Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

59 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

SundayTimes 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. Lara was amazing with us and guiding us through the process. She treated us and our Duke with such respect. She was gentle and kind and gave us the time needed to say goodbye. Thank you Dr. Lara.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 23 2025 by Regina Cahill
Review by Regina Cahill
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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
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Dr. Lara was so nice and caring during such a hard time. She was a loving presence and helped our Lucy move to heaven peacefully. Thank you

codapet review
5.0
Jun 02 2025 by Scott R.
Review by Scott R.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

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

Though we may not have control of when we say goodbye to our animals, we sometimes have the choice as to where and with whom we will face this impossibly hard decision. I grew up with dogs my whole life, welcoming many into my family and was fortunate enough to also be there at the end of their time on Earth. The bond I had with Bruce (the first dog that was really just mine, after college) was and remains one of the most important, special connections I will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. A trusted friend, life coach, and confidant, Lara extended her in-home euthanasia services to me when Bruce could no longer enjoy his life. It was emotional and scary as I wondered if I was doing the right thing. She comforted me and stood by me, supporting my decision. She carefully explained the process- what would happen before, during, and after - leaving out anything too overwhelming or unnecessary for me to know. She performed the service in my home and handled Bruce’s cremation for me as well. Bruce passed away peacefully in the comfort of his favorite chair. Admittedly, this testimonial is difficult to write as it conjures a painful memory, but I often reflect on how much more discomfort I would have experienced having to take him to a sterile, foreign environment in order to say goodbye to my best friend. Lara was calm, collected, kind, and invaluable in making the entire situation much more palatable for me, and for Bruce. His and my comfort were of utmost importance. It is impossible to imagine having to go through that event in any other way. My new dog has taught me how to love again, and with that, we've created a special, different kind of bond - one that I never thought I could have after losing Bruce. He’s stable, but suffering from cardiomyopathy and has limited time left earthside. I know one day, maybe sooner than I would like, I will have to make another hard choice. I rest easy and find peace knowing that when it is his time to transition into another realm, Lara will be there, in the comfort of our home, Gus on his favorite chair, getting the best pets and receiving all the love he deserves. I cannot recommend Lara enough - her heart is SO big - the service she provides is complicated, necessary, and special. In my opinion, she is the perfect person for this difficult job.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Becca Barnet
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Words cannot describe how truly amazing Dr. Lara Allison is and how lucky we feel that she was the vet who helped us during an extremely difficult time. The amount of love, kindess, and patience she showed us during the at home euthanasia of our beloved cat is something we will never forget. Dr. Allison took the time to let us share photos and stories with her before starting, and put our minds at ease by explaining the process step by step. After the euthanasia was completed she gave us ample time to say our goodbyes in private. She communicated every step of the way regarding the cremation and hand delivered our sweet boys ashes back to us 2 weeks later. She turned what we thought would be an extremely stressful experience into something so peaceful and full of love. I could not imagine and more beautiful send off or one more fitting for a cat we cherished and loved for 22 beautiful years. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone going through this difficult process. I'm thankful humans like her exist and that she has dedicated her life to helping pet parents in need.

codapet review
5.0
May 05 2026 by Caleb T.
Review by Caleb T.
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