Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

51 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

Friday10:00 am - 7:00 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

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 - $150

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. Allison helped our family to care for Zoie for hopefully a while longer and keep her pain controlled. Dr. Allison is calm, has great touch with animals and is very knowledgeable. From making the appoinment to meeting with her second time, she was always responding, kept in touch and followed through with all we had discussed. Thank you!

codapet review
5.0
Jan 08 2025 by Kiki Etling
Review by Kiki Etling
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Allison made the best out of a terrible moment in our lives. I will never forget how kind and gentle and thoughtful she was. I am so appreciative of all she did for us and our girl. I cant imagine enduring this in an impersonal vet office rather than the comfort and familiarity of home. Thank you for reigniting my faith in humanity! You are doing God’s work!

codapet review
5.0
Mar 26 2026 by Katie K.
Review by Katie K.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I am so grateful we had Dr. Lara Allison to help us through this process. I was having a really difficult time making the decision about 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 was 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 for anyone who is going through the difficulty of saying good-bye to their fur baby.

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

Dr Allison made a very difficult, heartbreaking loss a bit easier with her kindness and compassion. She let me hold Boo for as long as I needed to. She did not rush us. She seemed to know when I was ready to hand her over to her for her post-care. I can't thank her enough for her kindness. Dawn and Mark

codapet review
5.0
Oct 22 2025 by Dawn H.
Review by Dawn H.
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Dr.Allison is simply amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better person to help me with my dog Raven. She was just wonderful and so compassionate and caring.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 12 2026 by Deborah O.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

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