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
Thursday9:45 am - 4:45 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. 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
Dr. Karen Duncan is amazing for in home pet euthanasia. Her caring demeanor and patient presence made Ella’s passing less painful than it might have been. She allowed me to hold her in my arms and watch her peacefully fall asleep while gazing into my eyes. It allowed me to treasure those moments, feeling that Ella knew how much she was loved. I would highly recommend Dr. Duncan for anyone who loves their pet as family, as she exemplifies the kindness and love we pray for at that most difficult time of life.
There is nobody better we could have hoped for to be with us and our dog Riley at the end. Karen was immensely compassionate, professional, and accommodating when the time came. Her bio says that she feels a calling to this work and the amount of comfort and warmth she offered us on that difficult evening will stay with us forever. Words fall short to express the amount of gratitude that we feel to Karen for her assistance. It is clear that, to anyone who has a pet that they consider family, there is nobody better suited in our area than Dr Karen Duncan to care for your loved one on that painful, sad day, as if they were her own. Thank you for everything Karen!
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.
I can’t recommend Dr. Karen Duncan highly enough. From start to finish, she was incredibly communicative, compassionate, and supportive. When the time came to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Jolene, Dr. Karen guided us through the process with such care and patience. She gave us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes - even allowing our younger dog to be part of the moment. Her thoughtful touches, including a custom sign and a beautiful, heartfelt card, meant the world to us. Because of Dr. Karen, Jolene's final moments were peaceful and full of love. We’re forever grateful.
Dr. Duncan is so compassionate and caring and made such a heartbreaking experience a little easier to bear. We made the difficult decision to put down our senior kitty Angus, and we knew we wanted him to be comfortable at home and with his family when he passed over the rainbow bridge. I called CodaPet late on a Friday afternoon and Karen called us back within 20 minutes. She was able to come to our home later the same day and she was just amazing. Karen put us at ease, explained the process, and treated Angus as if he was her own. If you are contemplating having your per euthanized at home, I would highly recommend Dr. Duncan and CodaPet. The extra expense is priceless.
I recently had to make the heartbreaking decision of letting my Lexi go over the Rainbow Bridge. We rescued her at 9 months and she turned 14 on March 1st. We were so lucky to have had her in our lives and I know she changed many minds about Pitbull’s over the years, as she was the sweetest, gentle and loving girl. I want to thank Dr. Karen Duncan - Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian from CodaPet who helped me through this difficult journey. Dr. Karen came to my home and showed the utmost care and compassion during this time, it felt like having a family member with me. We sat together on the floor while Lexi laid on her favorite bed, enjoying all the love and attention we both gave to her while she passed. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am for the kindness Dr. Karen showed, not only that day but the days since, by cards, email and messages.
