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

Tuesday8:00 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

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.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 24 2025 by karinamay72
Review by karinamay72
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

Dr. Cassandra was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met at one of the most difficult points in my life. I can’t say enough about how wonderful and amazing she is. I’m beyond blessed that she was the one to help our family and to help our precious fur baby transition to doggy heaven. Thank you for doing what you do.

codapet review
5.0
May 15 2025 by Stephanie G.
Review by Dr. Cassandra Lewis

We are so grateful for the compassion and care shown by Dr Lewis during one of the hardest moments of our lives. Saying goodbye to our beloved dog was heartbreaking, but having it done in the comfort of our home made all the difference. From the moment she arrived, Dr Lewis was calm, gentle, and respectful—both with us and with our sweet pup. She explained each step with kindness and patience, giving us the time and space we needed to say our goodbyes. Our dog passed peacefully, surrounded by love, without fear or stress. It takes a special kind of person to do this work, and we will always be thankful for the care and compassion we received. Dr Lewis helped turn an incredibly difficult day into one filled with peace, dignity, and love. Kenny & Heidi Chewy 🐾

codapet review
5.0
Sep 18 2025 by Heidi S.
Review by Heidi S.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
May 10 2025 by Lizzie Fraley
Review by Lizzie Fraley
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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!

codapet review
5.0
Apr 27 2025 by Jim L.
Review by Jim L.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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