Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

410 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 $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 so supportively calm, companionate, and took her time which allowed me to breathe through this grief induced process!! I am speechless with gratitude!!! Thank you for what you do, it truly takes an amazing person that takes the time to do what you do and how you helped my fur baby with a loving peaceful crossing!?! I will now always do this type of in home help when any of my animals are in need again! Dr. Whala, you are a peace providing angel!! Thank you!!! Thank you!! Thank you!!

codapet review
5.0
Mar 25 2025 by Julie Nordman
Review by Julie Nordman
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Where do I start? My dog, Einstein, was diagnosed with lymphoma three weeks prior. It exploded throughout his body faster than the doctors expected and while he and I were on a road trip. Einstein woke one day, in obvious pain. I got lucky and found Dr. Whala through CodaPet. She was able to come see me that afternoon. It was either that or wait 4 days for the next availability (it was Thanksgiving). When she came to our house, she took the time to say hello and let Einstein and me get to know her. After she observed him and I explained his situation, she helped him pass in the most peaceful way I've witnessed. It's difficult for me to express exactly how peaceful it was, except to say, I couldn't have wished for someone to treat my buddy better. There was no pain and he felt loved. There was no sudden change but rather, a gentle transition. It's never easy making this choice but I feel Dr. Whala was the right choice for Einstein.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 13 2025 by Joseph I.
Review by Joseph I.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Karen Whala was wonderful ! knowledgable, Compassionate and professional when we needed it the most. I will be forever great full that she was there to help guide us through this difficult time . Thank you

codapet review
5.0
Sep 12 2024 by A. Robles
Review by A. Robles
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whala was an Angel sent in human form. As much as we dreaded saying goodbye to our beloved Hendrix, she made the experience memorable in the most loving and positive way. Our family highly recommends Dr. Karen for this difficult decision.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 28 2025 by gracie brunt
Review by gracie brunt
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

This was the hardest thing me and my wife had to do .. we had our dog 15 years she was our baby we loved her and spoiled her and try to take the very best care of her.. she walked every day till her last 5 days she showed signs of pain and discomfort and eventually couldn’t get up and was crying a lot .. we wanted to keep her comfortable and let her go on her own but she was such a fighter and we couldn’t have her be in pain .. we found dr. Karen and she we like an angel sent from heaven she was so kind and gentle and explain everything got my dog very comfortable in her bed in her home and around all her family .. its very hard to lose something so close to you.. but this service made it so much easier for our dog and family to be there.. it was sad but yet very beautiful to see how much everyone loved my dog .. would recommend this to every pet owner!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 12 2025 by Jacob Z.
Review by Jacob Z.
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