Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

417 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 Experience20+ years
  • Animals ServedDogs (Over 30 lbs) & All Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

SundayTimes Vary Weekly

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 $320

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 $12 - $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 Karen Whala has been wonderful with our pets. We were fortunate that we found her. Her compassion and understanding when it is time to say good by was comforting to us. Thank you Dr Whala for your patience and understanding. The Lee Family

codapet review
5.0
Mar 17 2025 by Fran L.
Review by Fran L.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I cannot express enough how WONDERFUL Dr. Whala is! I will never, ever use any other vet for putting any of my kitties to sleep. She has such a calm and loving presence. She made this hard time actually easy. No tears: just immense gratitude that my sweet Blotty got to go in such a calm and peaceful way, at home. Thank you, Dr. Whala!

codapet review
5.0
Apr 15 2025 by Janeen S.
Review by Janeen S.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I can not say enough kind words for Dr. Karen Whala of CodaPet. She came highly recommended from a good friend that had chosen in home pet euthanasia and when my Boerboel was diagnosed with Lymph cancer and it was time to let her go I was so grateful Dr. Whala had an opening that same day. She was on time and she has the most calming, gentle, peaceful spirit of anyone I've ever met. It never felt rushed, she took her time, and all things considered on such a hard, sad morning, the passing of my Tesla could not have gone any smoother or better. Thank you Dr. Whala for making my decision that day so much easier. 🙏

codapet review
5.0
Aug 28 2024 by Equine Challenge Supplements
Review by Equine Challenge Supplements
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

I only hesitated to give a 5 star rating because Dr. Whala did not call me sooner about our date with Endora's passing. She called that morning to ask if I was having second thoughts which I was. I had another boxer put down in 2022 and I sensed Dr. Whala was hesitant to put her down because she was worried I would feel "incredible guilt" because Violet seemed to be doing a little better. I went ahead with the euthanasia after talking to my vet again and I did feel horrible as Dr. Whala feared but I am now okay with the decision. Violet's heart was bad and Endora had metastatic cancer. My point is that I had Dr. Whala's imput for a day or so and then again on the day of the euthanasia. I love Dr. Whala and just wanted a phone call the night before. I wanted my hand held I guess.

codapet review
4.0
Aug 23 2024 by Elaine H.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala

Dr. Karen was so caring and kind. She did not rush the process and was very interested in our family with our Sammy. We can't say enough good things about her bedside manner and caring personality. Thank you Dr. Whala.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 16 2024 by Holly K.
Review by Holly K.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture