Verified Veterinarian
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.
Undergraduate: University of Illinois, 2016
Veterinary Medicine: University of Illinois, 2020
General availability
ThursdayTimes Vary Weekly
Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.
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
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $45 - $150
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $250
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.