Mary Gardner, DVM

Mary Gardner, DVM

There is nothing better to Dr. Gardner than a dog with a grey muzzle or skinny old cat! Her professional goal is to increase awareness and medical care for the geriatric veterinary patient and to help make the final life stage to be as peaceful as possible, surrounded with dignity and support for all involved.

A University of Florida graduate, she discovered her niche in end of life care and is the co-founder and CIO of Lap of Love which has over 300 veterinarians around the country dedicated to veterinary hospice and euthanasia in the home.

Dr. Gardner published 2 books on caring for geriatric pets. "It's Never Long Enough" (dogs) and "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" (cats). She is co-author of the textbook “The Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Patient”, co-author of a children’s activity book focused on saying goodbye to a dog called “Forever Friend”.

Dr. Gardner also won VMX Small Animal Speaker of the year in 2020!