Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

392 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

Friday9:00 am - 1:00 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 $315

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 $20 - $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

Losing a beloved pet is never easy, but Dr Karen made this difficult situation a peaceful experience. Our sweet Roxy got to pass in the comfort of our home surrounded by her favorite human & furry family members. Dr Karen was very kind and compassionate throughout the appointment. She truly has a gift for what she does and how she does it. We can’t thank her enough. While we hope we don’t need to use this service anytime soon, we will definitely seek Dr Karen’s help the next time it is needed.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 26 2025 by Jeanna S.
Review by Jeanna S.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

This was, unfortunately, our second time using this service. But I will never go through this any other way. The vet who came the first time many years ago had moved away so I chose Dr. Karen this time because I was present when she helped my sister say goodbye to her dog a few years ago. Her beside manner is absolutely beautiful. She's so calm, patient, caring, and soft spoken. As soon as she walked in the door, it was as if she's a regular guest in our home. She sat down on the floor and immediately made friends with our Herman. He felt safe and comfortable with her right away. She explained every step of the process thoroughly and told us what to expect. More importantly, she explained it in a way our children could understand. It had been ten years since our last goodbye, and I hope it'll be that or more until our next. But I also hope Dr. Karen will still be available when that time comes. I recommend her 100%. Thank you, Dr. Karen 🤍

codapet review
5.0
Jul 21 2025 by Sherry G.
Review by Sherry G.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

This was, unfortunately, our second time using this service. But I will never go through this any other way. The vet who came the first time many years ago had moved away so I chose Dr. Karen this time because I was present when she helped my sister say goodbye to her dog a few years ago. Her beside manner is absolutely beautiful. She's so calm, patient, caring, and soft spoken. As soon as she walked in the door, it was as if she's a regular guest in our home. She sat down on the floor and immediately made friends with our Herman. He felt safe and comfortable with her right away. She explained every step of the process thoroughly and told us what to expect. More importantly, she explained it in a way our children could understand. It had been ten years since our last goodbye, and I hope it'll be that or more until our next. But I also hope Dr. Karen will still be available when that time comes. I recommend her 100%. Thank you, Dr. Karen 🤍

codapet review
5.0
Jul 21 2025 by Sherry Gloeckner
Review by Sherry Gloeckner
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Whala came to our home on short notice and took great care of our dog Charlie. So thankful for her calm comforting demeanor. She was so kind and we are grateful for her compassion and care. Never easy to say goodbye to our furry friends, but Dr Whala made the experience more bearable by being so kind and gentle

codapet review
5.0
Nov 06 2025 by stacy s.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr. Whala is kind, calm, and compassionate. She made a difficult decision and procedure as tolerable as could be. I highly recommend her.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 25 2025 by Matthew H.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

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