Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

403 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

There is truly no better way to honor our beloved pets last wishes than to help them pass, when its time, peacefully and painlessly in their sleep, at home, surrounded by family. I firmly believe it, because it is a desire we all would want when that time comes.

Education

Undergraduate: University of California, Davis

Veterinary Medicine: University of California, Davis University of Iowa

Certifications

2

Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, Fear Free Certified

Pet Loss Bereavement SpecialistFear Free Certified
  • Based InFresno, CA
  • Service areasFresno, CA & Surrounding Cities
  • Work Experience19+ years
  • Animals ServedDogs (Over 30 lbs) & All Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Monday12:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Karen Whala will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $320

Pet cremation

Dr. Karen Whala will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $75 - $495

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $12 - $40

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $125

What pet parents are saying

I only hesitated to give a 5 star rating because Dr. Whala did not call me sooner about our date with Endora's passing. She called that morning to ask if I was having second thoughts which I was. I had another boxer put down in 2022 and I sensed Dr. Whala was hesitant to put her down because she was worried I would feel "incredible guilt" because Violet seemed to be doing a little better. I went ahead with the euthanasia after talking to my vet again and I did feel horrible as Dr. Whala feared but I am now okay with the decision. Violet's heart was bad and Endora had metastatic cancer. My point is that I had Dr. Whala's imput for a day or so and then again on the day of the euthanasia. I love Dr. Whala and just wanted a phone call the night before. I wanted my hand held I guess.

codapet review
4.0
Aug 23 2024 by Elaine H.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr. Karen came highly recommended by a good friend of mine. I am so grateful that she was available the morning that I had to make the decision to lay my Boerboel to rest. She arrived on time and made this tough decision so much easier. She has such a calm, peaceful presence and took her time, waiting for the right moment for when Tesla was ready to let go. I am forever grateful to her for making this experience a bit easier. I highly recommend Dr. Karen Whala!

codapet review
5.0
Sep 03 2024 by Kathy H
Review by Kathy H
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Whala is one of the most incredible, caring, intelligent person I have ever met. She turned the worst day of my life (so far) into a loving, meaningful experience. Words simply cannot describe the care that Dr. Whala took with my beloved dog. My dog passed in peaceful comfort thanks to Dr. Whala. Dr. Whala also provided us with peace with the decision that the timing was right. Working with Dr. Whala was one of the best decisions that i have ever made. I am truly grateful to Dr. Whala and will remember her for the rest of my life. The Fresno community is beyond lucky to have Dr. Whala working in it.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 14 2025 by Sara S.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr Whala is the best compassionate Doctor. We have used her twice and during this difficult time she was an answer for our hurting hearts. Thank you so much for your empathy.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 20 2025 by terri c.
Review by terri c.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I can not say enough kind words for Dr. Karen Whala of CodaPet. She came highly recommended from a good friend that had chosen in home pet euthanasia and when my Boerboel was diagnosed with Lymph cancer and it was time to let her go I was so grateful Dr. Whala had an opening that same day. She was on time and she has the most calming, gentle, peaceful spirit of anyone I've ever met. It never felt rushed, she took her time, and all things considered on such a hard, sad morning, the passing of my Tesla could not have gone any smoother or better. Thank you Dr. Whala for making my decision that day so much easier. 🙏

codapet review
5.0
Aug 28 2024 by Equine Challenge Supplements
Review by Equine Challenge Supplements
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

this was our second time using Dr Whala , she again performed a mostly loving goodbye , i appreciate her soft spoken ways and compassion for us whole going through this most difficult time . we appreciate her so much .

codapet review
5.0
Sep 02 2025 by Sylvia C.
Review by Sylvia C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture