Dr. Cassandra Lewis
Verified Veterinarian
Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
I am that stereotypical person you hear about that always wanted to be a veterinarian since I can remember. I loved helping take care of any of the sick pets in my home and we certainly had a zoo with anything from cats and dogs to turtles and fish, horses and guinea pigs and others when I was a kid. I love practicing veterinary medicine and do anything and everything I can for the seniors at Young at Heart. I began to consider euthanasia services after a personal experience with a mule my family had for over 20 years. I grew up riding her and she was the sweetest soul. When she was 36 years old she likely developed a brain tumor and was acting a bit wild and difficult to handle. With winter fast approaching my parents did not want to risk her having a traumatic injury from the snow and ice and not being able to give her a peaceful ending in that circumstance. They called a local vet who attempted to to perform the euthanasia but it went horribly and she ultimately refused to continue and recommended we have a wildlife vet dart her down. She had been our baby for over 20 years and I felt she deserved a peaceful and dignified ending to such a long wonderful life. Even though I was 8 months pregnant at the time, I drove down to Indiana and was able to offer her the ending she truly deserved. It was truly a rewarding feeling to myself and my family to know that she passed without fear or pain, surrounded by love and treated with the gentle touch she deserved. Although euthanasia is always a difficult decision, I've always viewed it as the kindest ending we can offer to our patients. and sometimes one of the most rewarding parts of the profession to be able to take away any pain or suffering for an animal that cannot understand what is happening.
Education
Undergraduate: Saint Joseph's College
Veterinary Medicine: Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine -2009
Certifications
1Fear Free Certified
- Based InAlgonquin, IL
- Service areasAlgonquin & Surrounding Northwest Suburbs
- Work Experience15+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats, Canine, Feline, Small Mammals (in ...
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Tuesday8:00 pm - 10:00 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. Cassandra Lewis will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $400
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $25 - $180
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. Cassandra is truly an angel. She was compassionate, kind, and patient in our most difficult time. She answered all of our questions, explained the whole process, and allowed us to involve our kids in a way that was appropriate for them. We did not feel rushed in saying goodbye and were able to make the last moments for our sweet boy calm.
Dr. Cassandra was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met at one of the most difficult points in my life. I can’t say enough about how wonderful and amazing she is. I’m beyond blessed that she was the one to help our family and to help our precious fur baby transition to doggy heaven. Thank you for doing what you do.
With a senior dog who had vision/hearing impairment and seemed to be easily stressed leaving the house I had been thinking about next steps, which came quicker than I had hoped. I inquired on Reddit for suggestions and came across Dr. Lewis details. Kudos to Dr. Lewis and the Codapet services for the ease in setting up an appointment online as I didn't think I'd be able to speak to someone on the phone. Dr. Lewis kept me informed of her arrival time and really took great care of Clyde and myself and walked me through the steps of the process. Her calm and gentleness made the transition easier and for this I will always be grateful. Clyde's ashes were returned to me and Dr. Lewis drove out to my home with his urn which was extremely thoughtful and kind. Thank you, Dr. Lewis and also to Codapet.
Having an at home euthanasia for our sweet Riley was the best decision we could have made. He was able to be comfortable in his own house surrounded by all of his family, including our other dog. Everything was handled so well, and Cassandra did such a great job of making sure we knew what was going on while also taking good care of Riley.
Cassandra made a Very Unexpected and Sad Event as smooth as it could possibly be! From heartfelt conversations before, a gentle approach during and a skilled and caring departure, I wouldn't have done this any other way! Plus being done in the comfort of my home was just as easy for my girl Zeena! I would highly recommend Cassandra and her staff to anyone who knows the stress and grief this can cause! Even from the scheduling of this event, the staff was extremely courteous and you could tell they really cared!
Dr Cassandra was so knowledgeable, respectful, patient. We were able to schedule an in home euthanasia for our best boy Jimmy as his health slowly declined and she made it so he could pass peacefully in his home, comfortable and surrounded by love. She treated him with so much care (before and after he passed), let us take all the time we needed, answered or questions. It's so painful to lose him, but she made it as comfortable as it could be. The little jar with a snip of his fur, the paw imprints were such a nice touch. Thank you for doing the work you do, Dr. Cassandra - it's such a tough thing to do seeing people on their worst days, but you make it a little less hard.
