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
Dr Gonnering was an Angel in disguise. She made this heartbreaking decision much easier for me because of her sincere compassion and knowledge. After performing a thorough examination, she assured me that it was time for my Tinkerbelle to cross over the rainbow bridge. And that I was making the right decision. Dr Gonnering treated my Tinker with such gentle care to keep her comfortable. I felt I could hold her forever, there was no rush. Whenever I was ready to let her go. She helped prepare Tink for our transfer to the crematory. I will never forget the comfort Dr Gonnering brought to myself and my family during this very difficult time. I will never ever forget her.
The decision is never easy and all we wanted was our Calypso to pass peacefully and as stress free as possible. That is exactly what we got with Dr. Ann. 10/10 for her services. It was my husband's first time and I was so glad he didn't have to experience Calypso being so nervous as she would be anywhere other than home.
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. 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.
Dr Ann Gonnering could not have been more sympathetic and gentle during this painful process. It meant the world to us that she was patient enough to help us find peace, in our decision to end the suffering of our turning 13 years old golden retriever. She was unbelievably knowledgeable about everything that was likely going on with him. Her information of treatments informed us of how little time it would buy (with much of it being recovery) and the high risks of a surgical procedure. Thank you CodaPet with all of our hearts for supporting us in this time of need. Words can't truly express how much it meant to have our pet leave our lives in such a relaxed, comforting and quick way.
She made the experience so sweet and solemn from start to finish. I had many thoughts about doing this and she put me at ease. She made Grace passing over the Rainbow Bridge a beautiful experience and peaceful for both her and me.
