Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

422 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

MondayTimes 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

"A big thank you to Dr. Whala for her help when I needed her. She was prompt, courteous, professional, friendly, and caring. She explained everything to me beforehand and during the procedure. I finally got to hold this stray cat I had been feeding for 3 years, but wouldn't let me touch him. That meant a lot to me."

codapet review
5.0
Nov 13 2024 by Kathryn Livingston
Review by Kathryn Livingston
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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 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 Minimal Manik
Review by Minimal Manik
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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

We have requested Dr. Whala's services three times now, and each time she has shown immense kindness, empathy, and knowledge. I appreciate her more than words can ever express. She has provided us a comfortable, peaceful and loving space to say goodbye to our fur babies in, which is priceless. Although I dread saying goodbye to my fur babies, I find solace in knowing that Dr. Whala is available to help us navigate that difficult transition. Thank you a million times over, Dr. Whala.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 21 2025 by Tiffany B.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr. Karen is so caring and compassionate. Dr. Karen has been to my home to take care of two of my fur babies two different times. Each fur baby has their own individual needs. And Dr. Karen takes into account what’s going on with them and does what is best to keep them from being stressed, nervous or scared. So grateful for Dr. Karen. I was able to spend the time I needed and my babies went peacefully. Meant the world to me. God bless you Dr. Karen. I would recommend Dr. Karen 100%. My heart is at peace.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 07 2025 by Christina O.
Review by Christina O.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

This was the hardest thing me and my wife had to do .. we had our dog 15 years she was our baby we loved her and spoiled her and try to take the very best care of her.. she walked every day till her last 5 days she showed signs of pain and discomfort and eventually couldn’t get up and was crying a lot .. we wanted to keep her comfortable and let her go on her own but she was such a fighter and we couldn’t have her be in pain .. we found dr. Karen and she we like an angel sent from heaven she was so kind and gentle and explain everything got my dog very comfortable in her bed in her home and around all her family .. its very hard to lose something so close to you.. but this service made it so much easier for our dog and family to be there.. it was sad but yet very beautiful to see how much everyone loved my dog .. would recommend this to every pet owner!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 12 2025 by Jacob Z.
Review by Jacob Z.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture