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 $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 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.
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!
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. Lewis was amazing throughout this process. It's one of the most difficult things we go thru as pet owners but she was so compassionate & caring. Having her come to the house was the best thing we did for our dog. Dr. Lewis gave us all the time we needed before & after, to make sure we we had our time to say our final goodbyes. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Lewis when you have to go through this difficult process, she made this event much easier to process.
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.
Dr. Cassandra was very informative about the process. She gave us all the time we needed to say our “good-byes” to Sapphire. Dr. Cassandra was so patient with us, she was gentle and loving during Sapphire's final moments. We would recommend using Codapet to others.
