Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

412 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

Thursday12:00 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 $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

Dr. Whala was so compassionate and caring. It was such a blessing to be able to have her come to our home. Honey was n her favorite spot by the fire. Saying good bye to our fur babies is never easy but Dr. Whala sure helped! Thank you!

codapet review
5.0
Jan 30 2026 by Jim R.
Review by Jim R.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr Whala an answer to my prayer as I am disabled and was at a loss on how to help my suffering boxer boy. I couldn't take him to a vet. So grateful she came to my house and in the comfort of my loyal boy was assisted in crossing the rainbow bridge. The good doctor was so gentle and compassionate towards my boy and to me in such an hour of distress. She truly has a vacation for God's creatures and a spirit of loving respect us humans too. Thanks ever so much Dr Whala and for the recorces for grief. My heart continues to be heavy not having him around. I do have great satisfaction that his passing was of great dignity and peace in his own home. He deserved all the love and care as he gave me so much in return

codapet review
5.0
Oct 16 2024 by Mary O
Review by Mary O
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Whala is one of the most compassionate and kind veterinarians I have ever met. The experience was far better in our home than previous vet offices. Like night and day.

codapet review
5.0
May 09 2025 by Nikki V.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr Karen Whala is wonderful! Upon arrival she spent time with our Pepper and the assessment is so helpful and reassuring. We did not feel rushed through the process at all. She explained every step. Most importantly she was so patient allowing our family to each love on Pepper. Her priority was making sure that Pepper was comfortable at all times! Pepper never liked visits to the vet (even though our vet office is great) and knowing that she was at home and passed peacefully was a gift. Dr Whala - thank you!!

codapet review
5.0
Sep 08 2025 by Lisa Rose
Review by Lisa Rose
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I'm still very emotional for having to put my baby to rest.. but I'm truly grateful of how came to my home where my family was able to be supporting.. she was sensitive through the whole process, which was very nice of her.. my dog went very peacefully, and I held her the whole time in her favorite place at home.. thank u so much.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 23 2025 by Jacqueline D.
Review by Jacqueline D.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I only hesitated to give a 5 star rating because Dr. Whala did not call me sooner about our date with Endora's passing. She called that morning to ask if I was having second thoughts which I was. I had another boxer put down in 2022 and I sensed Dr. Whala was hesitant to put her down because she was worried I would feel "incredible guilt" because Violet seemed to be doing a little better. I went ahead with the euthanasia after talking to my vet again and I did feel horrible as Dr. Whala feared but I am now okay with the decision. Violet's heart was bad and Endora had metastatic cancer. My point is that I had Dr. Whala's imput for a day or so and then again on the day of the euthanasia. I love Dr. Whala and just wanted a phone call the night before. I wanted my hand held I guess.

codapet review
4.0
Aug 23 2024 by Elaine H.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala