Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Whenever possible, people want to be able to go home from the hospital for their remaining days, to die at home. Families want the same for their pets. As in-home pet euthanasia has finally become a viable option, I knew I could add value to the euthanasia experience because of my veterinary experience and my compassion for those pet parents who are deeply grieved over the loss of their four-legged family member. I see this as my calling, to care for the members of my local community.
Education
Undergraduate: BSA University of Georgia - 1980
Veterinary Medicine: DVM University of Georgia - 1984 MS and Residency University of Illinois - 1997
Certifications
2Maryland Veterinary Medical Association Member (MDVMA), CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
- Based InBerlin, MD
- Service areasSalisbury, MD and surrounding areas
- Work Experience42+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats, Small Mammals (includes rats, ham ...
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
FridayTimes 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. Karen Duncan will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $340
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostStarting at $55
Quality of life consult
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $125
What pet parents are saying
In home pet Euthanasia: This is a very hard review to write because it is about our personal loss of our beloved pet Lucy. Lucy's decline was very sudden and unexpected. While she was 14 years old she was very energenic and still got the zoomies once in awhile. Within a few minutes of coming back from her routine walk, she collapsed. She was diagnosed with Vestibular syndrome (inner/middle ear) and was expected to improve within 24-48 hours, but she did not. When we made the decision that it was time to say goodbye, we wanted to do it at home. We wanted her to be comfortable and surrounded by her loved ones. We didn't want to put her through anymore distress of driving her somewhere. Afterall, how many pets are excited to go to the vet?! We found Dr. Karen Duncan and she could not have been anymore caring and compassionate towards us and Lucy. She also evaluated Lucy to validate we were making the right decision. She explained everything to us and took her time. We did not feel rushed whatsoever. She took care of everything. While it is not a decision anyone likes to make, we would encourage others when that time comes to consider In-Home-Pet-Euthanasia. Be there for your pet in their loving surroundings.
Dr. Duncan was very warm, caring, and immensely helpful during a very difficult time. Nigel was a wonderful cat - more dog than cat. He still greeted us at the door, demanded pets, and sat in our laps whenever we sat still long enough. But he had a huge tumor under his tongue, he had lost so much weight, and eating was so painful he could only attempt with a dose of pain medicine. He couldn’t groom himself anymore and his fur was covered in mats. And yet he still sought out love and affection, so we were so torn about what to do. Dr. Duncan helped us process all those emotions and facts and was completely caring and supportive. She allowed us to give Nigel the gift of dying without prolonged suffering, and without an anxiety ridden last day of a thirty minute car ride to the vet in a cat carrier in a sterile vets office smelling of fear and pain. He died peacefully in his own home without fear. I’m so grateful.
Dr. Karen Duncan handled my dog’s situation with such compassion and care, making what was a particularly difficult day much easier. Scheduling was a breeze and she reached out ahead of time to see if I had questions about the process.
Dr. Karen Duncan is a loving beautiful soul, an angel. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude. She was so kind, caring and compassionate walking us through the entire process. Having to euthanize a fur baby is one of the hardest things to do. Dr. Karen understood how hard this was for us to lose our sweet 16-year-old kitty, Mickey. She took the time to listen, let us share how special our fur baby Mickey was/is. Her presence and demeanor made all of us feel comfortable. We were able to pet Mickey and love him up in his last final moments – a true blessing as we know he passed peacefully and gracefully. Dr. Karen gave us time to say one last final goodbye, making sure his younger brothers and sister had time to say goodbye as well. She then, with the utmost of kindness, wrapped Mickey in a blanket and placed him in a beautiful basket. We highly recommend Dr. Karen to anyone who loves their pet as family and is faced with the difficult decision to euthanize.
Dr. Duncan was amazing. We've had dogs for many years so saying goodbye is inevitable and SO difficult. She made saying goodbye to our sweet Hopey a very peaceful experience. We’re so thankful for her and the service that she provided. I’ve been singing the praises of the service you offer to many. Thank you!
Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is hard enough. CodaPet and Dr. Karen Duncan (local to us) made the experience as easy and peaceful as possible. The website has tons of info and FAQs and the ability to schedule online. Dr. Duncan reached out in advance to see if we had any questions and put us at ease with the process, she gave us a few things to think about leading up to the appointment. Upon arrival Dr. Duncan was very pleasant, she took the time to allow us to share about our pet and his favorite things, we were able to do the process out on our porch, since that was his favorite place to relax. She talked us through the process step by step of what we can expect, and allowed us to ask questions. Once we began the process she was very thorough, didn't rush anything, and made sure we were ready for each step. She was attentive and allowed us all the time we needed as we said goodbye. She was informative on next steps and wishes and followed up with us later in the day just to check in. This was just a professional and genuine process all around. I highly recommend CodaPet and Dr. Karen Duncan, as I said, saying goodbye is already so hard, we couldn't bear the thought of putting our cat in a carrier, driving to the vet, and going through this process in a clinical environment. We were in the comfort of our own home and were able to say goodbye to our pet peacefully and safely.
