About Us
Modern veterinary nursing techniques
with a Holistic approach.
Hi, I’m Liz. I am a Veterinary Technician with over 30 years experience caring for pets like yours. Heal at Home Pet Care is my business, and I love what I do! I provide services to my clients in a variety of ways – via pet home nursing visits, phone or video consults, to the PetWise Membership community, and various mini-courses, live talks and learning materials I offer.
I understand your needs.
Do you have a pet with a recently diagnosed or chronic disease? Do you find giving treatments to your pet overwhelming? Is your pet recovering from a recent surgery? Are you stressed thinking about your older pet’s medical challenges?
Each family’s journey is unique.
I work with you and your pet to create a specific plan that restores balance to your pet’s health and to your life. Using a combination of modern nursing techniques and experience with a holistic approach, I provide help when it is needed most, removing fear and frustration.
How can you start?
I work with you and your pet to create a specific plan that restores balance to your pet’s health and to your life. Using a combination of modern nursing techniques and experience with a holistic approach, I provide help when it is needed most, removing fear and frustration.
Liz Stewart, BS, CVT, VTS-ECC
Liz supports people in healing their pets at home blending traditional Veterinary nursing with a more holistic and inclusive approach.
Her passion is helping pet owners create a comprehensive plan as they navigate their pet’s life stages and illnesses. Her unique training and experience allows her to teach and offer recommendations, removing fear and frustration.
Liz is a natural pet healer with 30yrs+ in the veterinary technician profession. She is certified in Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) and Animal Acupressure. Liz is the former manager of a large 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care service where she created protocols and training programs allowing for a high level of patient care.
In 2010, she was instrumental in creating a program for the first technician driven veterinary hospice & palliative care in NJ. Hours spent researching and talking to human hospice nurses, clinical psychologists, and bereavement specialists led her to commit to working with families in their homes in all stages of wellness care for pets. Heal at Home Pet Care was created to be able to offer these unique services to pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in-home veterinary technician nursing care?
It is similar to what a human nurse would offer to a person needed medical help at home. Pets are often sent home from their veterinarian with instructions that are confusing—or beyond their owner’s comfort level to implement. Many of the pets I see are recovering from surgery, are aging and need special care, are diagnosed with a chronic disease, or have owners that may need education and support starting a new medical routine at home (for example, giving diabetic shots or fluids under the skin.)
How do I know if your services are right for my pet?
Clearly, all cases are unique and are assessed on an individual basis. Home pet nursing services can help give you resources, guidance, and support with many pet medical issues. Some issues are acute and require a few visits, while some are chronic and require continued support. It’s like having the benefits of hospital expertise at your fingertips, without the stress of leaving home.
What kinds of problems can you help my pet with at home?
I can help you with any medical issue that requires special nursing skill and knowledge. Cases can range from post-surgical care, diabetes, heart disease, palliative care, and hospice. Help with aging pets is another area of home pet nursing. Acupressure sessions can be beneficial for behavior issues, strengthening the immune system, and orthopedic problems. In short, I can help with a vast array of concerns.
My dog/cat is getting really old! Can you help them be more comfortable?
YES! Many people are told that their pet is too old and there is not much left to do for them. However, there are many highly beneficial modalities, including acupressure, massage, and dietary modifications. Guidance regarding daily routines is also offered. Making minor changes as your pet ages can have major results. With some guidance, you can easily learn how to adjust to your pet’s new stage of life, increasing comfort and decreasing worry.
Can you help me decide whether euthanasia is right for my ailing pet?
This is a difficult decision that each pet owner ultimately needs to make on his or her own. However, I am there to support you and offer guidance from a medical and emotional perspective. Because this can be such a challenging and confusing topic, it is always helpful to talk over the situation with someone you trust and who’s opinion you value.
Do you provide pet sitting?
Home pet nursing is not pet sitting. The pet parent is always present for the visit. I can recommend reputable pet sitters to my clients depending on your needs.
My pet just had surgery. Can you help me make sure they are recovering correctly?
Yes. Just like people, pets need special care when recovering from any surgery. I can help provide the proper technician nursing services your pet will need during this post-surgery recovery time.
My pet was just diagnosed with a life-altering illness, can you help?
People are often overwhelmed, and rightly so, after hearing news that their pet has a chronic illness such as cancer or diabetes that will require continual and ongoing monitoring and medication. I can help you learn how to give medications and treatments to your pet in a stress free manner. Once you are confident and have the skills needed to provide this type of care, I am there to support you with follow up visits as needed.
How much do your services cost?
It depends on your pet’s needs. I offer a free initial phone consultation to get started where we can talk about fees at that time. Sessions are affordable and special packages are available to help with multiple visits. Additional time can be bought in order to have more e-mail and phone support when needed.
My services are an investment in your pet’s health and well-being–as well as an investment in your own peace of mind.
How do I prepare for a home visit?
In order to get the most out of a home visit, please schedule during a time when there are few distractions. Depending on the weather we can do a session inside or outside as long as your pet is comfortable. It is best for me to see your pet’s regular routine, so just be yourself and relax.
In the event that your pet receives acupressure, it is best not to feed them 1-2 hours prior to, or after, a session.
Acupressure results are typically seen 24hrs after a session.
See what these happy pet-parents have to say…
“Worth a million stars!!! Samson, Delilah, Jade and I are so blessed Liz happened into our lives. Her knowledge, compassion and positive nature have, and continue to be, instrumental in the health care of my dear fur babies. She offers so much more than “traditional” veterinary care and we all embraced the well-balanced approach Liz afforded us. Liz has treated my babies for close to two years- whether it be acupressure, cold laser therapy, or simply a loving touch, her efforts have worked wonders. Throughout their time together, Liz brought healing and peace to my sweet, beautiful girls Delilah (14) and Jade (17). They came to love their sessions with her. When they passed within four months of each other, I, in my despair found comfort knowing they were so well cared for. Liz, through her adept understanding of their medical issues and infinite wisdom of natural remedies and practices, added precious time to their lives!!! Liz continues to care for brother Samson (14)….. we are forever grateful to have her as our healer!”
“Liz has worked with my three cats for a few years. She is a constant, reliable source of knowledge, support and guidance in keeping my cats in good health. My cats are very relaxed and receptive to her touch, treatment and enjoy her company. I recommend Heal at Home Pet Care and its services, administered by Liz, very highly.”
“I noticed that my 11yr old boxer, Chico, was knuckling in his hind legs and moaning in his sleep for a couple of days. It had been bitter cold out and he was stiffer than usual so I waited. He has always had a healthy diet, supplements, turmeric, coconut oil, etc., and I was sure this was weather related and age. When I took him in to see his veterinarian, I couldn’t get him in my car, I couldn’t get him up the steps for his visit. They had to carry him in and carry him out.
His was diagnosed with possible Degenerative Myelopathy, Stenotic Myelopathy and IVDD and the doctor gave him an injection and sent him home with medication. Chico had a great day and we even played ball outside. The next day the shot wore off. I kept him on the medication from Wednesday until Friday. His doctor said “you are the mommy you will know if it’s working or not and call me”.
I called…Chico wasn’t walking, kept falling, couldn’t even stand. We tried a different medication that same day. Chico did better but was still very uncomfortable at night…all night and you could see the pain in his eyes all day.
I knew I needed more for Chico and I wasn’t about to get an MRI and set up a surgery for an older dog and put him in further discomfort.
I started to do the legwork and prayed to find a balance to combine Western and Eastern medicine for him. Why would I treat him any differently than I do myself?
I was led to Liz. At first I was taken aback at first with the words “palliative care” however, I wanted him comfortable. We started with the acupressure once per week for two weeks. Chico now gets treatments twice per week ongoing. My handsome boy is doing great. He has responded to the acupressure and laser treatment beautifully. He sleeps all night, without moaning. He goes for walks on and off lead.
Not to mention that Liz has other little tricks which are very helpful.
I truly believe that the same way I incorporate yoga, acupuncture, massage, and reiki, into my life and reap the benefits that why would I not do the same for my pet. Liz and Chico’s veterinarian stay in contact regarding Chico’s progress. We are all on the same path. My focus is no longer on Palliative Care – it has shifted to Wellness Care.”
Chico just celebrated his 12th birthday BTW!
“I am the proud owner of an adorable 5 yr old rescue pup named Sayde. Unfortunately, what we believe (and Liz confirmed) was early trauma she is easily startled and gives mixed signals when meeting dogs on her daily walk. Because if this, we’ve had to keep her away from social interactions. It makes us so sad because she’s so playful and loving at home. We’d love for her to have some four-legged friends!!
How fortunate we were to meet Liz!!! She is absolutely wonderful. Her calm demeanor and warm smile make her so comforting, not only for Sayde but for me as well. 🙂
Having Liz come to our home was the perfect setting in helping Sayde. Upon first meeting, Liz immediately knew she could help! She demonstrated how to apply the acupressure points to relax Sayde. Lo and behold, she was so mellow for the rest of the day. 🙂
Next up, Liz recommended we attempt a dog walk with a hopeful pup friend. I was tentative but again with Liz’s positive reinforcement and encouragement Sayde did do well!!! We had a few minor “moments” but nothing that wasn’t quickly and positively corrected.
