Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

56 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

ThursdayTimes 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

Dr. Lara was amazing. Saying goodbye to our sweet dog could have been traumatic and terrible, especially with two sensitive teenagers. Instead it was a loving and tender and even beautiful experience. All four of us were able to hold him and let him know how much we love him. Dr Lara thought of every detail to help us say a peaceful and loving goodbye. We are beyond grateful to her for her empathy and kindness.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 23 2025 by Laura C.
Review by Laura C.
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Dr Allison was compassionate and so caring during the process of helping our sweet boy cross the rainbow bridge. We are so happy we choose her and the in home procedure.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 07 2026 by Ginny B.
Review by Ginny B.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

The time had come for our 14-year-old Golden Retriever, Katie, to be put to sleep. We wanted Katie’s last moments to be at home in familiar surroundings with her family. Dr. Allison, explained the procedures and told us exactly what to expect. After giving Katie the mild sedative, Dr. Allison gently wrapped Katie into a fluffy cozy blanket and placed a blanket/pillow under her head for support. When everything was in place, Dr. Allison administered the final medication, and Katie passed peacefully into her heavenly sleep. We can not say enough about how pleased we were with Dr. Allison and how she helped us through this difficult time. She was very kind and compassionate, she did not rush anything and was very sensitive to our needs. We wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Lara Allison in helping us to help our precious baby girl go over the Rainbow Bridge.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 27 2025 by Teresa S.
Review by Teresa S.
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Dr. Allison is absolutely amazing...I would never call another Vet. to take care of us...She took care of my sweet Annabelle and my husband and I like we were member of her family.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Cheryl W.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Yesterday on 9/11/24 I thought I was going to have to say "goodbye" to my beloved 9 year old Shih Ztu Tucker after he had a severe reaction to a medication and he spent two days in the hospital and his liver enzymes were extremely high. I wrestled with this decision for days but I wanted him to pass peacefully in the comfort of his home and in my arms not some cold steel table among strangers. Dr. Lara was so kind, compassionate and had such a calming demeanor and I had already paid for all the arrangements prior to her arrival. She did a complete assessment of Tucker and told me he still had the will to live, his eyes looked good, his teeth and he was still showing signs of life and she felt with time the liver enzymes and damage could regenerate itself and went into great detail. Dr. Lara even called him in a prescription that she could legally do and recommended some "brick & mortar" vet facilities she highly recommended to take my beloved dog to for a second opinion and didn't charge me for anything but a consultation charge! I will forever be grateful because she also offered me hope. I can't emphasize enough just how much this meant to my husband and I and we will forever be grateful. Dr. Lara truly has a calling and a zen like aura about her. I told her to take this as a compliment she ranks right up there with Dr. Pol! When it truly is time for my boy she will be who I call. I'd give her 10 stars ⭐️ if I could.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 11 2024 by Shelly Huckabee
Review by Shelly Huckabee
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We had an absolutely amazing experience with Dr. Allison. We called her to our home to meet with our cat who has a terminal illness- to help guide us in next steps. We went over our cat’s current medical regimen, bloodwork numbers, etc. It’s important to us that our cat enjoys quality of life for as long as possible. Dr. Allison displayed not only her knowledge of veterinary medicine, she also showed us kindness, compassion and empathy. Our very shy cat was drawn to her immediately, and we were all able to take part in a spiritual healing. Although we know our cat’s prognosis is bleak, Dr. Allison offered a new perspective for all of us, and we are beyond grateful. When the time comes to make a hard decision, we know who we will call, but Dr. A offers so much more to our family. She’s been a blessing.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 10 2025 by Rebecca Wollenberg
Review by Rebecca Wollenberg
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