Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

399 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

Tuesday12:00 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 $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 $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

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

Dr. Whala was professional, caring, and a blessing. Having her come to my house in order for Baby to be comfortable in the company of the entire family made the difference given the difficult situation of saying goodbye to our precious German Shepherd, Baby. We appreciate the services she provides to make sure Baby was treated with love and care.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 28 2025 by Victoria R.
Review by Victoria R.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Where do I start? My dog, Einstein, was diagnosed with lymphoma three weeks prior. It exploded throughout his body faster than the doctors expected and while he and I were on a road trip. Einstein woke one day, in obvious pain. I got lucky and found Dr. Whala through CodaPet. She was able to come see me that afternoon. It was either that or wait 4 days for the next availability (it was Thanksgiving). When she came to our house, she took the time to say hello and let Einstein and me get to know her. After she observed him and I explained his situation, she helped him pass in the most peaceful way I've witnessed. It's difficult for me to express exactly how peaceful it was, except to say, I couldn't have wished for someone to treat my buddy better. There was no pain and he felt loved. There was no sudden change but rather, a gentle transition. It's never easy making this choice but I feel Dr. Whala was the right choice for Einstein.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 13 2025 by Joseph I.
Review by Joseph I.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Karen W did an amazing job throughout the entire process. She was very kind, compassionate and respectful. The ashes were returned sooner than expected. She definitely made this hard day a lot easier.

codapet review
5.0
May 18 2024 by Kevin M
Review by Kevin M
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen was totally professional, kind, calm, and caring in the worst of circumstances. The horrible necessity of saying goodbye to my beloved shepherd Ellie was made a teeny tiny bit easier because of her kindness and compassion.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 12 2024 by Jeannine K.
Review by Jeannine K.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Karen made what was a heartbreaking decision more bearable. She was compassionate, gentle and so caring. We would recommend her to anyone wanting to give their pets the respect they deserve at the end of their life.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Elaine W.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala