Dr. Lara Allison
Verified Veterinarian
Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
I have been a veterinarian for over 29 years and have had the experience of helping pets transition within a clinical setting and at people's homes. I have found that the most peaceful and natural way for our pets to pass is with us in our own home or in their favorite place. My first experience was with my Mom's first dog, Smokey, 24 years ago. We sat outside in the sun on the riverbank, and he was so peaceful and happy. Although my Mom was devastated, I urged her to tell me all about him and her memories of him; all of the funny stories and adorable and naughty moments. And in focusing on his life, not his death, it helped Smokey and my Mom to relax and feel less anxious, as I then helped him cross over while my Mom held him in her arms filled with love and appreciation for the time she had had with him. Smokey passed peacefully lying in the sun, on the riverbank surrounded by birds singing, the wind rustling in the trees and the river flowing by, all the while feeling love and joy, and not the stress and anxiety he would have felt in a clinical setting with my Mom anxious and grieving as well. It made all the difference to my Mom as I know it did with Smokey. Since then I have helped as many clients and friends help their companions pass at home. Seeing the difference between the two is what has motivated me to leave practice and commit my time fully to helping families help their pets transition in the comfort of their own home or favorite place. It is truly a gift that we can bestow upon our best four legged friends in their final moments, and it is with such honor and gratitude that I am able to be of service in this way.
Education
Undergraduate: B.S from University of Georgia - 1991
Veterinary Medicine: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine- 1995
Certifications
1CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
- Based InCharleston, SC
- Service areasCharleston, SC & Surrounding Area
- Work Experience29 years+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Thursday10:00 am - 9:00 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. Lara Allison will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $375
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $25 - $160
Quality of life consult
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $175
What pet parents are saying
Our family was faced with the dilemma of a 15.5 year lab that was having extreme difficulty with daily life. Her biggest fear in life was a trip to the vet. Seeking alternatives, we searched for in home euthanasia options. We selected Dr Lara Allison from all her great reviews. She lived up to her reputation. When she arrived, she not only cared for the family, but was very intent on making our pet at ease. She is a very caring person. Saying goodbye to a loving pet is one of the most difficult things people face, and while it isn't easy, Dr Allison showed she cared. Thank you for being a special person.
Dr. Lara was amazing with us and guiding us through the process. She treated us and our Duke with such respect. She was gentle and kind and gave us the time needed to say goodbye. Thank you Dr. Lara.
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Dr. Allison. We called her to our home to meet with our cat who has a terminal illness- to help guide us in next steps. We went over our cat’s current medical regimen, bloodwork numbers, etc. It’s important to us that our cat enjoys quality of life for as long as possible. Dr. Allison displayed not only her knowledge of veterinary medicine, she also showed us kindness, compassion and empathy. Our very shy cat was drawn to her immediately, and we were all able to take part in a spiritual healing. Although we know our cat’s prognosis is bleak, Dr. Allison offered a new perspective for all of us, and we are beyond grateful. When the time comes to make a hard decision, we know who we will call, but Dr. A offers so much more to our family. She’s been a blessing.
My family and I will be forever grateful for Dr. Lara's compassion in our hour of need. She informed us of the entire process when she arrived, in addition to answering several questions over text that I had leading up to our appointment. We loved the way she kept asking about our pup's life with us, keeping the sole focus in the room on the love and light that he brought into our home in the last decade. It really was a beautiful experience, to say goodbye in the comfort Lando's favorite spot at the front window, with the family gathered. Thank you so much, Dr. Lara. It takes a special person to step into this occupation, and you not only do you offer the service, but you go above and beyond with it.
Having Dr.Lara by my side as my family and I said goodbye to our much loved Daisy was invaluable. Being able to do this at home where Daisy was most comfortable gave us an opportunity to say goodbye in our time on our own terms. Dr.Lara talked us through every step with compassion and love. She took care of everything from beginning to end and made this process much easier. She is not only a wonderful vet but a wonderful person and we were so thankful to have her there.
I am so grateful we had Dr. Lara Allison to help us through this process. I was having a difficult time deciding what was best for Guinness. Dr. Allison came to our home for a consultation. Her medical knowledge of Guinness's needs was important, but her intuitive insights into what he was experiencing and why I was struggling so much with the decision were invaluable. Just talking through all of it with her helped me tremendously. When she came to our home for our final moments with Guinness, Dr. Allison was so compassionate. Her presence allowed Guinness, and our family to make room for healing in his transition to the other side. I would highly recommend Dr. Allison to anyone who is going through the difficulty of saying goodbye to their fur baby.
