Vet Serves in Fresno, CA

Dr. Karen Whala

Verified Veterinarian

414 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

ThursdayTimes 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

This was, unfortunately, our second time using this service. But I will never go through this any other way. The vet who came the first time many years ago had moved away so I chose Dr. Karen this time because I was present when she helped my sister say goodbye to her dog a few years ago. Her beside manner is absolutely beautiful. She's so calm, patient, caring, and soft spoken. As soon as she walked in the door, it was as if she's a regular guest in our home. She sat down on the floor and immediately made friends with our Herman. He felt safe and comfortable with her right away. She explained every step of the process thoroughly and told us what to expect. More importantly, she explained it in a way our children could understand. It had been ten years since our last goodbye, and I hope it'll be that or more until our next. But I also hope Dr. Karen will still be available when that time comes. I recommend her 100%. Thank you, Dr. Karen 🤍

codapet review
5.0
Jul 21 2025 by Sherry Gloeckner
Review by Sherry Gloeckner
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

I have never been so impressed as I am with Dr. Karen Whala. She made a horrible heartbreaking situation, kind, warm and dignified. She made our dog comfortable and treated her with immeasurable kindness, respect and care. I would use her again without question.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 23 2025 by Rae Ann Fay
Review by Rae Ann Fay
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whala Was the absolute sweetest, most professional Dr that I’ve used for these services. Had I known about her years ago, I would’ve been using her for my previous pets when it was their time to be euthanized. She was very informational and told you everything she was doing before she did it. Dr. Karen Whala Truly made an INCREDIBLY difficult situation go smoothly and with her support. I couldn’t recommend Dr. Karen Whala more, honestly one of if not the best Dr to contact when in need of these services/ or an honest consultation of if your pet is even ready for euthanasia.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 27 2024 by Frank Papi
Review by Frank Papi
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen Whala is caring, professional and loving. She spent a considerable amount of time with us in this difficult time. Thank you for your compassion!

codapet review
5.0
Feb 19 2026 by Karl H.
Review by Karl H.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Her approach of “I’m here for Pepper and your family “ with Pepper being comfortable the priority was wonderful. She took time to “meet” Pepper and having her doing the assessment was a blessing. She is very compassionate during this difficult process. She conveys at all time the process and what she is doing. We felt comfortable having her there as we cried and loved on our Pepper. She is WONDERFUL!

codapet review
5.0
Sep 17 2025 by Lisa R.
Review by Lisa R.
Dr. Karen Whala profile picture

Dr. Karen showed great compassion as we said goodbye to our beloved, Cossette. She asked insightful questions and listened carefully so that she could provide the most individual care to our girl.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 07 2024 by Dawn A.
Review by Dr. Karen Whala