Vet Serves in Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified Veterinarian

82 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

SaturdayTimes 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

Dr. Gonnering was so patient and compassionate at a very difficult time. I felt Cubby Boo had the best care possible at home where he was comfortable. I am grateful to her.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 21 2025 by Patrice D.
Review by Patrice D.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

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

Ann Gonnering is incredibly kind, thoughtful and compassionate, which is pivotal in this type of emotional experience. She provided incredible support and love, as if it was for her own pet and family. Her heart makes her incredibly poised to serve in this role and make a horrible situation as meaningful and positive as it can be. We are so touched by her care and support. She gave us all the time we needed with our beloved fur-family member and allowed a respectful and love-filled passing.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 15 2024 by Alyssa L
Review by Alyssa L
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

While being heart wrenchingly painful due to our pet's passing, our in home pet euthanasia experience was all we could ask for. Peaceful, dignified and gentle. Our vet explained everything, step by step. We had choices as to how involved we wanted to be. She was very empathetic to our situation and helped make our cats passing painless and honorable, just as we had wanted and wished for. I highly recommend this service to pet owners.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 22 2024 by Abigail F.
Review by Abigail F.
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 very sympathetic and professional. We have two other dogs we wanted present and she handled them well to calm them and introduce herself. She has a very sweet presence and I feel my dogs were all relaxed around her . My youngest was a little cautious of her but ultimately took to her. I'm very grateful for the situation, to be able to do this in the comfort of home. Having a gentle, loving vet is key and I couldn't ask for better. Thank you CodaPet and Dr Gonnering!

codapet review
5.0
Jan 02 2026 by Tina B.
Review by Tina B.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture