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

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

When we faced one of the most heartbreaking moments, having to say goodbye to our sweet Annie, we were incredibly grateful to have Dr. Lara by our side. From the moment she arrived at our home, she brought a sense of peace, compassion, and comfort that helped ease the weight of such a difficult decision. She treated Annie with the utmost gentleness and respect. She took the time to explain everything with patience and care, allowing us the space we needed to say our goodbyes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Her presence turned what could have been a cold and clinical experience into something tender, humane, and full of love. We will forever be thankful for the way Dr. Lara helped Annie pass peacefully, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those who loved her most. It takes a truly special person to do what she does, and we feel so fortunate that it was her who guided us through this painful moment, she’s truly an angel on earth! If you ever find yourself in the heartbreaking position of needing this service, know that Dr. Lara Allison will not only provide the highest level of professionalism, but will also bring genuine compassion and grace when you need it most.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 06 2025 by Viviana S.
Review by Viviana S.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

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

codapet review
5.0
Mar 26 2025 by Raven Lee
Review by Raven Lee
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Lara Allison was nothing short of amazing. What a bright light in such a dark period for pet owners! She was prompt and responsive and went out of her way to make both owner and pet comfortable. She brought treats for my dog and patiently stayed with me while I made paw prints and said goodbye. She handled transport of him for cremation. She was gentle and respectful . She genuinely cares. I highly recommend her if you find yourself in need of her services. I cannot say enough good things to express how pleased I was with her services. She really does go above and beyond.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 05 2026 by Elizabeth R.
Review by Elizabeth R.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

This is the second time Dr. Allison has been there for us in such a difficult time in our lives. I requested her immediately when we knew our 16 month old golden doodle Rutledge's cancer was terminal. She is so very respectful, knowledgeable, loving, kind and calming. The peace we felt in this process at home was priceless. My sweet baby crossed over with his family and his animal family by his side while eating hotdog and whipped cream. Words are just not enough to describe what Dr. Allison gives to her patients and their families. Thank you so much for providing this alternative to traditional euthanasia at the office. Thank you again Dr. Allison for helping carrying the weight of something so painful for us.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 20 2026 by Amy L.
Review by Amy L.
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

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