Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

363 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

There is truly no better way to honor our beloved pets last wishes than to help them pass, when its time, peacefully and painlessly in their sleep, at home, surrounded by family. I firmly believe it, because it is a desire we all would want when that time comes.

Education

Undergraduate: University of California, Davis

Veterinary Medicine: University of California, Davis University of Iowa

Certifications

2

Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, Fear Free Certified

Pet Loss Bereavement SpecialistFear Free Certified
  • Based InFresno, CA
  • Service areasFresno, CA & Surrounding Cities
  • Work Experience19+ years
  • Animals ServedDogs (Over 30 lbs) & All Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Wednesday12:00 pm - 6:30 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 Whala will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $315

Pet cremation

Dr. Karen Whala 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 $75 - $495

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $20 - $40

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. Whala was extremely kind and gentle. She helped all of us with the loss of Loba who was a shelter dog at Animal Compassion Team, a non profit rescue in Fresno California. Loba was a favorite at our shelter 2 years at the shelter and she had no applications for adoption. The volunteers and staff wanted her to end her life where she felt at home. Dr. Whala treated Loba like an important and pedigreed dog. Thank you Dr Whala❤️

codapet review
5.0
Sep 27 2023 by Leslie F
Review by Leslie F
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I can't say enough about Dr Karen Whala. She came into our home to assist our sweet senior cat Lulu cross over the rainbow bridge. Dr Karen was so kind and compassionate. It was nice for our Lulu to pass in her home instead of a cold scary vets office. Thank you Dr Karen.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 24 2025 by Carolyn Bates
Review by Carolyn Bates
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Our experience with Dr. Whala was an incredible one. Our 17 year old cat had been living with kidney disease for several years, but it progressed rapidly the last two months. Within a few days he greatly declined and we were faced with the unthinkable choice of putting him to sleep or continuing to care for him while he suffered unnecessarily. When we finally decided to have him humanely euthanized, our regular vet's office recommended CodaPet. We had to make a very fast decision, and were able to book an appointment with Dr. Whala the very next morning. From the moment we booked to the appointment, everything went professionally and with the utmost compassion. Dr. Whala texted the next morning to confirm everything and explain the process. When she arrived, she was extremely kind and caring, and allowed our entire family the time and respect to spend as much time as we needed with our beloved cat. She explained the entire process and was just lovely in her demeanor. It was obviously an emotional time, and she knew exactly how to proceed without overwhelming us. As the visit continued, she explained everything she was doing and made sure to ask us if we had any questions or concerns. She provided compassionate care and went above and beyond to respect this difficult time. For anyone wondering if this is the route for them to take, I highly recommend at-home euthanasia with Dr. Whala. Yes, it was difficult and not an enjoyable time, but I can't thank her enough for the care she took to help our beloved Indy cross the rainbow bridge. If you are in a similar situation, or questioning whether this is the right decision for you, I absolutely recommend using Dr. Whala and allowing her to help your loved one pass on with dignity. Thank you Dr. Whala for honoring our cherished pet.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 06 2025 by Minimal Manik
Review by Minimal Manik
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whale was wonderful, I felt very fortunate that she was the one to take care of my "Jakers" she was so kind, smart, compassionate, understanding, thank you Dr. Karen Whale

codapet review
5.0
Mar 22 2024 by Bruce N
Review by Bruce N
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Whala was amazing. My boy was suffering, but she made sure he didn't feel a thing. For something so difficult to go through, Dr. Wahla made it just a little bit easier.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 22 2024 by Morgan E.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

I’m so grateful we were able to choose in home pet euthanasia for my sweet Maverick, who would have been so anxious if we would have had to take him into a vet office. I felt so much peace being able to hold him in his favorite room in the house while he passed away. Dr Karen was so kind, supportive, and helpful during the process. I will absolutely be recommending her to all of my friends and family when they face this difficult decision.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 09 2024 by Kerstyn Wilson
Review by Kerstyn Wilson
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture