Skip to main content
2025 SWVS Annual Conference Main banner
Icon Legend

Mary Gardner, DVM

CEO
Lap of Love

Dr. Mary Gardner has a passion for helping pets and their families during the final stages of life. Nothing brings her more joy than caring for a grey-muzzled dog or a skinny old cat. Her mission is to improve the quality of life and medical care for senior and geriatric pets and to ensure their final moments are as peaceful and dignified as possible.

A proud graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Gardner is CEO and co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a national network of over 400 veterinarians dedicated to in-home hospice and euthanasia services. Lap of Love has become the leading resource for families and veterinarians navigating end-of-life care.

Dr. Gardner has authored multiple books, including It’s Never Long Enough (dogs) and Nine Lives Are Not Enough (cats), which provide heartfelt guidance for families with aging pets. She also co-authored the textbook Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Patient and the children’s activity book Forever Friend, which gently helps children cope with saying goodbye to a beloved dog.

Her engaging presentations and expertise have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in veterinary medicine and she was honored as the VMX Small Animal Speaker of the Year in 2020.

Presentation(s):