Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

389 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

Wednesday12:00 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 $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 Whala was very great she was gentle and caring of our dear and loving bear. We really appreciate your support and kindness. Thank you.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 01 2025 by Rachel Chitay
Review by Rachel Chitay
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I am grateful for the service Dr. Karen provided. She was not only knowledgeable but also very professional, understanding, and empathetic. She explained everything she was doing and what to expect. She handled everything afterward and brought my friend back to me after the cremation. While it was beyond Dr. Karen’s control, I only wish my dog Zoey had a lot more white whiskers on her face before I had to say goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 20 2024 by Nicolas R.
Review by Nicolas R.
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

I have had to use Dr Whala twice in 5 months and she makes a sad and difficult time less difficult. She was wonderful with both my dogs. She takes time to explain what she is doing, makes sure the pet is comfortable at each stage of the process, and wraps it up very nicely.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 28 2025 by Stephen S.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

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

Dr. Karen Whela was just what our family needed when we were faced with the difficult end of life decision for our sweet 14 year old Golden, Sandy. She was compassionate, tender, patient, and understood when to explain the process and when to give us the space we needed. She clearly has the heart for this amazing work. The entire process was easy with Coda Pet and they were extremely professional. Our entire family was able to be there with Sandy and while we were sad, we all feel good about how we managed her care. I would most highly recommend Dr. Karen and Coda Pet for your loved family member pet.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 29 2025 by Tony Fazio
Review by Tony Fazio
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture