Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

64 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

TuesdayTimes 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

She gave careful attention to who we were and what would matter to us. She could not possibly have done a better job in any way whatsoever. Our dog Sarah was taken great care of from start to finish. I will tell anybody I talk to about my loss how great she was to all of us. Me, my husband and my other dog Nikki were all close to Sarah to help comfort her. And Sarah was taken care of right where she was in her comfort zone with her favorite view.

codapet review
5.0
May 15 2026 by Tammy O.
Review by Tammy O.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 13 2025 by Lee R.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Having Dr.Lara by my side as my family and I said goodbye to our much loved Daisy was invaluable. Being able to do this at home where Daisy was most comfortable gave us an opportunity to say goodbye in our time on our own terms. Dr.Lara talked us through every step with compassion and love. She took care of everything from beginning to end and made this process much easier. She is not only a wonderful vet but a wonderful person and we were so thankful to have her there.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 06 2025 by Liza Chambers
Review by Liza Chambers
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

We had to make the very difficult decision to lay our sweet Riley to rest. Dr. Laura Allison was kind, patient, and deeply compassionate. She brought us comfort during one of the hardest moments our family has faced.We are very grateful to have found Dr. Laura Allison. -The Hill Family

codapet review
5.0
Mar 18 2026 by Amy E.
Review by Amy E.
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

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