time we needed in the comfort of our own home. Alex’s kindness and professionalism meant the world to us. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for a peaceful, compassionate way to say goodbye to a beloved pet.
Posted on Google Google
Susan Ervin profile picture
Susan Ervin
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Dr. Maria came to our home to help put down our nearly seventeen year old Bassett Hound. He was our world for a very long time. She was super kind and explained the process. It was quick, painless, and peaceful. Can’t thank her enough!
Posted on Google Google
Morgen Cvetko profile picture
Morgen Cvetko
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Dr. Maria was absolutely wonderful in assisting us in the passing of our beloved french bulldog. Having the experience at home made him more comfortable and allowed us to spend more quality time with him before. Everything was explained to us before it happened and I could tell that he felt no pain.
Posted on Google Google
Sara Camuso profile picture
Sara Camuso
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The team was wonderful and Dr Anderson was so gentle and compassionate. She made us and our sweet old pup comfortable during such a difficult decision. I cannot express how grateful we are for her and the team at Caring Pathways.
Posted on Google Google
cindy stack profile picture
cindy stack
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We called carrying pathways the morning. Our sick dog needed to be put to sleep. Dr Maria arrived within 3 hours which was such a blessing. We did not have to take our older senior dog to the vet which he is terrified of. The whole procedure was very peaceful and comfortable for us and our dog Jax. We can’t recommend Dr.Maria enough for her gentle and sweet nature and her way with dogs and people, It gave us great comfort knowing Jax did not have to suffer or be traumatized at the vet for his last few minutes. He is at peace and playing with his cousin over the bridge now thanks to caring pathways. The cremation box and paw print were done very tastefully and we received a nice letter afterwards as well.
Posted on Google Google
Logan Lossen profile picture
Logan Lossen
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February 2nd, 2026 was the worst day of my life, we had to help my sweet 8 year old boy cross the rainbow bridge. My boy had a very aggressive cancer and on the day we had to say goodbye, around 1pm I called Caring Pathways asking if anyone could come same day to our house so he could move on in the comfort of his own home. Around 5pm Dr. Alex Schaeffer came to our house and was absolutely amazing through the whole process. Not only was she so kind, but she also took her time to give us time with him, she gave both of our dogs treats, she did everything she possibly could to make our boy and us comfortable through this whole process. While February 2nd will forever haunt me now, I will always be thankful for this company and specifically Dr. Schaeffer for the kindness and compassion we received. Every single person I spoke to showed a kindness I will never forget. I know no one wants recommendations for saying good bye to your fur babies, but if I ever need to do this again, it will be with this company again. I am eternally grateful.

Testimonials, scrollable. Use the previous and next buttons, or swipe, to browse.

"My family is very grateful for Dr. Alex. She was very professional and understanding, reassuring us that our babies were crossing to a better place very comfortably and pain free. She made a terrible and heartbreaking day more manageable."

Kara on Dr. Alex Schaeffer

"I want to thank Dr. Peoples and all the staff at Caring Pathways for making our sweet Nala's transition so gentle and without anxiety. Seeing her comfort gave me such peace. From the time I submitted my inquiry, the staff gave me personal and prompt attention, answering all my questions with great sensitivity and care."

Liza on Dr. Peoples

"I cannot express how grateful my husband and I are for Caring Pathways. Dr. Jess Anderson was incredibly caring and compassionate during the most difficult thing we all have to do as pet owners. Saying goodbye to our sweet Bernie boy was so peaceful and gentle, I cannot say thank you enough."

Sara on Dr. Jess Anderson

"Dr. Alex Schaeffer was amazing in helping us understand everything before we had to say goodbye to our dear Puddin. I couldn't have hoped for a better experience during such a tough time. She was calm, gentle, truly caring, and understanding. She treated us and our sweet dog with so much respect and kindness."

Laurie & Richard on Dr. Alex Schaeffer

"We want to thank Dr. Alex Schaeffer for the kind, understanding, professional manner with which she helped us ease our beloved pet, Rio, of 16 years into a happy new home in Heaven's loving embrace. Rio was treated with the dignity he deserved every step of the way."

Nicholas & Angela on Dr. Alex Schaeffer

Local & Ready to Help

Serving Families Throughout Greater Charlotte

From Charlotte to Concord, Huntersville, Matthews, and dozens of communities in between, our team comes to you.

A Few of the Communities We Serve

Charlotte Concord Huntersville Matthews Gastonia Mooresville Monroe Pineville Davidson Cornelius Waxhaw Indian Trail Mint Hill Kannapolis

Don't see your town listed? Call us, our goal is to make sure every family who needs us has access to care.

See the Full Service Area
Common Questions

Questions Families Often Ask

A few things families usually want to know before reaching out.

How do I know when it's time to say goodbye?

You know your pet best, and that's usually the hardest part. Our Pathway to Care Assessment can help you think it through, and our team is always available to talk it over with you directly.

Take the Assessment →
Will my pet be in any pain?

Our goal is to make your pet’s final moments as peaceful and comfortable as possible. We use gentle medications and a carefully guided process designed to minimize discomfort and help your pet relax in the familiarity of home, surrounded by the people they love.

Learn More About the Process →
Should my children be there?

That's a personal decision, and we support whatever feels right for your family. Many families find it helps children understand and grieve. Our veterinarian will explain things at an age-appropriate level and answer their questions along the way.

See More in Our Full FAQ →
What about our other pets?

We generally recommend letting a housemate pet be present, it's calm and quiet, and it helps them understand rather than searching for a companion afterward. We'll always follow your family's comfort level here too.

See More in Our Full FAQ →
Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we work with two financing partners that offer flexible payment options for end-of-life care.

See Financing Options →
What happens to my pet afterward?

We'll walk you through cremation, burial, and memorial keepsake options, including paw prints and fur clippings, so you can choose what feels right for honoring your pet.

See Aftercare Options →

We're Here When You're Ready

There's no wrong time to reach out. Whether you're ready to schedule or just have questions, our team is here for you.

Request an Appointment
Experiencing an Emergency? View Emergency Clinic Options

If your pet needs immediate care outside our hours, here are trusted emergency clinics throughout our service area.

Charlotte

  • Animal Medical Hospital (704) 334-4684 3832 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • CARE Charlotte (704) 457-2300 3726 Latrobe Dr, Charlotte, NC 28211
  • Carolina Vet Specialists (704) 504-9608 2225 Township Rd, Charlotte, NC 28273

Denver

  • Denver Animal Emergency (980) 222-7115 1420 NC-16 Business, Denver, NC 28037

Huntersville

  • Carolina Vet Specialists (704) 949-1100 12117 Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

Matthews

  • Carolina Vet Specialists (704) 815-3939 4099 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews, NC 28104
Recognized By

Professional Affiliations & Standards

2026 Lead Host Partner, NCVMA Charlotte Veterinary Forum

Resource Partner, Golden Retriever Lifetime Study