Our whole experience was nothing short of miraculous!! Without a doubt Liz is a healthcare and holistic practitioner that any pet lover will want!!”
Many blessings to you Liz …. and many thanks! Now on to continuing to keep up on the good lessons you gave us 🙂
“Liz gave me two more years of life with my beloved cat, Dante.
Dante was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure and it was assumed that the end was near. Liz came highly recommended. I thought maybe her approach to animal wellness can improve and extend my cat’s life. I am deeply indebted to Liz for giving me exactly what I dreamed for…more time and quality of life with my best friend. In conjunction with conventional medicine and her holistic care of acupressure, laser therapy and herbal remedies my Dante exceeded his life expectancy. When we think there is an end, an angel walks into your life and changes everything. That angel for us was Liz. Her compassionate manner, love for animals and knowledge was exemplified with every home visit.
I will forever recommend her.”
“Heal at Home is exactly what I was looking for! Liz genuinely loves animals and her heart is truly in her work. Her calm, gentle demeanor is reassuring to both pet parents and their animals.
Liz is an important part of my cat, Scotty’s, healthcare team. Scotty has great conventional veterinarians and Liz provides the perfect complement with her holistic approach to healing. Scotty benefits from both! Liz monitors Scotty’s heart murmur and blood pressure here at home, saving him the stress of repeated vet visits. Acupressure has been very beneficial for Scotty – he’s had significant improvement in anxiety and behavioral issues. Kidney values are back in the normal range after being somewhat elevated for months. Laser therapy has dramatically improved allergy-related skin lesions around Scotty’s mouth, healing them after 2 sessions.
I’m very pleased with Liz’s thoughtful care and the positive results in Scotty’s health! And Scotty loves the delicious treats Liz brings him!”
“We first learned about Heal At Home through a recommendation from our veterinarian after our elderly (and very cranky) shih tzu mix, Kaiser, was diagnosed with arthritis and mild hip dysplasia. Kaiser, who was deaf and mostly blind, was patient but not particularly friendly with strangers. However, at her very first visit Liz won him over with her calm demeanor as well as her strategic arsenal of treats! Kaiser responded immediately to her gentle acupressure. In fact, after she explained to me that she was manipulating his “poop points,” he calmly stood up, walked over to his wee-wee pads, and POOPED. He was very pleased with himself, and I could not stop laughing. Seriously, though, within hours of Liz’s visits Kaiser was scampering about and hungry and happy to go for walks. We especially appreciated Liz’s open-minded and well-informed approach to both traditional and holistic veterinary care.
Liz was always available via phone or text, and when Kaiser suddenly and catastrophically got sick with a condition that surprised even his long-term vet, she stayed with us right up to the end. Kaiser’s last two days were cheered by visits from Liz, and she helped us ease him out of this world with humor and affection and (of course) treats. Her professionalism, accessibility, and commitment to what’s best for both companion animals and their caretakers is both unique and invaluable.”
“It really helps give me confidence in taking on this new plan of action. Right after I saw you for a consultation and acupressure, Bonnie started walking better.”
“Liz came into our lives when my then 12 year old yellow lab Tucker had a “perfect storm” of health crises. Tucker was too compromised to be transported back and forth to hospitals for care, so Liz brought the care to our home. In the comfort of her own environment, Tucker received physical exams, fluid therapy, acupressure, medications, and physical therapy.
The peace of mind and support I felt knowing Liz was always only a phone call away helped me with the emotional challenge of riding out that “perfect storm”. Because of Liz’s care and support, Tucker not only lived to see her 13th birthday, but realized good quality of life until only a few days shy of her 14th birthday. When that quality of life faded, Liz helped me with that acceptance and stayed by my and Tucker’s side to the very end of her journey.
Liz’s vast training and experience coupled with her natural compassion and deep connection to animals is a rare and special combination. I will always remember her amazing insight into Tucker’s essence and how Tucker would melt into relaxation when Liz performed acupressure on her. I trust Liz completely and am eternally grateful for the role she played in Tucker’s life. I will always look to Liz in the future when my animals are in need and highly recommend her to all pet families.”
“Liz is a rare combination of a people person and an animal person. Without her aid I would not have been able to help my cat heal from a condition that was thought to be hopeless. Her visits not only brought comfort and hope, but also gave me the confidence needed to learn to help my cat urinate; which eventually led to a full recovery! Her knowledge in both Eastern & Western medical practices prove to be a life saving combination! Liz is the only person I would call on for any home health care and will highly recommend her to anyone needing her services!”