About Us

Founded in 2023 by Dr. Kelly Flanagan, DVM, MS, CHPV, and Laura Mellinger, LVT, CCAT, CPEP, Peaceful Moments Veterinary Care is an independent practice dedicated exclusively to in-home euthanasia and end-of-life care for pets throughout Kalamazoo and surrounding communities in Southwest Michigan. Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized support to beloved pets and their families during life’s most sensitive moments.  

Experienced Care, Personal Touch
Meet Dr. Kelly Flanagan and Laura Mellinger, LVT: With over 40 years of combined veterinary expertise, we are deeply committed to the well-being of your pets and equally dedicated to supporting you, the pet parent, during these challenging times.

Compassion in Every Moment
Having experienced the comfort of being with our own pets in their final moments, we understand the importance of being present for both you and your pet. Providing end-of-life care is both emotionally demanding and deeply necessary. At Peaceful Moments Veterinary Care, we ensure that your pet’s last moments are filled with love and dignity, right where you feel most comfortable, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

DVM, MS, CHPV

Co-Owner, Veterinarian & Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian 

Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a Kalamazoo area native with extensive clinical experience in the field of veterinary medicine. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Bowling Green State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hope College. In 2024, she earned her Veterinary Certification in Pet Hospice and Palliative Care(CHPV) from the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). Dr. Kelly has professional interests in senior companion animal medicine, dentistry, and compassionate end-of-life care.

Outside of work, Dr. Kelly enjoys traveling, birdwatching, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family, which includes her husband, two adult children, and a menagerie of pets: three cats, a school of fish, a corn snake, and poison dart frogs. 

DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Kim Barnes brings more than 25 years of veterinary experience, along with a special passion for senior pets and compassionate end-of-life care. Since 2020, she has worked as a mobile end-of-life care veterinarian, helping pets and their families through some of the most difficult and meaningful moments they share together.

Her interest in this work is also deeply personal. Experiences caring for her own beloved senior pets helped shape her commitment to making the final chapters of a pet’s life as comfortable, peaceful, and supported as possible.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children, visiting their family cottage, traveling to Disney World, and enjoying the outdoors through running, biking, riding, and even participating in or volunteering at local races.

DVM, MS, DACVP

Veterinarian & Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists 

Dr. Sierra is a Michigan native who has always felt a strong connection to the people and animals in her community. She earned her undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College before attending Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She went on to become a board-certified veterinary pathologist and enjoys opportunities to balance her work in diagnostic medicine with hands-on work in her community, especially to provide compassionate care when their pets reach the end of their lives. 

After experiencing in-home euthanasia with two of her own beloved pets, Dr. Sierra saw firsthand how meaningful it can be to have a peaceful and dignified goodbye in the comfort of home. She understands that end-of-life care is about more than a pet’s final moments - it is also about supporting the people who love them and helping families navigate an incredibly difficult transition. 

When she isn’t practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her partner, Brian, caring for and socializing neighborhood feral cats, working with wildlife, and getting outside for long walks. 

 LVT, CCAT, CPEP

Co-Owner, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist & Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Provider 

Laura has two decades of veterinary medical experience and is deeply committed to enhancing animal health and welfare. She earned her Licensed Veterinary Technician degree from Penn Foster and her Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Certification through North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Laura also completed her Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Professional (CPEP) training through the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA).

She holds certifications in pet CPR and Fear-Free practices and has worked in both general practice and emergency medical/critical care. Laura is particularly passionate about end-of-life care, focusing on dignity and comfort for animals in their final moments.

Originally from Southwest Michigan, Laura is a passionate equestrian who loves to travel and cherishes time with her family. She shares her home with her husband, two children, and an eclectic mix of pets—including horses, cats, a dog, and an axolotl.

CVT, LVT, VTS-ECC

Licensed Veterinary Technician & Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care 

 Abby joined Peaceful Moments Veterinary Care in March 2026, bringing a diverse background in veterinary medicine, including veterinary oncology pharmaceutical development, emergency and critical care, feline-focused practice, and clinical instruction of veterinary and veterinary technician students.

She became a certified veterinary technician in 2000 and earned her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in Emergency & Critical Care in 2005. Throughout her career, Abby has remained deeply committed to animal welfare and rescue work, volunteering with multiple rescue organizations since 1998. She has a special interest in greyhounds and Spanish Galgos, geriatric pets, hospice and palliative care patients, and community cats involved in TNR programs. In 2005, she founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of Spanish Galgos and has traveled to Spain numerous times to volunteer with one of the country’s largest animal shelters.

Abby lives in Southwest Michigan with her husband and their lively household of dogs and cats. They relocated from Colorado in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Technical Journalism and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.

Lead Care Coordinator

Karlee is often the first point of contact for families reaching out to Peaceful Moments. She is here to answer your questions, guide you with empathy, and help schedule the care your pet needs.

Karlee shares her life with quite the collection of pets: two cats, a bird, a rabbit, a fish, and her Standard Poodle, Coraline. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, baking, learning about exotic animals, and building and visiting aquariums.