Vet Serves in Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified Veterinarian

80 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 - $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

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.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 08 2024 by Anthony M
Review by Anthony M
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

Dr Gonnering was amazing. It was a very sad day for our family, but Ann was so kind and soft spoken. She allowed us all the time we needed to say good bye to our loved pet, told us everything that was happening. She gave us the impression that she had all the time in the world for us. I was so impressed with Dr. Gonnering that I tried to find out if she worked at a local vet office for the new puppy we got after this. Sadly we could not find her online. Figured if she was that kind in death, she would be even better in life.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 01 2024 by Jason B
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

Dr. Ann was truly incredible. She came to our home to help our sweet Morkie, Leila, cross the rainbow bridge, and I can’t express how grateful we are for her compassion. From the moment she arrived, she was gentle, calming, and so respectful of our emotions. She walked us through every step with such kindness and made sure Leila was comfortable, peaceful, and surrounded by love. During one of the hardest moments of our lives, she created an environment of peace that we will never forget. I would recommend her without hesitation. We are forever thankful for the gentle, loving care she gave our little girl.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 17 2025 by Kaitlyn M.
Review by Kaitlyn M.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

We decided to use Coda’s in home pet euthanasia when my precious dog’s lymphoma became resistant to treatment and he deteriorated. I cannot say enough about how much better this terrible day was made by doing it at home. My dog had been back and forth to the vet so many times in his last weeks, the thought of one last visit to the animal hospital was miserable. The vet who came to us was compassionate, patient, and thoughtful. Our appointment was as peaceful as I can imagine.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 04 2025 by Erin Davis
Review by Erin Davis
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 19 2025 by Betty D.
Review by Betty 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