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
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.
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.
Dr Cassandra was wonderful. It was so peaceful for our beloved Zeus in his own home with all of us. He was always extremely stressed when we would go to the vet and to have to remember his last day with us under that stress would be very hard. Sometimes its unavoidable I know. I am grateful we could do this for him. I have had other professionals in the past come, because we rescue senior dogs and unfortunately we need to see them thru their last days. Dr Cassandra was above others. She was so compassionate and understanding. And her schedule was flexible. I was having a hard time knowing and accepting the right time for this and she was very patient with us. I would use her again and highly recommend her. She does her best for both the owner and the loved pet.
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.
My experience with Dr. Cassandra Lewis went way beyond my expectations. I contacted CodaPet to find a vet that would perform in home pet euthanasia. Ivy, our 16 year old kitty had stopped eating and drinking and was telling us it was time for her to go. Her behaviors changed over the course of a few weeks. She became very snuggly and demanding attention at times, but she also hid and seemed disoriented. As much as my heart didn't want to make the call, I contacted CodaPet to set up an appointment. I had heard of this service before and I really wanted to find someone to come to our home because Ivy hated going to the vet. I didn't want that to be her last time with us. The woman I spoke to at CodaPet (don't have her name) was very kind and helpful. I received emails and texts prior to the day that explained the process, and was encouraged to reach out with any questions. They made sure I knew that I could also cancel the appointment if I changed my decision. Dr. Lewis is very compassionate and truly cares about people and their pets. She made the process as easy as it could be. She explained everything she was doing and made sure we were okay with everything that was happening. I chose to have Ivy on my lap where she was most comfortable. She was already very tired and had slept the entire day. Ivy was given one dose to relax her (like an anesthesia) and then after 10-15 or so, another dose to stop her heart. Just a few minutes after the second dose she was gone. I am so thankful I could have her on my lap to cuddle her and talk to her during the whole process. Dr. Lewis asked if we wanted a paw print and some fur to keep. We saved some fur and she put some in two small containers for us. We also had the option for Dr. Lewis to take Ivy with her for cremation but we opted to keep Ivy and take car of her ourselves. I highly recommend CodaPet and Dr. Lewis. I'd give her 50 stars if I could!
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.
