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
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 $300
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $20 - $180
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 compassionate and empathetic helping us with Porkchop. She took her time explaining the process to us and guided us through the whole thing. It was a very peaceful way for Porkchop to go and Dr. Lewis treated him with great care.
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 Lewis was so kind and gentle with our boy,Scout. We highly recommend her. She made a very difficult time a little bit less stressful for all of us, and we greatly appreciate it!
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.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis was so kind during the entire process. Even before the appointment we were able to text her to ask questions and get reassurance that we were making the right choice at the right time. I’m so grateful we were able to give our fur baby, Callie, the peaceful and calm last moments she deserved. It’s never easy, but being able to be home, holding her, snuggling in her favorite spot certainly helped. Our other dog was able to be there as well, which I think helped him understand. I’m so grateful for Dr. Cassandra and although I hope you don’t ever need her - if you do find yourself in this situation, I would highly recommend her and doing it in-home as opposed to in a vet’s office.
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!
