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

SaturdayTimes 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 my beloved dog was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I was devastated and unsure of how to handle her final moments. When the time arrived, Dr. Lara Allison came to my home and provided the most compassionate and professional care I could have hoped for. Her calm demeanor and gentle approach immediately put both my dog and me at ease during such a difficult time. Dr. Allison's expertise was evident as she handled everything with the utmost care, allowing my dog to pass peacefully in the comfort of her own home. The love and compassion she showed were truly remarkable, and I will forever be grateful for her support during one of the hardest days of my life. Dr. Allison’s new mobile home euthanasia practice is a testament to her dedication to providing compassionate end-of-life care for animals. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of such care. Thank you, Dr. Allison, for your incredible kindness and professionalism.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Stirling Harper, MD
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

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

CodaPet's at-home pet euthanasia service is a highly recommended alternative to visiting a vet clinic. When faced with this difficult decision for your cherished pet, providing them the comfort of being in their own home can make all the difference. Dr. Lara Allison was exceptional—her empathy for our situation brought immense peace and comfort during this challenging time. The compassion and dedication she displays in her work truly supported us throughout the process. We cannot express enough gratitude for her kindness, caring, and professionalism.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 02 2025 by Laura Burton
Review by Laura Burton
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to help my beloved, 17-year-old kitty, Alice, go over the Rainbow Bridge. I am so grateful that my vet recommended in-home pet euthanasia and Dr. Lara Allison of CODApet. Dr. Lara was so wonderful through the entire process. She was so compassionate, kind, and empathetic, gently guiding me through the process and giving me all the time I needed during each step. She was so thoughtful, wanting to hear all about Alice’s life. She even sent a hand-written card and a sweet memento of Alice that I will treasure. I am so grateful that Alice’s final journey did not involve another scary trip in a carrier and a car. She was in her happy and safe place at home, and she passed gently and peacefully in my arms. If you are ever faced with this heartbreaking decision, I would highly recommend in-home pet euthanasia, and I would absolutely recommend Dr. Lara Allison. I cannot possibly say enough good things about Dr. Lara and her compassionate and loving care. I am forever grateful to her. If I ever have to make this choice again, I definitely will be contacting CODApet and Dr. Lara. Thank you, Dr. Lara! Jennifer E.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 28 2025 by flowflix
Review by flowflix
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I am so grateful we had Dr. Lara Allison to help us through this process. I was having a difficult time deciding what was best for Guinness. Dr. Allison came to our home for a consultation. Her medical knowledge of Guinness's needs was important, but her intuitive insights into what he was experiencing and why I was struggling so much with the decision were invaluable. Just talking through all of it with her helped me tremendously. When she came to our home for our final moments with Guinness, Dr. Allison was so compassionate. Her presence allowed Guinness, and our family to make room for healing in his transition to the other side. I would highly recommend Dr. Allison to anyone who is going through the difficulty of saying goodbye to their fur baby.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 15 2024 by Carol Cottrell
Review by Carol Cottrell
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Cassidy and Phillip Bozzelli
Review by Dr. Lara Allison