Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

45 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

After 30 years as a veterinarian, I’ve witnessed both the clinical and the deeply personal sides of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Through this journey, I’ve come to believe that the most peaceful and compassionate way for our pets to pass is in the comfort of their own home—or in a favorite outdoor spot—surrounded by the people who love them. My first experience with home euthanasia was 24 years ago, with my mom’s beloved dog, Smokey. We sat with him on a sunny riverbank, birds singing overhead, the wind gently moving through the trees. As my mom held him, I asked her to share memories—his funny quirks, the naughty moments, the ways he made her smile. In that space of love and remembrance, something shifted: the sadness was still there, but so was peace. Smokey passed calmly, cradled in my mom’s arms, wrapped in love and sunlight. It was a moment that changed both of us—and it’s what inspired me to dedicate my work to helping others have the same experience. Since that day, I’ve helped countless families say goodbye in the quiet, sacred space of home. The difference is profound. Without the clinical setting, there’s less fear, less anxiety—for both pets and their people. It becomes a time to focus on a life well-lived, and to offer a final gift of comfort, dignity, and love. This work is an honor. Helping families create a peaceful transition for their companions is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done, and I’m grateful every day to be part of such tender, important moments.

Education

Undergraduate: B.S from University of Georgia - 1991

Veterinary Medicine: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine- 1995

Certifications

1

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
  • Based InCharleston, SC
  • Service areasCharleston, SC & Surrounding Area
  • Work Experience30 plus years+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Sunday10:00 am - 9:00 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. Lara Allison will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $325

Pet cremation

Dr. Lara Allison 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 $135 - $325

Keepsakes

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

Est. CostFrom $20 - $165

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $150

What pet parents are saying

Our experience with Dr. Allison was truly wonderful. She was so kind and compassionate and gave our sweet cat a dignified, peaceful passing. She was relaxing in her favorite spot on our back porch; this was so nice compared to the thought of transporting her to a vet office in pain and anxious being in the car. I truly cannot recommend Dr. Allison highly enough. This is a phenomenal service that she offers. The work she does is truly remarkable.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 21 2025 by Mallory A.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

I recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to help my beloved, 17-year-old kitty, Alice, go over the Rainbow Bridge. I am so grateful that my vet (Air Harbor) recommended in-home pet euthanasia and Dr. Lara Allison of CODApet. Dr. Lara was so wonderful through the entire process. She was so compassionate, kind, and empathetic, gently guiding me through the process and giving me all the time I needed during each step. She was so thoughtful, wanting to hear all about Alice’s life. She even sent a hand-written card and a sweet memento of Alice that I will treasure. I am so grateful that Alice’s final journey did not involve another scary trip in a carrier and a car. She was in her happy and safe place at home, and she passed gently and peacefully in my arms. If you are ever faced with this heartbreaking decision, I would highly recommend in-home pet euthanasia, and I would absolutely recommend Dr. Lara Allison. I cannot possibly say enough good things about Dr. Lara and her compassionate and loving care. I am forever grateful to her. If I ever have to make this choice again, I definitely will be contacting CODApet and Dr. Lara. Thank you, Dr. Lara! Jennifer E.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 07 2025 by Jennifer E.
Review by Jennifer E.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I am incredibly grateful for the compassion and care shown during one of the hardest days of my life. Dr. Lara Allison treated Gus with such kindness and dignity, and her calm, gentle presence brought comfort during an otherwise heartbreaking moment. She truly made saying goodbye a little easier, and I will always be thankful for the care she gave Gus and our family.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 05 2026 by Brooke F.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr. Lara was the most compassionate, kind and loving person I could have ever had come to my home to help my fur baby, Maddi Sofia, cross the Rainbow Bridge. She was helpful from the very beginning throughout the entire process and even weeks later. It was such a hard decision to make but she helped to comfort us to know we were doing the right thing at the right time. She treated Maddi with so much love and was even wonderful with my other dog. She went above and beyond to make sure she was happy and could have some food experiences that dogs can't have for their entire lives because they can become ill. She explained the entire process and what was going to happen and the steps that would be taken to ensure Maddi was brought back to us in the most humane way possible. I highly recommend Dr Lara to anyone who is in need of this kind of service. While it was very sad, it was also beautiful at the same time to know our Baby Girl could pass at home in our arms with love instead of having to be in a clinical setting surrounded by people she didn't know. Thank you Dr. Lara. You are an amazing human being and I thank you for being there for our family. ❤️

codapet review
5.0
Feb 06 2025 by Jennifer Sapienza
Review by Jennifer Sapienza
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I used Coda pet because I was looking for an in home pet euthanasia. It is grievous decision and so, to have Coda pet, but especially Dr Lara Allison, make the process easy and with such care was a huge relief. I live in an area that can be hard to find someone to service, especially last minute. I feel extremely fortunate that who was available was Dr Lara Allison. She came into our home with calming, caring energy that made you feel immediately at ease and with a professional. End of life can be so emotionally taxing and I am so grateful people like Dr Lara Allison are dedicated to ease that transition. She had excellent communication skills and was so personable and present with my very loved cat.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 07 2025 by Leticia Ward
Review by Leticia Ward
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Allison was the kind and calm voice we needed as our hearts broke while saying goodbye to our dearest Kasey. We will forever be grateful.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 11 2025 by Pura C.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison