Vet Serves in Elgin, IL

Dr. Cassandra Lewis

Verified Veterinarian

33 reviews

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

1

Fear Free Certified

Fear 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

Wednesday6:00 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

Pet cremation

Dr. Cassandra Lewis 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 $150 - $375

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

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.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 16 2025 by Bridgett K.
Review by Dr. Cassandra Lewis

I appreciate all that CodaPet and Dr. Cassandra Lewis did for me in April 2025 with the passing of my dog. The ease of setting up my appointment online and working with Dr. Lewis via text was seamless and so beneficial as I was unable to speak without great sorrow and emotions. Dr. Lewis was the perfect person to assist me with making sure my dog was comfortable and passed peacefully. Thank you for everything and may many pet owners like myself find your services and use them.

codapet review
5.0
May 13 2025 by Beth Clark
Review by Beth Clark
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 04 2025 by Sylvia G.
Review by Dr. Cassandra Lewis

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

codapet review
5.0
Nov 30 2025 by Caroline D.
Review by Caroline D.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

I can not say enough good things about CodaPet and Dr. Lewis. On-line scheduling was quick and easy we got an appointment same day (I requested the appointmentaround 1am and Dr. Lewis arrivedaround 6pm). With our dogs rapid decline it was absolutely necessary for her comfort as well as it was very important to us she could pass at home as we did not want her to have to go through the added stress of a trip to the vet in her last moments. Dr. Lewis was amazing to work with. She kept in contact and updated us throughout the day on ETA as well as general checking in to see how out Cassie was doing. During our appointment Dr. Lewis was kind and compassionate, she talked us through the process as well as gave us all the time we needed with Cassie. Having Cassie at home in her final moments was the best decision for our family, allowing the kids and other pets to say their good byes in the comfort of our own home was very healing and we couldn't have asked for a better experience on one of the worst days of a pet parents life.

codapet review
5.0
May 16 2025 by Kelly Tones
Review by Kelly Tones
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 19 2025 by Andrea Tyler
Review by Andrea Tyler
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture