Vet Serves in Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified Veterinarian

78 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs and earning my degrees from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, I have always been surrounded by a deep love for animals. My childhood was filled with poems and diagrams centered around them, making it clear that veterinary medicine was my calling. After spending some time practicing in New Zealand, I experienced the profound impact of in-home euthanasia for the first time. The peaceful and intimate nature of that process resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to bring that comfort to pet parents back in the U.S. In-home euthanasia allows me to provide a compassionate farewell in a familiar environment, ensuring pets and their families can navigate this difficult time together. My own experiences with my cats, especially Archie, a survivor of FIP, have deepened my understanding of the emotional journey families face during end-of-life decisions. Each of my cats has a story, from the rescue of Elgin, found almost frozen on the side of the road, to Jasper, who traveled with us from New Zealand. These experiences drive my commitment to offering gentle and respectful care when it matters most. I believe that every pet deserves a peaceful end surrounded by their loved ones, and I strive to provide that for each family I serve. My passion for animals compels me to ensure that this final journey is handled with the utmost care and compassion.

Education

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, 2016

Veterinary Medicine: University of Illinois, 2020

  • Based InChicago, IL
  • Service areasChicagoland & Surrounding Cities
  • Work Experience5+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Saturday8:00 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. Ann Gonnering will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $400

Pet cremation

Dr. Ann Gonnering 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 $200 - $475

Keepsakes

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

Est. CostFrom $45 - $150

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $250

What pet parents are saying

She made the experience so sweet and solemn from start to finish. I had many thoughts about doing this and she put me at ease. She made Grace passing over the Rainbow Bridge a beautiful experience and peaceful for both her and me.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 08 2024 by Anthony M
Review by Anthony M
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr. Gonnering helped make a very difficult situation a little better. She was very kind and compassionate to us and to our dog. She talked me through what to expect ahead of time and again when she arrived. She gave us the space we needed to say goodbye and we were able to comfort our dog the entire time.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 01 2025 by Ben C.
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

Ann Gonnering was on time, very sensitive to how we felt and was able to make everyone including our dog comfortable. It is a very difficult thing to do to ptu your dog down but her coming to the house and putting Gypsy down without causing any further anxiety helped us and our dog.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 15 2024 by Mary M.
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

Dr. Ann explained the euthanization process thoroughly. She was kind , patient and respected our time to say goodbye to our beloved Odin.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 16 2026 by Christine C.
Review by Christine C.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr. Gonnering was wonderful. My BellyAnne immediately took an interest in her with wagging tail. I believe BellyAnne knew that Dr. Gonnering was there to help her cross the rainbow bridge and be well again. Thank you Dr. Gonnering...I will recommend you to anyone that needs these services, Jacquie Tromer in loving memory of BellyAnne

codapet review
5.0
Jun 23 2025 by Jacquie T.
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

Dr. Ann was wonderful. She answered all of our questions and was very sympathetic to our situation. Having our dog pass at home was a very family oriented experience. Thanks to everyone that we dealt with from Coda

codapet review
5.0
Aug 29 2025 by James M.
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering