Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

388 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 $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

"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

Dr. Karen Whala made my first experience with in-home pet euthanasia a very positive one. I will definitely use her service again when the time comes. She is kind and compassionate and was very gentle with my dog Sadie. Dr Whala never rushed the process and made sure Sadie stayed comfortable during the whole procedure. Choosing in-home pet euthanasia gave me an extra day to love and spoil Sadie while accepting that we were not going to have her anymore. It also gave Sadie comfort in her last hours to be free from severe anxiety that going to the vet brought her.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 13 2025 by Marianne T.
Review by Marianne T.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

She was very kind and understanding through an extremely difficult time. The process was not rushed and it went smoothly and peacefully.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 08 2024 by Kristen G.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

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

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

I have never been so impressed as I am with Dr. Karen Whala. She made a horrible heartbreaking situation, kind, warm and dignified. She made our dog comfortable and treated her with immeasurable kindness, respect and care. I would use her again without question.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 23 2025 by Rae Ann Fay
Review by Rae Ann Fay
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture