Vet Serves in Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified Veterinarian

77 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

Monday8:00 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

Dr Ann Gonnering was great. Loosing our Miley was devastating but she was kind and patient with us. She told us everything that would happen and took her time. She was so gentle with Miley. I would use her again and will recommend her to anyone who needs her help.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 03 2024 by Cyndy Englehart
Review by Cyndy Englehart
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

We had to put our beautiful dog Lucy down and decided not to stress her out by bringing her to the vets office plus we didn't feel we would be able to get her there without hurting her by carrying her in and out of the car. Dr. Ann from Codapet, was wonderful, helped us get through the procedure while being very patient and thorough. Explained everything to us. It was so hard for us to let her go but felt this was the best solution to put her at peace.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 17 2025 by JC Marecki
Review by JC Marecki
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr. Gonnering was punctual, very polite and gave us time to process. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience however sad as it was.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 26 2024 by Emily V
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

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.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 14 2025 by AlyseR
Review by AlyseR
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr. Gonnering was the most gentle and caring Veterinarian I have ever encountered. She was extremely experienced, yet willing to make certain concessions based on our specific needs for Roxy. She treated all of us like family members, and the feeling was mutual. Rick Henley

codapet review
5.0
Jan 04 2025 by Richard H.
Review by Richard H.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr. Gonnering was amazing. She was knowledgeable and calm, willing to walk us through the experience and what to expect. She gave us the needed privacy prior to the procedure, and was the epitome of professionalism throughout the entire process. I will remain forever grateful for her easing the passing of my family member, and the grace she demonstrated throughout. I have already reached out to the emergency vet office to add her as an option for in-home services, as I only found Coda Pet through google. Her ability to come to our residence on short notice, on a Saturday afternoon allowed our family a final day together. I cannot give adequate praise to her and her services. She was perfect, and I’m so thankful she was there.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 14 2024 by Matthew D
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering