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

Wednesday12:00 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. Whala came to our home to help us through the passing of our dog Dakota. It was the hardest thing we had to do. Dr. Whala was wonderful. Through her kindness, compassion, and caring demeanor, it made this painful experience more bearable. We are so grateful for her and would trust her to help us in the future with our other fur babies. Highly recommended.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 02 2025 by Claudine B.
Review by Claudine B.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Taking the initial steps was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. Having Dr. Karen Whala as part of my Stoney’s final moments leaves me with a sense is peace. She was incredibly patient and compassionate throughout the entire process and treated both he and I like family. I can’t begin to put into words how grateful I am that my Stoney was able to be home in his last chapter surrounded with love and his favorite human by his side!"

codapet review
5.0
Jun 24 2025 by Lori Clark
Review by Lori Clark
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

We had a very sudden decline of our beloved dog and Dr Whala was completely sympathetic and allowed us to go through the process in a very peaceful and calm manner. It's so wonderful that there are people who help us as we lose our pets in such a professional and understanding way.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 31 2025 by chris w.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr. Whala is empathetic, compassionate, and patient. She helped our dog Brody smoothly transition into the next phase of life. She created a calm and loving environment and allowed us to grieve and say our goodbyes without making us feel rushed. She made sure Brody was comfortable and at peace throughout the process. I highly recommend Dr. Whala to anyone who is trying to peacefully help their animal transition over the rainbow bridge.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 25 2024 by Lea Cardenas
Review by Lea Cardenas
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Her calmness and compassion was very appreciated. It must be difficult to maintain that level of outward empathy throughout every day in this profession. My other cats have never been comfortable around anyone else but myself and my partner but they were so at ease with Karen. It definitely takes a special kind of person. Thank you for making the experience as peaceful and painless as possible.

codapet review
5.0
May 15 2025 by Adrienne F.
Review by Adrienne F.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

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