Vet Serves in Chicago, IL

Dr. Ann Gonnering

Verified Veterinarian

87 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

MondayTimes 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

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 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

Having to say goodbye to our cat was unexpected and so terrible. Dr Gonnering has the kindest most gentle disposition and we were so grateful to be able to work with her and in the comfort of our own home. It was the best we could have ever asked for given saying goodbye is always, by nature, a painful experience. Thank you for taking such care to make those last moments less traumatic for both our cat and for us.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 24 2026 by Lynette A.
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering

Dr. Ann explained the euthanization process thoroughly. She was kind , patient and respected our time to say goodbye to our beloved Odin.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 16 2026 by Christine C.
Review by Christine C.
Dr. Ann Gonnering profile picture

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

Dr. Gonnering helped make a very difficult situation a little better. She was very kind and compassionate to us and to our dog. She talked me through what to expect ahead of time and again when she arrived. She gave us the space we needed to say goodbye and we were able to comfort our dog the entire time.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 01 2025 by Ben C.
Review by Dr. Ann Gonnering