Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

401 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

Tuesday12:00 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 $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

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

The service offered made the decision easier to end my aged cat’s struggle to breathe. Dr. Karen was professional; explained the process and was companionate through out the visit. I appreciated the guilt free interaction with her.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 04 2025 by Gail Rogers
Review by Gail Rogers
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Karen was amazing. Our poor 16 year-old lab Doberman mix could’ve never made it into a vet’s office. It was such a blessing to have her come out here and help us. She is so kind gentle and loving to both your pet and your family at such a difficult time. It was a very peaceful and beautiful moment because we all got to be there with him and say goodbye. When she went out to get the stretcher she even suggested we bring our other dogs in to sniff him so they would understand. I can’t recommend her in this service enough. Whatever extra it costs for having her come out is 100% worth it. You won’t regret it

codapet review
5.0
Sep 27 2025 by Melissa W.
Review by Melissa W.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

We actually have a unique story. When Dr. Karen arrived and assessed our Bandit, she said, “I don’t think he’s ready to go.” Without going in to every detail, she spent an hour with us as we observed Bandit, and discussed all that was going on with him. We determined that a medicine we were giving him was overprescribed and that was likely what caused his symptoms. Anyway, as I said, there’s much more to the story, but the end result is that Bandit is still with us! Dr. Karen was extremely compassionate, calm, comforting, not in a rush, and knowledgeable. We wholeheartedly appreciated her calm and discerning manner and the way in which she explained her thoughts and feelings to us. It is a comfort to know we now have a Dr./company we can turn to if we need to put a pet down. We live in the foothills/mountains and it is so nice to know we have Dr. Karen who would come to us in our time of need. Our gratitude is immense. Thank you, Dr. Karen. ♥️

codapet review
5.0
Dec 16 2024 by Christine C.
Review by Christine C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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

Dr. Whala is one of the most compassionate and kind veterinarians I have ever met. The experience was far better in our home than previous vet offices. Like night and day.

codapet review
5.0
May 09 2025 by Nikki V.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala