Vet Serves in Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified Veterinarian

86 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

TuesdayTimes 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. 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 - $515

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 was very kind and professional. You can tell she has a heart of gold for providing such excellent service during very sad times for families.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 31 2024 by Breann D
Review by Breann D
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

We are so incredibly grateful to Dr. Ann Gonnering for the compassion and kindness she showed during one of the hardest moments of our lives. Saying goodbye to our beloved dog, Thor, was devastating, but having it done at home made all the difference. She was calm, patient, and deeply empathetic, giving us all the time we needed. Thor passed peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by love. We couldn’t have asked for a more gentle and respectful experience. Thank you for helping us give him the goodbye he deserved.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 29 2026 by Stacey J.
Review by Stacey J.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr. Gonnering was simply great. She was kind, and compassionate and explained everything that was going to happen. Our kitty was at ease and he slipped away peacefully in my arms. Thank you, Ann for your kindness and the gentle way you treated Parsley.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 23 2023 by Nick N
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

The decision is never easy and all we wanted was our Calypso to pass peacefully and as stress free as possible. That is exactly what we got with Dr. Ann. 10/10 for her services. It was my husband's first time and I was so glad he didn't have to experience Calypso being so nervous as she would be anywhere other than home.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 09 2024 by Lauren S.
Review by Lauren S.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

we had no idea what to expext but ann was kind and nurturing and explained it to us in depth! it was a good experience to be in our own home thank you

codapet review
5.0
Jan 31 2025 by laura g.
Review by laura g.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture