Vet Serves in Elgin, IL

Dr. Cassandra Lewis

Verified Veterinarian

39 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

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

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 $2 - $50

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. 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

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

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!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 25 2025 by Patricia Woselowsky
Review by Patricia Woselowsky
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

I believe I commented here before.she is the best! Dr. Cassandra is the most caring, kind hearted veterinarian I have had the pleasure to meet. I only wish I knew of her years earlier! Dr. Cassandra left us with no doubts that we did make the selfless and right decision first out Reyna. I will always recommend her and Codapet. Jen Boucher

codapet review
5.0
Feb 07 2026 by Jennifer B.
Review by Jennifer B.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 19 2025 by Andrea Tyler
Review by Andrea Tyler
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

Dr. Cassandra Lewis was so kind and compassionate throughout this whole unfortunate experience of putting our loved one to sleep. She was very attentive to any questions before she came out and explained the entire process, also availability of timing was great. Price wasn’t top of mind, but very fair as well to other places exceeding $1k. Thank you for making this whole experience easier for us and being so kind!

codapet review
5.0
May 16 2025 by Jeremy V.
Review by Dr. Cassandra Lewis