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
SundayTimes 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 $0 - $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
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 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.
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.
During the worst time of my life, I could not have asked for a more compassionate, accommodating, and caring person to come to our home and help my Riley cross the rainbow bridge. Riley’s health declined very suddenly and quickly, sending my husband and I into a spiral, and while part of me wanted to do this with his regular vet, who has spent the last few years doing everything they could to make his life the best it could be, I could not imagine saying goodbye to my best friend of over 16 years in a clinic on a metal table. Finding Dr Lewis was truly the best decision we could have possibly made. She was very communicative from first contact, gave us all the time we needed before and after, and took such good care of my boy, including ensuring the engraving on his urn was perfect and hand delivering him back to us. I am truly grateful that I stumbled upon Dr Lewis in my search and cannot recommend her enough to anyone needing to make this gut-wrenching decision. She’s truly the best ❤️
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.
