Welcome to Rainbow Pets of the Upper Peninsula
Meet Dr. Jessica Columbus
Dr Jessica Columbus was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. When she was 9 years old, she decided she wanted to become a veterinarian, and her mind never changed. She graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She went on to Albuquerque, NM for a year to complete a small animal medicine and surgery internship.
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After a short time in Wisconsin as an emergency veterinarian, she settled back home in the Upper Peninsula. She spent the next 14 years as a general practitioner in Manistique. In 2020 she launched a house call practice, seeing companion animals for routine visits, minor illness and injury, and end of life care in the comfort of their homes. It was during this time that she discovered a true passion and skill for helping pets in need of euthanasia “cross the rainbow bridge” surrounded by their loved ones in their own home. She believes it is an honor and a privilege to witness and facilitate this final stage of the human animal bond.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to leave the area and her business behind for a period of intense travel and locum work in July 2023. This led to employment with a private security company and a brief time providing veterinary care for explosive detection canines stationed overseas. It was a honor to serve these four legged American heroes.
During that time, she attended training with CAETA (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy) to become a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian (CPEV). Now a specialist, she has returned home and is thankful to be able to offer this service once again to families in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Quality of Life Assessments
We know euthanasia can be a difficult decision for many families. We offer end-of-life consultations to provide a professional evaluation to help families make this decision.
A quality-of-life assessment may include a telephone call or a home visit. During a home visit, our veterinarian will also speak with your family to objectively assess your pet’s current quality of life and help you decide on the next steps to take.
Rainbow Pets has a limited capacity for diagnostic testing and as such we are not meant to replace your relationship with your family veterinarian. Because of this, our quality-of-life assessments are most beneficial for owners who already have a diagnosis from their regular veterinarian.
In-Home Euthanasia Services
Rainbow Pets of the Upper Peninsula offers in-home euthanasia for companion animals, allowing pet owners to say goodbye peacefully in the place their pet finds most comfortable and safe while surrounded by loved ones. This avoids the stress and
anxiety of travelling to a veterinary hospital.
Euthanasia can be a difficult experience for pet
owners and our service allows families to grieve in the privacy of their own home. Our veterinarian is a specialist in peaceful euthanasia, certified by the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy.
We can also assist with aftercare if you desire cremation services.