Schedule a compassionate veterinarian to support you through this difficult time by providing a peaceful goodbye for your beloved pet in the comfort of your home. At home pet euthanasia appointments start at $300 with optional cremation ranging from $75 – $300, depending on your pet's weight and cremation type
Veterinarians serving Eau Claire, WI
Lena M. from Altoona on Dr. Matthew Schaefer: Hercules lived a long 15 years. He is survived by his 15 and 10 year old human kids who have been with him since he was about 4 years old, his dog sibling, Artemis, and his cat siblings Jazz, Faze, Demeter, Pumpkin, Nugget, and MilkyWay. He is preceded in death by cat siblings, Fiddle. He loved vanilla ice cream, catching rabbits and birds, and taking naps.
Jodi B. from Eau Claire on Dr. Matthew Schaefer: Our family was heartbroken when our fur baby passed away but grateful for this service. It was very peaceful and in the comfort of home. Dr. Schaefer was kind and effectively communicate with us in such a difficult time. Our hearts were not ready but our fur baby was.
Kathryn E. from Eau Claire on Dr. Matthew Schaefer: Dr. Schaefer was compassionate, calm, gentle and truly cared about making this heartbreaking g necessity as peaceful as possible. A good man with a big heart.
Wendy S. on Dr. Matthew Schaefer: Hello
I’d love to help out. But I am neither on Facebook nor instagram. The care Dr Schaefer took with our rescue Roscoe was full of tenderness and care. We so appreciated him. I did put a glowing review on his page if that helps. We miss Roscoe terribly but know he’s going high in heaven. Roscoe’s pain is gone but our grieving has just started.
Sincerely
Wendy Stelter
Adam M. from Eau Claire on Dr. Matthew Schaefer: Dr. Matthew is extremely compassionate and professional. He took time to get to know our family and dog, making us all feel very comfortable. He was wonderful at explaining everything in a caring manner. Being able to be cared for on our home during our pets final day was a blessing. Highly recommend Dr. Matthew.
Frances on Dr. Matthew Schaefer: I will forever be grateful to Dr. Schaefer for his support- he ensured that a difficult goodbye could be made in our home in as peaceful a way as possible.
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
Chippewa Falls, WI
5.0
Dr. Matthew Schaefer is a Wisconsin native who grew up on a gravel road in Central Wisconsin and went on to study at UW-Madison before earning his DVM from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After completing a rotating internship in New Jersey, he spent four years in emergency medicine and the past eleven in general practice, building 16 years of veterinary experience along the way. Having lived from the east coast to the west coast, he is grateful to be back in the Midwest near his parents and four siblings, where he now serves families across Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley.
Dr. Schaefer finds deep fulfillment in serving a pet population with no voice of their own, working alongside owners to be part of that voice, even when it means bringing an end to suffering. He believes there is no more peaceful place for a pet to pass than in the comfort of home, which is what drew him to provide in-home euthanasia services to his community. He approaches every patient with care and empathy, and welcomes each family's input as he helps guide them through a difficult time in the most stress free and peaceful way possible.
Outside of his veterinary work, Dr. Schaefer is an avid rock climber who once spent a year and a half living in an '88 Toyota Shasta, traveling the country in search of cool climbing temperatures and the best rock he could find. He is also passionate about archery, and finds that both pursuits keep him fully present in the moment. At home, he shares his life with Gilly, a Lab mix who loves swimming so much he suspects she is part fish, and their summers are filled with long paddle board rides and retrieving floating objects.
Dr. Matthew Schaefer is a Wisconsin native who grew up on a gravel road in Central Wisconsin and went on to study at UW-Madison before earning his DVM from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After completing a rotating internship in New Jersey, he spent four years in emergency medicine and the past eleven in general practice, building 16 years of veterinary experience along the way. Having lived from the east coast to the west coast, he is grateful to be back in the Midwest near his parents and four siblings, where he now serves families across Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley.
Dr. Schaefer finds deep fulfillment in serving a pet population with no voice of their own, working alongside owners to be part of that voice, even when it means bringing an end to suffering. He believes there is no more peaceful place for a pet to pass than in the comfort of home, which is what drew him to provide in-home euthanasia services to his community. He approaches every patient with care and empathy, and welcomes each family's input as he helps guide them through a difficult time in the most stress free and peaceful way possible.
