Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

23 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 years+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Thursday10:00 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

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 $80 - $325

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $25 - $160

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

I would like to highly recommend Dr. Lara Allison if you are considering home pet euthanasia. Lara is an extraordinary veterinarian with the added graces of empathy, kindness and caring that make her a perfect choice for the loving passing of a treasured pet. Lara helped me so much with the difficult decisions I had to make when faced with putting down my Irish Setter. She helped me create a beautiful, peaceful setting and during the entire process, which was so professionally done, added words of sympathy , encouragement and support! Lara made a difficult time so much more acceptable, a time I now look back with a peaceful remembrance.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 06 2024 by Rindy Jerue
Review by Rindy Jerue
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Lara Allison was so kind, comforting and professional. She made a terrible event a very beautiful moment for our family. Her experience and knowledge helped us to feel calm and have final moments with our Lucy.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 02 2024 by Mandy Collins Leonard
Review by Mandy Collins Leonard
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I cannot recommend Dr. Lara Allison enough for her compassionate and gentle approach during one of the most difficult times for any pet owner. Dr. Lara has guided more than one of my beloved pets across the rainbow bridge with the utmost kindness and care. Her deep understanding, empathy, and gentle manner make this heart-wrenching process as peaceful as possible. She truly has a gift for helping both pets and their owners through this transition. Her services are invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for her support.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 19 2024 by Carla Lathbury
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr. Laura Allison, with CodaPet, assisted our family recently with the passing of our dear Daisy. She gave our family and Daisy the upmost care. She gave us as much time as we needed for each step and she was very communicative about each step that she was going to do and as she was doing each step. She treated our baby like her own and we appreciate everything that she did for our Daisy and our family. Daisy was 14 and had the best life with us. We will miss her dearly.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 13 2025 by Lauren Parker
Review by Lauren Parker
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Dr. Lara is an amazing Vet. She is very kind, patient and thoughtful. She was very helpful with our LBD Ashley who was our beloved Boykin for almost 14 years, Thank you for all the help. Sincerely, Allen, Brandon, Walter and Elizabeth

codapet review
5.0
Apr 08 2025 by Allen H.
Review by Allen H.
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.
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