Dr. Dave Leatherman
Dr. Dave is the owner and CEO of Angel Wings In-Home Pet Euthanasia. He also handles the phones, the orders, the paperwork, and still brings his gentle touch and compassionate care right to your doorstep. Dr. Dave is the sole veterinarian of the practice, and finds the work both extremely important and extremely rewarding.
"The passing of a beloved pet is an extremely intimate moment often shared by the entire family and close friends. While veterinary hospitals do their best to make this experience as private and comfortable as they can, there is still the check-in process, a small room unfamiliar to the pet, and tight schedules that may limit the doctor's time. Euthanasia at home happens on your time, with your family members and friends present, and most importantly, where your pet is surrounded by familiar smells, blankets, couches, treats, whatever they like." -Dr. Dave
Dr. Dave's Story
I was born in San Pedro, CA and grew up in nearby Manhattan Beach. The ocean and the sunshine have been a part of my life since I was a baby, and I absolutely love the water. As I was slowly working my way through junior college in my 20's I found that I excelled in science, and was earning exemplary grades in chemistry and math. I also absolutely loved animals and seeing them just brought a smile to my face no matter how my day was going. I decided to transfer to UC Davis where I earned my bachelors degree in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in animal science.
Then my passion for animals took me all the way around the world to Perth, Western Australia where I earned my veterinary degree from Murdoch University. During my time in vet school, I was able to travel to India to spay and neuter street dogs. I even adopted a street dog that I spayed, and named her Sumitra which means "good friend" in Hindi. Western Australia ignited my passion for travel, which I still love and try to do as often as I can. When I returned to California after vet school, I held several associate positions at various hospitals in both Southern California and in Northern California near Davis, but never found the "ideal job".
Then I discovered relief work, that included traveling to different hospitals, and I loved the variety. During this period, I worked for a mobile veterinarian and got to experience how helpful in-home care could be for the elderly client, or for animals that were terrified of going to a vets office, particularly cats. This passion for in-home veterinary care led me to embrace the role of in-home euthanasia, seeing how important it was for families to say goodbye from the comfort of home.
In 2024 I became a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV) through the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) so that I could provide the most peaceful and comfortable end-of-life care available. It is my honor to be welcomed into your home and try and make the most difficult day imaginable, just a little more bearable.
