I’m Dr. Jill Thomason, a veterinarian providing in-home euthanasia and end-of-life care for pets in the East Bay.
My background is in emergency medicine, where I spent years caring for critically ill animals and supporting families through urgent, emotionally charged situations. That work gave me a broad medical foundation and the ability to remain calm and steady when things feel overwhelming. It also reinforced how important clear communication, presence, and compassion are during life’s hardest moments.
Over time, I came to realize that helping pets pass peacefully at home was where I felt most called to work. Saying goodbye to my own dog, Jackie, was a turning point. Helping her pass at home, surrounded by familiarity and love, showed me how powerful in-home end-of-life care can be. Jackie is the namesake of my company and the reason behind my work every day. She remains my constant reminder of why this care matters so deeply.
I approach each appointment with care, honesty, and respect. I believe families deserve to understand what is happening, to feel supported without pressure, and to move at their own pace. There is no single right way to say goodbye, and my role is to help guide that process in a way that feels right for you and your pet.
Why Blue Dog?
Blue Dog Veterinary Company is named for Jackie, my late blue heeler mix and heart dog.
Helping Jackie pass peacefully at home changed how I understood end-of-life care and clarified the kind of veterinarian I wanted to be.
On the surface, the name is simple. Jackie was a “blue dog” given her breed. But the name also holds a second meaning. “Blue” reflects the grief so many of us experience after losing a beloved pet, that heavy, quiet period that follows a goodbye. Blue Dog exists to honor both the pets who shape our lives and the families who carry that grief afterward.
My work is about meeting families in that blue space with steadiness, compassion, and care, and helping them move through it in a way that feels respectful and supported.
It is an honor to be invited into such a personal moment, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.
