Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

396 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

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 $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

"I am sure all the vets are great, but I can only speak about Dr. Karen. Dr. Karen was fantastic; we appreciated her listening and compassionately answering all our questions. She explained the process and took her time. We were all able to love on Lucky and say goodbye. She gave him some prosciutto with a relaxant, and from the time he walked back to his spot, he started falling asleep. Lucky was ready :( It happened very quickly, and then she gave him a shot, and within a few minutes, he was gone. She didn't rush; she waited until we were ready. I am so relieved that we could say goodbye to Lucky at home, surrounded by those who loved him.".

codapet review
5.0
Aug 18 2025 by Kimberly High
Review by Kimberly High
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Whala is one of the most incredible, caring, intelligent person I have ever met. She turned the worst day of my life (so far) into a loving, meaningful experience. Words simply cannot describe the care that Dr. Whala took with my beloved dog. My dog passed in peaceful comfort thanks to Dr. Whala. Dr. Whala also provided us with peace with the decision that the timing was right. Working with Dr. Whala was one of the best decisions that i have ever made. I am truly grateful to Dr. Whala and will remember her for the rest of my life. The Fresno community is beyond lucky to have Dr. Whala working in it.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 14 2025 by Sara S.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

She was very compassionate, took her time to explain everything she did and I’ve never had such a good experience with such a caring vet

codapet review
5.0
Mar 07 2025 by Judy C.
Review by Judy C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

this was our second time using Dr Whala , she again performed a mostly loving goodbye , i appreciate her soft spoken ways and compassion for us whole going through this most difficult time . we appreciate her so much .

codapet review
5.0
Sep 02 2025 by Sylvia C.
Review by Sylvia C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whala was amazing, she was kind, gentle, and soft-spoken. Cared about my sweet cat and myself very much. Having this in-home pet euthanasia instead of going to a Veterinarian’s office was so comforting.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 30 2025 by Michelle Barnett
Review by Michelle Barnett
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Losing our beloved Bully was one of the hardest moments for our family, but Dr. Karen Whala helped us through it with compassion, grace, and genuine care. From the moment she arrived, she created a peaceful and comforting environment that honored Bully’s life and eased his passing. Dr. Whala was incredibly supportive—not just to Bully, but to every member of our family. Her presence brought comfort during a heartbreaking time, and we are so grateful for her gentleness and professionalism. The resources shared by the CodaPet team were thoughtful and meaningful, especially the grief support and memorial ideas. It truly felt like we weren’t alone. Thank you, Dr. Whala and the entire CodaPet Care Team, for helping us say goodbye with dignity and love. We will never forget it. — Villarreal Family

codapet review
5.0
Mar 27 2025 by Paco Villarreal
Review by Paco Villarreal
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture