Our Story | Compassionate In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Northern Colorado
A Local, Veterinarian-Owned Practice Founded on Compassion
Western Skies was founded in 2019 by Dr. Lisa Burnett, an independent veterinarian with a deep commitment to helping pets and their families experience a peaceful, loving goodbye at home. Serving Fort Collins and surrounding Northern Colorado communities, Dr. Lisa built Western Skies with the belief that end-of-life care should be personal, gentle, and free from the stress of a clinic environment.
Over the years, she was honored to support thousands of families through one of the most difficult moments of pet ownership by providing compassionate in-home euthanasia services that prioritize dignity, comfort, and emotional support.
Continuing the Western Skies Legacy
In 2024, life changes led Dr. Lisa to prepare for an out-of-state move. It was important to her that Western Skies remain a small, local, veterinarian-owned business rooted in the Northern Colorado community.
That vision continued when she crossed paths with Dr. Emilea Burton, a veterinarian whose values and experience aligned seamlessly with the mission of Western Skies. Dr. Emilea dedicated herself to end-of-life veterinary care in 2020 and holds an advanced certification in hospice and palliative care. With her combined passion for compassionate medicine, business ownership, and technology, she was well prepared to carry the practice forward.
Dr. Emilea began working alongside Dr. Lisa in late 2023 and formally took over Western Skies in early 2024, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition for families and referral partners alike.
Serving Pets and Families with Personalized End-of-Life Care
Today, Dr. Emilea Burton is proud to continue the Western Skies mission by providing kind, personalized, and compassionate in-home euthanasia services to pets and families across Fort Collins, Loveland, and Northern Colorado.
Since 2023, Dr. Emilea has partnered with the non-profit organization Sugar’s Gift, which fully sponsors 2–3 in-home euthanasia appointments each month. This partnership ensures that financial constraints never prevent a family from accessing peaceful end-of-life care for their pet.
She also maintains strong partnerships with local veterinary hospitals, allowing them to confidently refer families seeking trusted, at-home euthanasia services. A Loveland resident since 2015, Dr. Emilea is grateful to give back to the community she calls home in such a meaningful way.
A Dedicated Team Here for You
In late 2024, Western Skies welcomed Dr. Kayla to the team, expanding appointment availability so more families can receive timely support. Dr. Kayla has completed specialized euthanasia training through the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) and has received heartfelt feedback from the hundreds of families she has served.
Families are also supported by Emily and Manda, our dedicated care coordinators. They offer patience, reassurance, and personalized guidance during this emotional time. They also follow up with families after appointments and connect them with local pet loss and grief support resources.
You Are Not Alone
Western Skies is made up of a small team of compassionate veterinarians and animal-loving care coordinators, all working together to make a meaningful difference during a difficult time. We are honored to help make the end-of-life journey as peaceful, gentle, and supported as possible.
Please know that when the time comes, you do not have to walk this path alone. We are here to support you and your beloved pet every step of the way.