Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

403 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 $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

We actually have a unique story. When Dr. Karen arrived and assessed our Bandit, she said, “I don’t think he’s ready to go.” Without going in to every detail, she spent an hour with us as we observed Bandit, and discussed all that was going on with him. We determined that a medicine we were giving him was overprescribed and that was likely what caused his symptoms. Anyway, as I said, there’s much more to the story, but the end result is that Bandit is still with us! Dr. Karen was extremely compassionate, calm, comforting, not in a rush, and knowledgeable. We wholeheartedly appreciated her calm and discerning manner and the way in which she explained her thoughts and feelings to us. It is a comfort to know we now have a Dr./company we can turn to if we need to put a pet down. We live in the foothills/mountains and it is so nice to know we have Dr. Karen who would come to us in our time of need. Our gratitude is immense. Thank you, Dr. Karen. ♥️

codapet review
5.0
Dec 16 2024 by Christine C.
Review by Christine C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Taking the initial steps was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. Having Dr. Karen Whala as part of my Stoney’s final moments leaves me with a sense is peace. She was incredibly patient and compassionate throughout the entire process and treated both he and I like family. I can’t begin to put into words how grateful I am that my Stoney was able to be home in his last chapter surrounded with love and his favorite human by his side!

codapet review
5.0
Apr 22 2025 by Laura C.
Review by Laura C.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Where do I start? My dog, Einstein, was diagnosed with lymphoma three weeks prior. It exploded throughout his body faster than the doctors expected and while he and I were on a road trip. Einstein woke one day, in obvious pain. I got lucky and found Dr. Whala through CodaPet. She was able to come see me that afternoon. It was either that or wait 4 days for the next availability (it was Thanksgiving). When she came to our house, she took the time to say hello and let Einstein and me get to know her. After she observed him and I explained his situation, she helped him pass in the most peaceful way I've witnessed. It's difficult for me to express exactly how peaceful it was, except to say, I couldn't have wished for someone to treat my buddy better. There was no pain and he felt loved. There was no sudden change but rather, a gentle transition. It's never easy making this choice but I feel Dr. Whala was the right choice for Einstein.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 13 2025 by Joseph I.
Review by Joseph I.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whala was such a blessing! We are so thankful she came to our home and made us feel at ease with our little Jordan. Thank you for letting me hold her during the entire time. Your kind heart and soft nature made this difficult time more peaceful. Thank you!

codapet review
5.0
May 13 2025 by Nicole R.
Review by Nicole R.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Karen was very gentle and kind. She explained everything she was doing or going to do. She took her time, being very considerate of my hurt. It made all the difference.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 03 2024 by Barbara P.
Review by Barbara P.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Considering one of the hardest things I’ve done is put to rest my beloved friend, Karen made it as peaceful as could ever be for my baby. Well worth it. Karen was kind, patient, caring and considerate.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 03 2024 by Daniel F
Review by Daniel F
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture