Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

392 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

Thursday12:00 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 $315

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 $20 - $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 am sure all the vets are great, but I can only speak about Dr. Karen. Dr. Karen was fantastic; we appreciated her listening and compassionately answering all our questions. She explained the process and took her time. We were all able to love on Lucky and say goodbye. She gave him some prosciutto with a relaxant, and from the time he walked back to his spot, he started falling asleep. Lucky was ready :( It happened very quickly, and then she gave him a shot, and within a few minutes, he was gone. She didn't rush; she waited until we were ready. I am so relieved that we could say goodbye to Lucky at home, surrounded by those who loved him.".

codapet review
5.0
Aug 18 2025 by Kimberly High
Review by Kimberly High
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I cant say enough about Dr. Karen and the home euthanasia experience, this young woman was made to do this, she has a calmness about her that made our Ruby and my husband and I feel very peaceful. We were very sad but without the trauma of the vets office we were able to send her off to heaven from the place she loved for almost 12 years, I would call her again in a heartbeat to take care of our animals.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 26 2025 by Terrie
Review by Terrie
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Our experience with Dr. Whala was an incredible one. Our 17 year old cat had been living with kidney disease for several years, but it progressed rapidly the last two months. Within a few days he greatly declined and we were faced with the unthinkable choice of putting him to sleep or continuing to care for him while he suffered unnecessarily. When we finally decided to have him humanely euthanized, our regular vet's office recommended CodaPet. We had to make a very fast decision, and were able to book an appointment with Dr. Whala the very next morning. From the moment we booked to the appointment, everything went professionally and with the utmost compassion. Dr. Whala texted the next morning to confirm everything and explain the process. When she arrived, she was extremely kind and caring, and allowed our entire family the time and respect to spend as much time as we needed with our beloved cat. She explained the entire process and was just lovely in her demeanor. It was obviously an emotional time, and she knew exactly how to proceed without overwhelming us. As the visit continued, she explained everything she was doing and made sure to ask us if we had any questions or concerns. She provided compassionate care and went above and beyond to respect this difficult time. For anyone wondering if this is the route for them to take, I highly recommend at-home euthanasia with Dr. Whala. Yes, it was difficult and not an enjoyable time, but I can't thank her enough for the care she took to help our beloved Indy cross the rainbow bridge. If you are in a similar situation, or questioning whether this is the right decision for you, I absolutely recommend using Dr. Whala and allowing her to help your loved one pass on with dignity. Thank you Dr. Whala for honoring our cherished pet.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 06 2025 by Minimal Manik
Review by Minimal Manik
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen is so caring and compassionate. Dr. Karen has been to my home to take care of two of my fur babies two different times. Each fur baby has their own individual needs. And Dr. Karen takes into account what’s going on with them and does what is best to keep them from being stressed, nervous or scared. So grateful for Dr. Karen. I was able to spend the time I needed and my babies went peacefully. Meant the world to me. God bless you Dr. Karen. I would recommend Dr. Karen 100%. My heart is at peace.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 07 2025 by Christina O.
Review by Christina O.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I have never been so impressed as I am with Dr. Karen Whala. She made a horrible heartbreaking situation, kind, warm and dignified. She made our dog comfortable and treated her with immeasurable kindness, respect and care. I would use her again without question.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 23 2025 by Rae Ann Fay
Review by Rae Ann Fay
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Karen Whala was absolutely wonderful, caring and compassionate at a time my family really needed it, She explained everything in detail and made this extremely hard time a little easier, Thank you so much!

codapet review
5.0
Sep 25 2024 by Jeannie R
Review by Jeannie R
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture