Dr. Ann Gonnering
Verified Veterinarian
Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Growing up in the Chicago suburbs and earning my degrees from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, I have always been surrounded by a deep love for animals. My childhood was filled with poems and diagrams centered around them, making it clear that veterinary medicine was my calling. After spending some time practicing in New Zealand, I experienced the profound impact of in-home euthanasia for the first time. The peaceful and intimate nature of that process resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to bring that comfort to pet parents back in the U.S. In-home euthanasia allows me to provide a compassionate farewell in a familiar environment, ensuring pets and their families can navigate this difficult time together. My own experiences with my cats, especially Archie, a survivor of FIP, have deepened my understanding of the emotional journey families face during end-of-life decisions. Each of my cats has a story, from the rescue of Elgin, found almost frozen on the side of the road, to Jasper, who traveled with us from New Zealand. These experiences drive my commitment to offering gentle and respectful care when it matters most. I believe that every pet deserves a peaceful end surrounded by their loved ones, and I strive to provide that for each family I serve. My passion for animals compels me to ensure that this final journey is handled with the utmost care and compassion.
Education
Undergraduate: University of Illinois, 2016
Veterinary Medicine: University of Illinois, 2020
- Based InChicago, IL
- Service areasChicagoland & Surrounding Cities
- Work Experience5+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Wednesday8:00 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. Ann Gonnering will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $350
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $45 - $150
Quality of life consult
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $250
What pet parents are saying
I had to make the difficult decision to euthanize my dog, Coco, after 14 wonderful years together. Having to say goodbye to my dog was incredibly hard. The vet was compassionate, explained everything clearly, and treated Coco with gentle care. I’m grateful for her professionalism during such a difficult time.
We decided to use Coda’s in home pet euthanasia when my precious dog’s lymphoma became resistant to treatment and he deteriorated. I cannot say enough about how much better this terrible day was made by doing it at home. My dog had been back and forth to the vet so many times in his last weeks, the thought of one last visit to the animal hospital was miserable. The vet who came to us was compassionate, patient, and thoughtful. Our appointment was as peaceful as I can imagine.
Dr. Ann Gonnering provided a very sympathetic and kind at home euthanasia service for my beloved Billie. Dr. Gonnering clearly explained the process and allowed us the time we needed to say goodbye. She was also very kind and understanding with us as we cried. It can't be easy to provide this service, and I deeply appreciate that Dr. Gonnering allowed Billie to pass comfortably at home in a familiar environment with the people she loved.
Dr. Gonnering was amazing. Made the process very quick for our boy, and let us take the time we needed to grieve. Would use her again in the future.
It was our first time that we needed to put to sleep one of our dogs, the vet that assisted us really understood the moment that we had. Thank you to be part of our difficult decision.
Dr. Gonnering was amazing. She was knowledgeable and calm, willing to walk us through the experience and what to expect. She gave us the needed privacy prior to the procedure, and was the epitome of professionalism throughout the entire process. I will remain forever grateful for her easing the passing of my family member, and the grace she demonstrated throughout. I have already reached out to the emergency vet office to add her as an option for in-home services, as I only found Coda Pet through google. Her ability to come to our residence on short notice, on a Saturday afternoon allowed our family a final day together. I cannot give adequate praise to her and her services. She was perfect, and I’m so thankful she was there.
