Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

411 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

Sunday10:00 am - 3:30 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 $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

Our experience with Dr. Whala was an incredible one. Our 17 year old cat had been living with kidney disease for several years, but it progressed rapidly the last two months. Within a few days he greatly declined and we were faced with the unthinkable choice of putting him to sleep or continuing to care for him while he suffered unnecessarily. When we finally decided to have him humanely euthanized, our regular vet's office recommended CodaPet. We had to make a very fast decision, and were able to book an appointment with Dr. Whala the very next morning. From the moment we booked to the appointment, everything went professionally and with the utmost compassion. Dr. Whala texted the next morning to confirm everything and explain the process. When she arrived, she was extremely kind and caring, and made allowed our entire family the time and respect to spend as much time as we needed with our beloved cat. She explained the entire process and was just lovely in her demeanor. It was obviously an emotional time, and she knew exactly how to proceed without overwhelming us. As the visit continued, she explained everything she was doing and made sure to ask us if we had any questions or concerns. She provided compassionate care and went above and beyond to respect this difficult time. For anyone wondering if this is the route for them to take, I highly recommend at-home euthanasia with Dr. Whala. Yes, it was difficult and not an enjoyable time, but I can't thank her enough for the care she took to help our beloved Indy cross the rainbow bridge. If you are in a similar situation, or questioning whether this is the right decision for you, I absolutely recommend using Dr. Whala and allowing her to help your loved one pass on with dignity. Thank you Dr. Whala for honoring our cherished pet.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 06 2025 by Adela G.
Review by Adela G.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whala was one of the best Dr.’s we’ve ever experienced! She was so patient, professional, empathetic, sincere, and made us all feel very comfortable with her and the process of having to send our beloved Hendrix to heaven. Dr. Karen was engaged with every member of our family and Hendrix felt so at ease with her as well. We highly recommend her for anyone that decides to go this route. We couldn’t have had a better experience of this kind. She was an Angel in human form. Thank you Dr. Karen Whala💜💜💜

codapet review
5.0
Mar 10 2025 by Gracie B.
Review by Gracie B.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

this was the hardest thing to have to do but The experience we had using Codapet and Dr Whala was absolutely wonderful. She was so patient and wonderful with our fur baby and us. We thank her so much for all her compassion!!

codapet review
5.0
Sep 04 2024 by Cathy E
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

We were recently faced with making the decision to say goodbye to our Rottweiler, Cookie. This is the second time that Dr Whala has assisted us and each time she has shown kindness and compassion as well as loving care to our beloved pets. We can't thank her enough for her sympathetic care and professionalism.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 07 2025 by Sandra M.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

We have the help of Dr Whala twice now and absolutely love her and would never think of anyone else to help us lay our pet to rest. She is the most caring and loving when times are so hard .

codapet review
5.0
Nov 11 2025 by Chris P.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr.Whala helped make a very sad and emotional time as good as it could have been. I am so blessed to have had her there to help me say goodbye to Sippy . I can not thank her enough .

codapet review
5.0
Jan 28 2026 by Sandra L.
Review by Sandra L.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture