Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

344 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

SaturdayTimes 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 $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

If I could submit more stars for Dr. Wala I would. What was an awful moment turned out to be quite beautiful and so very peaceful. Dr. Whala was so calming and sweet. I could not imagine doing what she does day in and day out until I saw the care that she put into easing the pain of not only the pet crossing over but the human left behind. She is a superstar with an empathy that most do not possess. I am so grateful for what she does and will never let another pet pass any other way. Thank you so much.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 08 2024 by Sarah D
Review by Sarah D
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 made 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 Adela G.
Review by Adela G.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Karen was very professional and sensitive to our needs. It was a tremendously difficult experience for us, but we’re confident we made the right choice.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 21 2023 by C Woolf
Review by C Woolf
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Whala is an amazing vet with such a respectful and peaceful energy that made what could have been traumatic as peaceful as possible for my pet and myself. I will be forever grateful for having this option available for sending beloved pets to their peaceful resting.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 23 2023 by Emily W.
Review by Emily W.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Upon her arrival, Dr. Karen compassionately assured us that our lab, Milo, would pass peacefully in his own home with his family loving him until the end. And so it was. Tears flowed losing our 14 year old friend, truly a part of our family. Dr. Karen was gentle with Milo and I would so strongly suggest this form of euthanasia. Milo left us and did so with dignity. We miss him terribly.

codapet review
5.0
May 04 2024 by Mark P
Review by Mark P
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Whala was a sweet soul to work with. She was very compassionate and we could tell her voice and demeanor put our Charlie boy at ease. She made a very difficult situation as bearable as possible. I wouldn’t have had it any other way than having Charlie at home surrounded by family, to cross the rainbow bridge.

codapet review
5.0
May 08 2024 by Laura C.
Review by Laura C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture