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
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
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. 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.
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!
She was kind and respectful. She made a very hard and terrible event go smoothly. I can't express how grateful I am to her for this. Thank you so much!
Dr. Cassandra Lewis was so kind during the entire process. Even before the appointment we were able to text her to ask questions and get reassurance that we were making the right choice at the right time. I’m so grateful we were able to give our fur baby, Callie, the peaceful and calm last moments she deserved. It’s never easy, but being able to be home, holding her, snuggling in her favorite spot certainly helped. Our other dog was able to be there as well, which I think helped him understand. I’m so grateful for Dr. Cassandra and although I hope you don’t ever need her - if you do find yourself in this situation, I would highly recommend her and doing it in-home as opposed to in a vet’s office.
Through one of the most difficult times Dr. Cassandra Lewis easied the pain and heartbreak better than any other similar situations I've been through. Being in an emergency situation not only with it being a Sunday with my Charlie being a 120+ lb baby unable to stand any longer let alone walk and being by myself unable to reach any one to assist me in getting him out to my truck Dr. Cassandra took the roll of a long time friend and let me lean on her with compassion through it all.
Dr. Lewis was very compassionate and empathetic helping us with Porkchop. She took her time explaining the process to us and guided us through the whole thing. It was a very peaceful way for Porkchop to go and Dr. Lewis treated him with great care.