Outside of his veterinary work, Dr. Schaefer is an avid rock climber who once spent a year and a half living in an '88 Toyota Shasta, traveling the country in search of cool climbing temperatures and the best rock he could find. He is also passionate about archery, and finds that both pursuits keep him fully present in the moment. At home, he shares his life with Gilly, a Lab mix who loves swimming so much he suspects she is part fish, and their summers are filled with long paddle board rides and retrieving floating objects.
This questionnaire can help you reflect on your pet's quality of life and offer guidance during a difficult time.
This takes about 5 minutes.
You don’t have to navigate this alone
When you’re ready, see available times and book a home visit online, without callbacks or complicated steps. If you have questions or would like someone to guide you, our care team is here for you.
“The online booking process was very easy and straightforward during a time when we had so much on our minds. I really appreciated that they made it clear that I could reach out if I had any questions or needed anything. Knowing that support was available and that we could ask questions along the way gave us some comfort during such a difficult and emotional time.” - Berenice G., Visalia, October 9, 2026
Hercules lived a long 15 years. He is survived by his 15 and 10 year old human kids who have been with him since he was about 4 years old, his dog sibling, Artemis, and his cat siblings Jazz, Faze, Demeter, Pumpkin, Nugget, and MilkyWay. He is preceded in death by cat siblings, Fiddle. He loved vanilla ice cream, catching rabbits and birds, and taking naps.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Oct 20, 2026 by Jodi B. – Eau Claire
Our family was heartbroken when our fur baby passed away but grateful for this service. It was very peaceful and in the comfort of home. Dr. Schaefer was kind and effectively communicate with us in such a difficult time. Our hearts were not ready but our fur baby was.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Oct 19, 2026 by Kathryn E. – Eau Claire
Dr. Schaefer was compassionate, calm, gentle and truly cared about making this heartbreaking g necessity as peaceful as possible. A good man with a big heart.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Oct 15, 2026 by Wendy S.
Hello
I’d love to help out. But I am neither on Facebook nor instagram. The care Dr Schaefer took with our rescue Roscoe was full of tenderness and care. We so appreciated him. I did put a glowing review on his page if that helps. We miss Roscoe terribly but know he’s going high in heaven. Roscoe’s pain is gone but our grieving has just started.
Sincerely
Wendy Stelter
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Sep 30, 2026 by Adam M. – Eau Claire
Dr. Matthew is extremely compassionate and professional. He took time to get to know our family and dog, making us all feel very comfortable. He was wonderful at explaining everything in a caring manner. Being able to be cared for on our home during our pets final day was a blessing. Highly recommend Dr. Matthew.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Sep 25, 2026 by Frances
I will forever be grateful to Dr. Schaefer for his support- he ensured that a difficult goodbye could be made in our home in as peaceful a way as possible.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Sep 21, 2026 by Pamela M. – Eau Claire
Dr.Matthew was very compassionate and understanding when Izzy was being put to sleep. He answered all our questions and he let us take all the time we needed to say goodbye .I'm definitely going to recommend him if needed in the future. Thank you Dr. Matthew!
Pamela
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Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Sep 21, 2026 by Melanie M. – Menomonie
Dr. Schaefer was kind and calming for our family during a very sad and stressful time. Our dog was at ease around Dr. Schaefer and she seemed to trust him. He was very patient and respectful. Thank you Dr. Schaefer.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Sep 12, 2026 by Tasha S. – Bloomer
Dr. Matthew Schaefer with CodaPet made our in home euthanasia for our sweet 16 year old cat as peaceful as possible. It is never an easy thing to do but having it done at home and in your pets favorite spot is so much better than having to take them on a car ride and to the vet. It truly is a blessing to be able to bring the vet to your pet if you can. Dr. Schaefer was very kind and I couldn’t have asked for a better vet.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Sep 1, 2026 by Tasha z.
Dr. Matthew Schaefer with CodaPet made our in home euthanasia for our sweet 16 year old cat as peaceful as possible. It is never an easy thing to do but having it done at home and in your pets favorite spot is so much better than having to take them on a car ride and to the vet. It truly is a blessing to be able to bring the vet to your pet if you can.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Aug 26, 2026 by Susan S.
Dr Schaefer helped our sweet little Penny cross the rainbow bridge in the most beautiful, loving way.
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Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Aug 23, 2026 by Tom S. – Cadott
Dr Schaefer was very knowledgeable, and his comforting manner made our dog’s transition go as smoothly as possible.
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Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Aug 12, 2026 by Tony B.
This at home euthanasia service was wonderful. Dr. Schaefer was so kind and compassionate performing this service in our home. This was so much easer on our aging goldendoodle Mojo than having to be transported to the vet, a place that's already overwhelming for him. We appreciated having a service like this available, and could not have asked for a better experience with Dr. Schaefer.
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Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Aug 6, 2026 by Jack P.
Everything was easy to set up and schedule. Matthew was the Vet that came out and he was wonderful. Did his best to put us at ease and answered any of our questions or concerns.
... Read more
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Aug 3, 2026 by Ashley W. – New Auburn
Dr. Matthew Schaefer was exceptional! He approached our situation with kindness and patience. He took the time we needed to make sure we were making the best decision for our situation. It is never a good time to say goodbye to a member of your family, but doing it at home made a tough time a little better.
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Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
CodaPet · Jul 31, 2026 by Cindy C. – Eau Claire
I already did put an excellent review for Dr. Matthew Schaffer
Dr. Matthew Schaefer
5.0
Google · Jul 18, 2026 by Cindy C. – Eau Claire
Dr. Matthew Schaeffer was absolutely amazing. He took the time to even wanna know about our little Dogs’s life what she liked what her favorite Treats were and took us through every step that he was going to be doing. He had the most caring approach and gentle touch with Bella. he made the last hour with her little girl stress-free for her and for us even though it was the hardest thing for us to do. It was done with gentleness and love. Thank you, Dr. Matthew for making her last moments with her the best it could be.
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Dr. Matthew Schaefer
Wall of Love
A space to leave a digital legacy honoring the lives and stories
Shared by the veterinarians who work with CodaPet, in their own words
About these videos, with transcripts
Why I Became a VetDr. Matthew Schaefer · 0:43
Raised on a hobby farm by a dairy-veterinarian father, Dr. Matthew Schaefer resisted the family profession at first, out of a little rebelliousness. Six college majors later, veterinary medicine turned out to be the fulfilling path all along.
I actually grew up on a hobby farm, surrounded by animals my whole life, and I've loved animals from day one. I was actually resistant to becoming a veterinarian at first, because my dad is a dairy veterinarian and I didn't want to take that path, just out of rebelliousness, I guess.
But after I changed my major about six times in college, I thought, "Let's take a look at veterinary medicine." And I realized, "Clearly, yes, I could find this fulfilling."
Experiences That Shaped My PracticeDr. Matthew Schaefer · 0:52
A grueling internship of 70- to 80-hour weeks made Dr. Matthew Schaefer a far better veterinarian. Good mentors made it possible, with honest feedback and reminders of why the profession is worth the dedication.
I'd definitely say that doing an internship and having good mentors impacted my career the most, by far. In my internship I was scheduled for 70 to 80 hours a week. It was an absolutely grueling year, but it made me a way better veterinarian.
Having good mentorship through that time was incredibly important, and it helped me get through some of the tough times. They gave you the feedback you needed, and they showed you why you were in it, why you're doing what you're doing, and why you're dedicating so much time to this profession.
Why End-of-Life Care MattersDr. Matthew Schaefer · 0:33
Dr. Matthew Schaefer finds daily reminders of how special this work is, whether it is laughing over a dog that got into the brownies, crying together as he and pet parent mourn a pet's passing, or sharing a hug from someone he just met.
I have moments every day that remind me how important this work is and how much it really matters.
When a client is sharing a story with you about their dog that got into the brownies, and the time they got into trouble, and you're laughing together, and then you're crying together, and then someone you just met is giving you a hug, it just reminds you how special the whole process is.
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