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
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. 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 $1 - $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
Dr. Lewis was truly sent by God to help my family let our sweet Ivy go. From the time we first chatted to the time she left our house, she was professional and caring, as if she was a longtime friend. You can see it in her face and feel it in her gentle manners that she loves her work and loves animals. If you are searching for that person to help you send your fur baby on to better places, I highly recommend Dr. Lewis. I am so thankful I found CodaPet and Dr. Lewis.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis was beyond amazing. She made the whole process so much easier and less painful. She was so kind and took so much stress away, I was able to feel at peace with my decision and had plenty of time afterwards to be with my pet. Thank you so much.
Tough day, our family had the right partner to get through it with. Dr. Lewis was truly compassionate and read the room well. We were lucky to find someone who was able/willing to help us with our love, Lou, who was a 200lb+ mastiff. We were in a real spot and grateful to Dr. Lewis for her help.
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.
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.
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.
