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

Thursday10:00 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 - $150

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

As a first time dog owner, when we unfortunately got to the point where end of life was a reality for Arnold (our 13 year old Olde English Bulldog), the thought of when, where and how to experience that situation was super overwhelming. Thankfully we had Dr. Allison to shepherd us through that process to allow us to make the right decision at the right time, while experiencing those last final moments and memories in the comfort of our home (vs. in a waiting room where our dog also became anxious and nervous). Her genuine care and thoughtfulness of not only our dog, but with us made a dreaded situation as manageable and convenient as possible for us. We can't imagine anyone being a more perfect fit for professionally and gracefully handling such an emotional situation.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Austin Elliot
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

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

We had an absolutely amazing experience with Dr. Allison. We called her to our home to meet with our cat who has a terminal illness- to help guide us in next steps. We went over our cat’s current medical regimen, bloodwork numbers, etc. It’s important to us that our cat enjoys quality of life for as long as possible. Dr. Allison displayed not only her knowledge of veterinary medicine, she also showed us kindness, compassion and empathy. Our very shy cat was drawn to her immediately, and we were all able to take part in a spiritual healing. Although we know our cat’s prognosis is bleak, Dr. Allison offered a new perspective for all of us, and we are beyond grateful. When the time comes to make a hard decision, we know who we will call, but Dr. A offers so much more to our family. She’s been a blessing.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 10 2025 by Rebecca Wollenberg
Review by Rebecca Wollenberg
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Our family was heartbroken when our beloved English bulldog, Cowboy, received the diagnosis of canine lymphoma. Dr. Lara Allison was there for him and for us during and after the many weeks of chemotherapy. She saw Cowboy when he was in remission, and she checked on him often by phone. When the cancer eventually came back, Dr. Lara worked with us to provide the best palliative care for Cowboy. It gave us great comfort to see that he was comfortable and happy in those last few weeks. When we knew the time was near, Dr. Lara offered to come to our home, where Cowboy was most comfortable, to help him on his final journey to the rainbow bridge. We highly recommend Dr. Lara Allison for pet parents seeking compassionate in-home care.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Mike and Amy
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr. Lara was wonderful! Being able to have our beloved family member cross over the Rainbow Bridge at home meant our fur baby felt calm, safe, and loved. Dr. Lara was extremely kind and empathetic with our situation, and did everything possible to help our family understand and feel comfortable with the process, as well as allow us to cry, grieve, and give all the last minute love and words of comfort we could. I highly recommend Dr. Lara if you have to make the difficult decision for your fur baby. Thank you Dr. Lara for making one of life's hardest moments easier.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 17 2025 by Erica Hattings
Review by Erica Hattings
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture