Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

390 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

SaturdayTimes 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 $0

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 $Infinity - $-Infinity

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. Cost

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 came highly recommended from a good friend. I am so grateful she was available the morning that I had to make the decision to lay my Boerboel to rest. She made the experience so peaceful and took her time. I am so grateful to her. Thank you!"

codapet review
5.0
Sep 27 2024 by Equine Challenge Supplements
Review by Equine Challenge Supplements
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Karen was very gentle and kind. She explained everything she was doing or going to do. She took her time, being very considerate of my hurt. It made all the difference.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 03 2024 by Barbara P.
Review by Barbara P.
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

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

Very kind, gentle. It was the hardest thing I have had to do. Dr. Whala was exceptional! She made us all feel better about the inevitable. Thank you so much!

codapet review
5.0
Nov 25 2025 by Vicki T.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Upon her arrival, Dr. Karen compassionately assured us that our lab, Milo, would pass peacefully in his own home with his family loving him until the end. And so it was. Tears flowed losing our 14 year old friend, truly a part of our family. Dr. Karen was gentle with Milo and I would so strongly suggest this form of euthanasia. Milo left us and did so with dignity. We miss him terribly.

codapet review
5.0
May 04 2024 by Mark P
Review by Mark P
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture