Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

405 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

Wednesday12:00 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

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

My girl Molli was 16 this past June and when she took a turn for the worse I reached out to Peaceful Passing/Coda Pet for help. While her appointment was scheduled for a few days later, Dr. Whala was able to come sooner - this allowed Molli not to be in pain or any discomfort for any longer than needed. The whole process was amazing and left me knowing that it was the best outcome for Molli. There was no rush, no judgement, no criticizing - just compassion and understanding. We were given time to be with Molli through the entire process. We also chose to have Molli cremated and wanted her ashes back. I was expecting to get a call to go pick up those ashes but instead I was greeted by an individual at my house that hand delivered Molli back to me. Unbelievable service from beginning to start - I would not do it any different.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 09 2025 by Tara R.
Review by Tara R.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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 Whala was one of the best Dr.’s we’ve ever experienced! She was so patient, professional, empathetic, sincere, and made us all feel very comfortable with her and the process of having to send our beloved Hendrix to heaven. Dr. Karen was engaged with every member of our family and Hendrix felt so at ease with her as well. We highly recommend her for anyone that decides to go this route. We couldn’t have had a better experience of this kind. She was an Angel in human form. Thank you Dr. Karen Whala💜💜💜

codapet review
5.0
Mar 10 2025 by Gracie B.
Review by Gracie B.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen was so caring and kind. She did not rush the process and was very interested in our family with our Sammy. We can't say enough good things about her bedside manner and caring personality. Thank you Dr. Whala.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 16 2024 by Holly K.
Review by Holly K.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Karen was the kindest and thoughtful person. She dealt with us so patiently and understood our pain. We are so happy that we found this option for our Allie. I couldn’t bear the thought of it being done in a facility that would have caused her stress. She took to Karen and was very calm. Our girl was able to leave all her pain and struggles behind in the comfort and warmth of her own home and with those who loved her by her side. One of the saddest days of our lives was made a little easier knowing we did this for her and in the best way possible. They handled everything. Thank you so much! Our highest recommendations!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 07 2025 by Ray G.
Review by Ray G.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture