Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

416 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

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 $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

I’m so grateful we were able to choose in home pet euthanasia for my sweet Maverick, who would have been so anxious if we would have had to take him into a vet office. I felt so much peace being able to hold him in his favorite room in the house while he passed away. Dr Karen was so kind, supportive, and helpful during the process. I will absolutely be recommending her to all of my friends and family when they face this difficult decision.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 09 2024 by Kerstyn Wilson
Review by Kerstyn Wilson
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 Whala was so amazing. She was so kind, thoughtful and patient throughout the whole process. She is a true gift in a very difficult time. Words cannot describe the gratitude I have for Dr. Karen for coming to my home and taking such good care of my Honey and me in helping say the final good bye.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 03 2024 by Kate D
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 27 2024 by Equine Challenge Supplements
Review by Equine Challenge Supplements
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Karen was amazing. Our poor 16 year-old lab Doberman mix could’ve never made it into a vet’s office. It was such a blessing to have her come out here and help us. She is so kind gentle and loving to both your pet and your family at such a difficult time. It was a very peaceful and beautiful moment because we all got to be there with him and say goodbye. When she went out to get the stretcher she even suggested we bring our other dogs in to sniff him so they would understand. I can’t recommend her in this service enough. Whatever extra it costs for having her come out is 100% worth it. You won’t regret it

codapet review
5.0
Sep 27 2025 by Melissa W.
Review by Melissa W.
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