Dr. Lara Allison
Verified Veterinarian
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
1CAETA'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
Monday10:00 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
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
My family and I will be forever grateful for Dr. Lara's compassion in our hour of need. She informed us of the entire process when she arrived, in addition to answering several questions over text that I had leading up to our appointment. We loved the way she kept asking about our pup's life with us, keeping the sole focus in the room on the love and light that he brought into our home in the last decade. It really was a beautiful experience, to say goodbye in the comfort Lando's favorite spot at the front window, with the family gathered. Thank you so much, Dr. Lara. It takes a special person to step into this occupation, and you not only do you offer the service, but you go above and beyond with it.
On March 15th I had to say goodbye to my Manz after 15.5 years of love and being by my side. Dr Lara came highly recommended and I understand why. Her professionalism, kindness, compassion and empathy shown through in a difficult time. Everyone at Coda Pet was amazing. My Mokie is home now, thank you Dr Laura
Dr. Lara Allison was a true blessing to us and to Lucy. She was understanding and knowledgeable. Thanks to her we will never have our pets, that are family, taken to a vet to be euthanized.
Our family has been with Pet Vet for many years and has numerous pets. As pet owners know, the most difficult decision we make for our pets is knowing when to keep fighting for them or if we should allow them to be free of their pain. Our beloved GSD, Bauer, was one in a million. We brought him home shortly before our first child joined us. 12 years later, and a couple more kids, Bauer was our constant loving, best friend. We started seeing Dr. Allison regularly to help with Bauer’s joints and other ailments. We promised Bauer that we would help him in any way we could, and Dr. Allison promised our family she would let us know when it was time. We were in it together, as a team. He had such a wonderful last six months, and Dr. Allison helped him and our family along the way. We had many difficult conversations, but they were always made easier because of her ability to have an open discussion. Once Bauer’s health started to rapidly decline our family made the difficult decision, along with Dr. Allison, to help relieve his pain. When planning our final appointment, she so graciously offered to come to our home the next night after work, which just happened to be a Friday evening. We were able to take Bauer to the beach that Friday morning as a family. We had a lovely afternoon at home, while Bauer ate all of his favorite treats. As evening rolled around, we started a nice fire in our living room and made a pallet out of blankets for Bauer. Dr. Allison arrived at our home after working at the clinic all day. We were able to chat with her and hang out with Bauer. She explained the procedure and made sure we understood fully what steps she would be taking. The process was quick, and our sweet boy was no longer in pain. Dr. Allison had even called the crematorium and they were waiting outside our home for whenever we were ready. While losing a pet is never easy, being able to have the procedure done in our home with a veterinarian that loved him like their own, made it much more bearable. We will forever be thankful for Dr. Allison and her kind heart. We know it hurt her almost as much as we were hurting, but we were there together for our sweet Bauer. And he knew it too. Thank you Dr. Allison for your compassion and sincerity. We will forever be grateful that you helped us ensure Bauer had a wonderful life and a gracious passing.
Dr. Allison came to our home to help us say goodbye to our beloved dog, and I am so grateful I am for her care. I have known Dr. Allison for many years and the care and professionalism I have experienced with her has always been above and beyond. She was flexible, incredibly kind, and deeply comforting during a hard time. She explained everything gently, moved at our pace, and treated Patsy with dignity and compassion. Being able to do this at home was such a blessing for both me and my dog, and Dr. Allison made a difficult situation far less stressful. I am truly thankful for her empathy and professionalism during this difficult time.
My husband and I cannot thank Dr Allison enough for the comfort, care and compassion that she brought to our home that day. The service she provides allowed my sweet cat, Opie, to cross the rainbow bridge in my arms in the bedroom where he had slept for most of his life. Dr Allison explained thoroughly each step of the procedure as well as Opie’s response so well that I actually felt comfortable participating in his transition. Opie never seemed to be stressed or uncomfortable. He seemed to be at peace, as was I. I recommend highly Dr Lara Allison for end of life/transition care.
