Vet Serves in Elgin, IL

Dr. Cassandra Lewis

Verified Veterinarian

31 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 $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

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 ❤️

codapet review
5.0
Jul 22 2025 by Amy R.
Review by Amy R.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 19 2025 by Amy P.
Review by Dr. Cassandra Lewis

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.

codapet review
5.0
May 20 2025 by Emily Beck
Review by Emily Beck
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

With a senior dog who had vision/hearing impairment and seemed to be easily stressed leaving the house I had been thinking about next steps, which came quicker than I had hoped. I inquired on Reddit for suggestions and came across Dr. Lewis details. Kudos to Dr. Lewis and the Codapet services for the ease in setting up an appointment online as I didn't think I'd be able to speak to someone on the phone. Dr. Lewis kept me informed of her arrival time and really took great care of Clyde and myself and walked me through the steps of the process. Her calm and gentleness made the transition easier and for this I will always be grateful. Clyde's ashes were returned to me and Dr. Lewis drove out to my home with his urn which was extremely thoughtful and kind. Thank you, Dr. Lewis and also to Codapet.

codapet review
5.0
May 13 2025 by Beth C.
Review by Beth C.
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture

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!

codapet review
5.0
May 29 2025 by Susan J.
Review by Dr. Cassandra Lewis

I appreciate all that CodaPet and Dr. Cassandra Lewis did for me in April 2025 with the passing of my dog. The ease of setting up my appointment online and working with Dr. Lewis via text was seamless and so beneficial as I was unable to speak without great sorrow and emotions. Dr. Lewis was the perfect person to assist me with making sure my dog was comfortable and passed peacefully. Thank you for everything and may many pet owners like myself find your services and use them.

codapet review
5.0
May 13 2025 by Beth Clark
Review by Beth Clark
Dr. Cassandra Lewis profile picture