Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

414 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

SundayTimes 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. 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

Her approach of “I’m here for Pepper and your family “ with Pepper being comfortable the priority was wonderful. She took time to “meet” Pepper and having her doing the assessment was a blessing. She is very compassionate during this difficult process. She conveys at all time the process and what she is doing. We felt comfortable having her there as we cried and loved on our Pepper. She is WONDERFUL!

codapet review
5.0
Sep 17 2025 by Lisa R.
Review by Lisa 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

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 03 2024 by Kathy H
Review by Kathy H
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

Dr. Karen was so caring and kind. She did not rush the process and was very interested in our family with our Sammy. We can't say enough good things about her bedside manner and caring personality. Thank you Dr. Whala.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 16 2024 by Holly K.
Review by Holly K.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture