About Paws at Peace
Helping you say goodbye is the only thing we do.
Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the most difficult moments of your life. At Paws of Peace, our sole purpose is to give your beloved companion the peaceful passage they deserve, surrounded by love, in the comfort of your own home. No matter where you are in this process, we are here to help.
Our Mission
Dr. Jessica Fragola
Founder and Lead Veterinarian
Our founder, Dr. Jessica Fragola, graduated from Harvard University with an AB in History of Science in 2005 and obtained her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.
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She practiced emergency medicine for years before starting Paws at Peace and feels that, while veterinary medicine has made incredible advances, it has neglected one of the most important aspects of our pets’ well-being: a peaceful passing from this world without pain. This has become her mission.
Dr. Alexis Howard
Veterinarian
Dr. Alexis Howard is a native New Yorker who has had a passion for animals since childhood. She began her animal science education at her beloved John Bowne High School in Flushing, where she learned
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about and cared for alpacas, pocket pets, reptiles, water buffalo, and more on their farm. She then went on to earn both her A.S. and B.S. degrees in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut, followed by her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the historic Tuskegee University. After beginning her veterinary career as a general practitioner, she realized how important end-of-life care was and decided to join Paws at Peace full-time. She finds fulfillment in helping people honor their relationships with their furry friends during their time of need. In her free time, Dr. Howard loves finding delicious foods at the countless restaurants around New York. She doesn’t currently have any furry friends of her own but does enjoy fostering kittens when the opportunity arises.
Dr. Jennifer Lander
Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Lander graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the last 20 years, she has worked primarily in private practice and shelter medicine in New York City.
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Losing a beloved pet is one of life’s most difficult events, and Dr. Lander is passionate about helping ensure a peaceful and comfortable transition. She considers it an honor to have the opportunity to help people and their special companions in their greatest time of need.
Dr. Yui Shapard
Veterinarian
Dr. Yui Shapard graduated in 2017 from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, and has been practicing in New York City ever since. She was originally born and raised in Japan
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and her affinity towards animals grew with her as she was surrounded by rescued cats and dogs while she was growing up. She has worked in shelter medicine, general practice, and emergency medicine, as well as in a telehealth startup. Dr. Shapard was drawn to palliative and end-of-life care in general medicine and found fulfillment in focusing on the quality of life over quantity in her patients. She also experienced many painful goodbyes firsthand with her beloved pets. Still, the most memorable goodbye was with her family cat, Bon, who had hepatic cancer that had spread throughout his body, and a home service euthanasia was performed. It was the most peaceful goodbye she had ever experienced, and the memory stayed with her throughout her journey in veterinary medicine. Dr. Shapard has since been an advocate for “quality of death”, and she feels called to spread awareness about the final choice of love we can make for our beloved animals. In her spare time, she enjoys binge-watching new TV shows, practicing pilates, crafting, finding great coffee shops, and spending quality time with her friends and family, including her two fur children, Manchee and Shai.
Dr. Jenna Goldhaber
Veterinarian
Dr. Jenna Goldhaber grew up in Long Island, NY, where she cultivated her passion for animals, science, and the arts. Though immersed in music and dance performance from a young age, her intellectual and service-oriented spirit
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combined with deep respect for the human-animal bond, inevitably led her to fulfill her fifth grade yearbook’s stated career goal to become a veterinarian. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 2009 and went on to receive her DVM degree from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Since graduation, Dr. Goldhaber has been a general practitioner in veterinary clinics in and around New York City. Having a soft spot for senior pets and recognizing the dignity and reverence that end-of-life care in the home setting affords them, she was drawn to the opportunity to guide pet parents through a seemingly impossible and unforgettable moment in their pets lives. She believes a humane passing with home comforts is a gift that honors the timeless bond with our companions.
Dr. Emily Haines
Veterinarian
Dr. Emily Haines completed her veterinary degree at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland where she developed a deep appreciation for exotic companion animals. Since moving
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into general practice she has continued to foster that care for exotic species as well as dogs and cats. She finds fulfillment helping pet parents give their beloved companions the gift of a peaceful and gentle passing. In her free time she enjoys finding the best parks in the city, trying out new restaurants and bars, and cuddling with her very fluffy cat, Winnie.
Dr. Colin Huang
Veterinarian
Dr. Colin Huang is a dedicated emergency veterinarian currently practicing full-time in New York. Originally born and raised in Taiwan, he earned his veterinary degree from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary
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Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland. Through his work in the ER, Dr. Huang has developed a deep understanding of how stressful and emotional emergency situations can be for both pets and their families. He is especially passionate about providing compassionate end-of-life care, believing that a peaceful final day surrounded by loved ones is one of the greatest gifts a pet can receive. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Huang enjoys relaxing with jigsaw puzzles and watching movies.
Dr. Leah Jackson
Veterinarian
University of Pennsylvania–trained veterinarian (SAS ’99, VMD ’03) with over 20 years of experience across general practice, urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, dentistry, ultrasound, and endoscopy.
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USDA-accredited with advanced training through CSU’s TMI program, Universal, and VEG. Over the past decade, focused on leadership—coaching private clients, mentoring veterinarians, and supporting organizations in medical operations and client experience. Lives in NYC with her daughter, Zoe, her dachshund Ziggy, and her ball python, Popcorn. When not working, she enjoys surfing, practicing Pilates, and exploring New York’s food and music scene.
Cheryl Murphy
Practice Manager
Cheryl joined the Paws at Peace family in July of 2023. She started her veterinary career in 1990 with roles as an assistant, technician, and receptionist at companion animal practices, followed by
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management positions in companion, mixed, and referral/specialty practices. In 2010, she became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). Cheryl has taught at Chesapeake College, lecturing on resume preparation and interviewing skills and also helping to coach newer managers in the profession. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional. She is an active member of the VHMA and serves as a member of the Industry Advisory Panel. Dedicated to her profession, she recently became a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Cheryl enjoys spending time away from work with her husband, cats, dog, chickens, six children, and two grandsons! Her special interests outside of work are traveling, gardening, and mushroom foraging.
Heather Pierce
Senior Care Coordinator
Heather graduated from Miller Motte College, where she earned her veterinary technician license in 2015, which was granted by the AVMA. She has since worked in emergency medicine,
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academia, and surgery/anesthesia. She has lived all over but currently resides on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Mississippi. When we asked why we thought she’d be a great fit for this role, she said, “I believe the end of a pet’s life should be as beautiful and peaceful as the beginning, filled with tenderness, love, and warmth. It is not an easy time, but it is truly the last act of grace we can give to our best friends.” Heather has one elderly Pomeranian named Paisley, whom she refers to as her “ride or die through thick and thin.” When she has free time, you can find her out on the water fishing or tending to her backyard vegetable garden.
Janae Blandford
Care Coordinator
Janae graduated in 2000 from Northern Virginia Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. Over the past 30 years, she has worked in both general practice and emergency/specialty medicine.
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Her extensive background in emergency care has given her the experience and compassion needed to support families through the most difficult decision of saying goodbye to their beloved pets. Janae’s focus is always on providing comfort and ensuring dignity for every animal in their final moments. She joined the Paws at Peace team in September 2025. Outside of work, Janae can often be found cheering on her children at the soccer or softball fields. She shares her home with her husband, their three children, and three cats. A sports fan at heart, she also enjoys watching football—especially her favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs (she asks that you don’t hold that against her!).
Colleen Kennedy
Care Coordinator
Colleen joined our team in September 2025, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. Born and raised in Philadelphia — and proud to have never left — she began her animal care journey in 2003
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at a greyhound rescue. After earning her degree in Public Relations from La Salle University in 2006, she quickly realized that veterinary medicine was her true calling. Her career spans emergency and specialty care, shelter medicine, pharmacy, and general practice. No matter the role, Colleen has always found the greatest purpose in supporting families through end-of-life care. Guiding them with compassion, clarity, and dignity is a responsibility she holds deeply. When she’s not working, Colleen can be found cheering on her beloved Philly sports teams (especially the Flyers), enjoying live music, or at home with her three cats — Sheena, Devotchka, and Woody Wolf.
Helen Vicencio
Care Coordinator
Helen is a dedicated Care Coordinator and a current veterinary medicine student with three years of experience in the animal care industry. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to build meaningful connections with pets and their owners, providing
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comfort, compassion, and support throughout every step of their care journey. Helen loves collaborating with a team that shares her deep passion for animals, and she is always eager to continue learning and growing in the field.Outside of work, Helen stays active by exploring new places and spending quality time with her own dog, Coco. She feels incredibly grateful to work in a field where she can make a positive, daily difference in the lives of pets and their families.
Kaye Gonzales
Care Coordinator
Kaye entered the veterinary field in late 2022 and transitioned to full-time administrative support in 2023. Kaye’s true passion lies in the compassion and empathy that define the veterinary community. As a
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Care Coordinator, she finds deep fulfillment in guiding pet owners through every step of their experience, ensuring families feel supported and cared for with genuine kindness. She excels at managing daily communication and scheduling, consistently ensuring smooth workflows so the team can deliver quality service on time. She joined our team in 2025.Outside of work, Kaye can often be found cooking, traveling with friends, or hitting the courts to play badminton and pickleball. A lover of both cats and dogs, she is currently channeling her organized nature into prepping her home to welcome a future feline companion, ensuring she is fully ready to provide everything her new kitty will need.
Areas We Serve
Paws at Peace is proud to offer in-home pet euthanasia and hospice care for all of NYC, including:
In the News
Featured in leading publications
What to do when your pet dies in New York City
Services for Saying Goodbye While city services, ACC and Pet Cremation deal with deceased animals...
Pets need vets: Be kind to both
I grind my teeth as I hear the phrase "stat triage" repeated over the intercom. I make eye contact ...
Everyone at Paws at Peace is certified Fear Free, meaning we have advanced training in always using gentle and compassionate approaches with pets to ensure their emotional and physical well-being and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress.
