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 Experience15+ 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 $0
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. Cost
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
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!
Tough day, our family had the right partner to get through it with. Dr. Lewis was truly compassionate and read the room well. We were lucky to find someone who was able/willing to help us with our love, Lou, who was a 200lb+ mastiff. We were in a real spot and grateful to Dr. Lewis for her help.
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.
It's always heartbreaking to loose a longtime pet. Dr. Cassandra's home visit made it the best experience for our pet I could have imagined. It was calm, caring and comfortable for our pup.
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 🐾
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!
