Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

13 reviews

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

1

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)

 CAETA'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

Saturday10:00 am - 3:00 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 $325

Pet cremation

Dr. Lara Allison 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 $80 - $325

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 $150

What pet parents are saying

13 reviews

I am so grateful we had Dr. Lara Allison to help us through this process. I was having a really difficult time making the decision about 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 was 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 for anyone who is going through the difficulty of saying good-bye to their fur baby.

5.0 Nov 15 2024 by Carol C.

Very kind and calm. Putting Bear down was an awful decision I did not want to make and wasn’t expecting so soon. I also appreciate she hand delivered his ashes back to us.

5.0 Nov 14 2024 by Stephanie C.

Dr. Allison is an extremely kind and caring veterinarian. When it was time to help our sweet Lupé cross the Rainbow Bridge, she not only helped us with knowing it was the right decision but also helped us navigate the difficult emotions. She explained everything thoroughly and thoughtfully answered our questions.  Dr. Allison approached the situation with the utmost professionalism and grace, patiently giving us time to say farewell to our dear furry friend.  From handling the logistics to treating Lupé as if she were her own, we can’t thank her enough!

5.0 Aug 22 2024 by Michelle Lee