Dr. Ann Gonnering
Verified Veterinarian
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
Sunday8:00 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
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
Dr. Gonnering was very professional and helped us immensely during a very difficult time. We are grateful for the care our little guy received.
Dr. Gonnering was thoughtful, compassionate and very accommodating. We had an emergency situation on a Friday afternoon and she was able to come to help us with our fur baby early that same evening to help him make a peaceful transition over the Rainbow Bridge.
Dr Gonnering was an Angel in disguise. She made this heartbreaking decision much easier for me because of her sincere compassion and knowledge. After performing a thorough examination, she assured me that it was time for my Tinkerbelle to cross over the rainbow bridge. And that I was making the right decision. Dr Gonnering treated my Tinker with such gentle care to keep her comfortable. I felt I could hold her forever, there was no rush. Whenever I was ready to let her go. She helped prepare Tink for our transfer to the crematory. I will never forget the comfort Dr Gonnering brought to myself and my family during this very difficult time. I will never ever forget her.
Dr. Gonnering was very kind, and took time to explain everything to our family prior to the procedure. She was great with our other two dogs, who were busy trying to get into her medical bag to look for treats. When the time came, she treated our Rose with tenderness and dignity. It was a difficult day, but being able to let our girl pass at home, in her favorite spot and with her favorite people, made it feel a little less overwhelming.
Lily was our first family dog and I never knew how much love our little pup would give us and how deeply & quickly she became a family member. It was the hardest thing in the world to see her go but so peaceful to say our goodbyes at home with her. Dr Ann was so compassionate as she explained the process and answered all our questions. She has a soft spoken, caring & calming demeanor which I believe Lily picked up on. Lily hadn’t moved from the floor all day but when Dr Ann sat near her, she got up, wobbled over to her & sat between her legs for the remainder of her time with us. I believe she knew Dr Ann was there to help her. Dr Ann was so respectful of our time with Lily. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr Ann. She brought peace to our breaking hearts.
Dr Ann Gonnering could not have been more sympathetic and gentle during this painful process. It meant the world to us that she was patient enough to help us find peace, in our decision to end the suffering of our turning 13 years old golden retriever. She was unbelievably knowledgeable about everything that was likely going on with him. Her information of treatments informed us of how little time it would buy (with much of it being recovery) and the high risks of a surgical procedure. Thank you CodaPet with all of our hearts for supporting us in this time of need. Words can't truly express how much it meant to have our pet leave our lives in such a relaxed, comforting and quick way.
