Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Whenever possible, people want to be able to go home from the hospital for their remaining days, to die at home. Families want the same for their pets. As in-home pet euthanasia has finally become a viable option, I knew I could add value to the euthanasia experience because of my veterinary experience and my compassion for those pet parents who are deeply grieved over the loss of their four-legged family member. I see this as my calling, to care for the members of my local community.
Education
Undergraduate: BSA University of Georgia - 1980
Veterinary Medicine: DVM University of Georgia - 1984 MS and Residency University of Illinois - 1997
Certifications
1CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
- Based InBerlin, MD
- Service areasSalisbury, MD and surrounding areas
- Work Experience40+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats, Small Mammals (includes rats, ham ...
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Tuesday9:45 am - 3:30 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 Duncan will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $335
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostStarting at $35
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. Karen was very compassionate and understanding in such a difficult time. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I was very fortunate to have Dr. Karen help me at this time.
My Girl Chloe was a cherished family member. Unfortunately, her health had declined and we had to make a life ending decision that was very upsetting for everyone. We could not bear to take her anywhere to have the euthanasia done. We thought it was important to have this done at home where she is most comfortable. The in-home pet euthanasia was done by Dr. Karen Duncan. We had not met Karen, but when she came, she immediately put us at ease. She took her time with Chloe, and was very compassionate and understanding. She was here with us for at least an hour and explained the process in detail allowing time for us to absorb the procedure as needed. She then wrapped Chloe up in a warm blanket and transported her with TLC. I cannot say enough about Karen and the process that was done at our house. It gave us complete privacy, a special time to spend with Chloe and the opportunity to send her off in a very quiet, compassionate, and cherished way. Karen is obviously a special person to provide a service for those families having separation anxiety from their cherished pets. We appreciate all that was done to help us send Chloe off in a quiet and dignified way. We would highly recommend this, if you want that special time helping that cherished family member cross the Rainbow Bridge!
Dr. Duncan was very warm, caring, and immensely helpful during a very difficult time. Nigel was a wonderful cat - more dog than cat. He still greeted us at the door, demanded pets, and sat in our laps whenever we sat still long enough. But he had a huge tumor under his tongue, he had lost so much weight, and eating was so painful he could only attempt with a dose of pain medicine. He couldn’t groom himself anymore and his fur was covered in mats. And yet he still sought out love and affection, so we were so torn about what to do. Dr. Duncan helped us process all those emotions and facts and was completely caring and supportive. She allowed us to give Nigel the gift of dying without prolonged suffering, and without an anxiety ridden last day of a thirty minute car ride to the vet in a cat carrier in a sterile vets office smelling of fear and pain. He died peacefully in his own home without fear. I’m so grateful.
Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is hard enough. CodaPet and Dr. Karen Duncan (local to us) made the experience as easy and peaceful as possible. The website has tons of info and FAQs and the ability to schedule online. Dr. Duncan reached out in advance to see if we had any questions and put us at ease with the process, she gave us a few things to think about leading up to the appointment. Upon arrival Dr. Duncan was very pleasant, she took the time to allow us to share about our pet and his favorite things, we were able to do the process out on our porch, since that was his favorite place to relax. She talked us through the process step by step of what we can expect, and allowed us to ask questions. Once we began the process she was very thorough, didn't rush anything, and made sure we were ready for each step. She was attentive and allowed us all the time we needed as we said goodbye. She was informative on next steps and wishes and followed up with us later in the day just to check in. This was just a professional and genuine process all around. I highly recommend CodaPet and Dr. Karen Duncan, as I said, saying goodbye is already so hard, we couldn't bear the thought of putting our cat in a carrier, driving to the vet, and going through this process in a clinical environment. We were in the comfort of our own home and were able to say goodbye to our pet peacefully and safely.
Dr. Karen Duncan was extremely compassionate and caring. Her presence was greatly appreciated and very comforting. She was wonderful with our Duchess and made the most difficult decision of pet ownership a little bit easier with her professionalism and genuine concern. Her warm and welcome manner makes you feel comforted during the most stressful and challenging time for the whole family.
She was wonderful and helped my Son through a very painful decision that it was time for his best friend of 15 years to go over the Rainbow Bridge. Very compasionate!
