Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

65 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

After 31 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 Experience31 plus years+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & 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. 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 $145 - $375

Keepsakes

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

Est. CostFrom $25 - $375

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

Dr. Allison was fantastic. She really helped my wife and I during a difficult time with our dog, Rosie. We could really tell she cared about what she was doing.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 17 2026 by Mathew L.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

We recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Fritz. Dr. Allison treated us and our pet with the utmost compassion, respect, and kindness. She gave us time, comfort, and space to say goodbye, and explained everything gently so we knew what to expect. It was one of the hardest moments of our lives, but we are forever grateful for the care and dignity she provided. I would highly recommend Dr. Allison to anyone needing support during such a difficult time.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Rachael T.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr. Lara is filled with compassion, love and professionalism in all aspects of being an awesome vet with your fur baby. She is an excellent communicator with any questions you may have, and willing to go the extra mile if needed. I feel so blessed in finding her.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 06 2026 by DeeDee M.
Review by DeeDee M.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Allison is an extremely kind and caring veterinarian. When it was time to help our sweet Lupé cross the Rainbow Bridge, she not only helped us with knowing it was the right decision but also helped us navigate the difficult emotions. She explained everything thoroughly and thoughtfully answered our questions.  Dr. Allison approached the situation with the utmost professionalism and grace, patiently giving us time to say farewell to our dear furry friend.  From handling the logistics to treating Lupé as if she were her own, we can’t thank her enough!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 22 2024 by Michelle Lee
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr Allison made a very difficult, heartbreaking loss a bit easier with her kindness and compassion. She let me hold Boo for as long as I needed to. She did not rush us. She seemed to know when I was ready to hand her over to her for her post-care. I can't thank her enough for her kindness. Dawn and Mark

codapet review
5.0
Oct 22 2025 by Dawn H.
Review by Dawn H.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

We had to make the extremely difficult decision to euthanize our beloved fur baby Bleu (our Beautiful black cat) after a week back and forth and overnight stays at VEG due to the sudden onset of what was diagnosed as sepsis. He was diagnosed in September 2025 with an enlarged heart and had been on medication for that and seemed to be doing well. The onset of this illness coupled with the enlarged heart was too much for his little body to endure. It broke our hearts to put him through all the tests, blood work , and IV’s in an attempt to help him. He would not eat, drink, or take meds for 4 days in spite of our valiant efforts and just slept in the house in unusual places. We waited most of Memorial Day weekend to give him every chance to rebound to no avail and on Sunday we filled out a form for Dr. Lara Allison to do at home euthanasia. She examined Bleu and listened to all the reports about his medical issues and compassionately agreed that we were making the right decision. She explained every step of what would happen and left us time alone to say goodbye to Bleu. Her soft spoken, sympathetic manner was a blessing and she listened to our stories about Bleu. My husband and I sat on our porch (Bleu’s favorite place) as I held him in my lap and my husband rubbed his head and talked to him when Dr. Lara gave him an injection to calm him, and then the one that would send him in peace over the rainbow bridge. He just went to sleep forever in my arms. Dr. Lara left us alone with him and came back when we were ready for her to take him to the funeral home. She carefully put him with the blanket in a basket and took him to her car to drive him there. A beautiful, peaceful end to the life of our wonderful, beloved Bleu. A week later we received a sympathy card with a hand written note from Dr. Lara. She is a special lady, filled with compassion, understanding and sympathy for us when we needed it most.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 12 2026 by Elaine L.
Review by Elaine L.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture