Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

419 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 Experience20+ years
  • Animals ServedDogs (Over 30 lbs) & All Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

ThursdayTimes Vary Weekly

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 has helped us through the passing of two of our dogs with a kind, compassionate, caring understanding of what we as pet owners are going through. When Dr Whala came out recently to help with what we thought was a final goodbye to our girl Bindi she let us know that Bindi had a tumor but with some medicine she recommended we were able to be with Bindi an additional 2 months. Dr Whala has a true understanding of what we as dog owners feel about our furry friends, she knows they are our family and we love them with all our hearts. There is never any rush when Karen visits your home for the final goodbye, the last moments of our babies is so difficult and Karen understands the pain we are going through. There isn't anyone I could ever recommend that would be better to help with the final goodbye for your beloved pets.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 10 2025 by Jenny L.
Review by Jenny L.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Having Karen come to the house was the most beautiful, peaceful experience I could have wished for. She was soft spoken, compassionate, sensitive and loving toward my pet. I will never drive a pet to the vets office again for this difficult process. I held my cat the whole time. No anxiety, or pain. God bless Karen for her work.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 10 2024 by karey seright
Review by karey seright
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Her calmness and compassion was very appreciated. It must be difficult to maintain that level of outward empathy throughout every day in this profession. My other cats have never been comfortable around anyone else but myself and my partner but they were so at ease with Karen. It definitely takes a special kind of person. Thank you for making the experience as peaceful and painless as possible.

codapet review
5.0
May 15 2025 by Adrienne F.
Review by Adrienne F.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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
May 25 2025 by Kimberly H.
Review by Kimberly H.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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

"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