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 Experience16+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats, Canine, Feline, Small Mammals (in ...
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
Monday6:00 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 $0 - $40
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
After our senior cat suddenly became ill, we made the difficult decision to euthanize her. Dr. Cassandra came out to our house after our small children had gone to bed. She was so wonderful throughout the process, she reached out to me beforehand to see if I had an questions. When she arrived, she was so kind and compassionate, walking us through the process and re-affirming our decision was the right one to end the suffering for our cat. She took her time, explained everything she was doing and what we could expect as she gave the medications and allowed us time alone with our cat. She also wrapped our cat in a blanket and basket after the process was over. She was such a beacon of light through a dark period of grief. I can't say enough kind words about her and our experience with CodaPet.
This is a wonderful service. Very responsive to request for emergency vet visit in home. Dr. Cassandra Lewis was very kind and thoughtful throughout the process for our pet Finn. It was peaceful for him.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis was so kind and compassionate throughout this whole unfortunate experience of putting our loved one to sleep. She was very attentive to any questions before she came out and explained the entire process, also availability of timing was great. Price wasn’t top of mind, but very fair as well to other places exceeding $1k. Thank you for making this whole experience easier for us and being so kind!
First and foremost, I’m sorry for the late review. Losing my best bud has been extremely hard on my family and I. He was my shadow and my best friend and I just miss him so much 😞. Because my Oddy meant so much to me I wanted the very best experience for him . I was a bit reluctant at first because I had never heard of codapet. I chose to take a risk and I am so glad I chose Dr Lewis. From the very moment she stepped into our home, she was very compassionate, understanding, and respectful. We explained that Oddy’s tumor had burst open that morning and we were having a difficult time getting him to walk, and eat, which he loved to do. She walked us through every step and let us have the time we needed to say our goodbyes. Although that night was one of the worst days of my life, I was extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to hold my boy, in the comfort of our own home, as he took his last breath. Dr Lewis, also was kind enough to gift my whole family these small recycled medication vials with hearts attached to them filled with our Oddy’s fur. I turned it into a necklace and believe it or not it has helped me tremendously with the healing process after the loss of my fur baby. The only thing I was disappointed about is that my Oden’s name was spelled “Odin” on all of the documents and keepsakes we received. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Dr Lewis. The Diedrich Family
Dr. Lewis was very professional and very compassionate during this very difficult time for our family. She was very easy to speak with and we appreciate her kindness to us and most especially our beloved Mickey.
During the worst time of my life, I could not have asked for a more compassionate, accommodating, and caring person to come to our home and help my Riley cross the rainbow bridge. Riley’s health declined very suddenly and quickly, sending my husband and I into a spiral, and while part of me wanted to do this with his regular vet, who has spent the last few years doing everything they could to make his life the best it could be, I could not imagine saying goodbye to my best friend of over 16 years in a clinic on a metal table. Finding Dr Lewis was truly the best decision we could have possibly made. She was very communicative from first contact, gave us all the time we needed before and after, and took such good care of my boy, including ensuring the engraving on his urn was perfect and hand delivering him back to us. I am truly grateful that I stumbled upon Dr Lewis in my search and cannot recommend her enough to anyone needing to make this gut-wrenching decision. She’s truly the best ❤️
