Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

64 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

After 31 years as a veterinarian, I’ve witnessed both the clinical and the deeply personal sides of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Through this journey, I’ve come to believe that the most peaceful and compassionate way for our pets to pass is in the comfort of their own home—or in a favorite outdoor spot—surrounded by the people who love them. My first experience with home euthanasia was 24 years ago, with my mom’s beloved dog, Smokey. We sat with him on a sunny riverbank, birds singing overhead, the wind gently moving through the trees. As my mom held him, I asked her to share memories—his funny quirks, the naughty moments, the ways he made her smile. In that space of love and remembrance, something shifted: the sadness was still there, but so was peace. Smokey passed calmly, cradled in my mom’s arms, wrapped in love and sunlight. It was a moment that changed both of us—and it’s what inspired me to dedicate my work to helping others have the same experience. Since that day, I’ve helped countless families say goodbye in the quiet, sacred space of home. The difference is profound. Without the clinical setting, there’s less fear, less anxiety—for both pets and their people. It becomes a time to focus on a life well-lived, and to offer a final gift of comfort, dignity, and love. This work is an honor. Helping families create a peaceful transition for their companions is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done, and I’m grateful every day to be part of such tender, important moments.

Education

Undergraduate: B.S from University of Georgia - 1991

Veterinary Medicine: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine- 1995

Certifications

1

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
  • Based InCharleston, SC
  • Service areasCharleston, SC & Surrounding Area
  • Work Experience31 plus years+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

MondayTimes 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. Lara Allison will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $325

Pet cremation

Dr. Lara Allison 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 $145 - $375

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $25 - $375

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $150

What pet parents are saying

Dr. Lara was such a blessing to us. She was so kind, sensitive, and respectful to my dog and what we were going through. Having my dog cross the rainbow bridge at home was such a gift. Thank goodness there are people like Dr. Lara to help people say goodbye to their beloved pets in a way that is the least stressful for everyone.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 10 2025 by judi V.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

We had to make the extremely difficult decision to euthanize our beloved fur baby Bleu (our Beautiful black cat) after a week back and forth and overnight stays at VEG due to the sudden onset of what was diagnosed as sepsis. He was diagnosed in September 2025 with an enlarged heart and had been on medication for that and seemed to be doing well. The onset of this illness coupled with the enlarged heart was too much for his little body to endure. It broke our hearts to put him through all the tests, blood work , and IV’s in an attempt to help him. He would not eat, drink, or take meds for 4 days in spite of our valiant efforts and just slept in the house in unusual places. We waited most of Memorial Day weekend to give him every chance to rebound to no avail and on Sunday we filled out a form for Dr. Lara Allison to do at home euthanasia. She examined Bleu and listened to all the reports about his medical issues and compassionately agreed that we were making the right decision. She explained every step of what would happen and left us time alone to say goodbye to Bleu. Her soft spoken, sympathetic manner was a blessing and she listened to our stories about Bleu. My husband and I sat on our porch (Bleu’s favorite place) as I held him in my lap and my husband rubbed his head and talked to him when Dr. Lara gave him an injection to calm him, and then the one that would send him in peace over the rainbow bridge. He just went to sleep forever in my arms. Dr. Lara left us alone with him and came back when we were ready for her to take him to the funeral home. She carefully put him with the blanket in a basket and took him to her car to drive him there. A beautiful, peaceful end to the life of our wonderful, beloved Bleu. A week later we received a sympathy card with a hand written note from Dr. Lara. She is a special lady, filled with compassion, understanding and sympathy for us when we needed it most.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 12 2026 by Elaine L.
Review by Elaine L.
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The time had come for our 14-year-old Golden Retriever, Katie, to be put to sleep. We wanted Katie’s last moments to be at home in familiar surroundings with her family. Dr. Allison, explained the procedures and told us exactly what to expect. After giving Katie the mild sedative, Dr. Allison gently wrapped Katie into a fluffy cozy blanket and placed a blanket/pillow under her head for support. When everything was in place, Dr. Allison administered the final medication, and Katie passed peacefully into her heavenly sleep. We can not say enough about how pleased we were with Dr. Allison and how she helped us through this difficult time. She was very kind and compassionate, she did not rush anything and was very sensitive to our needs. We wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Lara Allison in helping us to help our precious baby girl go over the Rainbow Bridge.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 27 2025 by Teresa S.
Review by Teresa S.
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When we faced one of the most heartbreaking moments, having to say goodbye to our sweet Annie, we were incredibly grateful to have Dr. Lara by our side. From the moment she arrived at our home, she brought a sense of peace, compassion, and comfort that helped ease the weight of such a difficult decision. She treated Annie with the utmost gentleness and respect. She took the time to explain everything with patience and care, allowing us the space we needed to say our goodbyes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Her presence turned what could have been a cold and clinical experience into something tender, humane, and full of love. We will forever be thankful for the way Dr. Lara helped Annie pass peacefully, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those who loved her most. It takes a truly special person to do what she does, and we feel so fortunate that it was her who guided us through this painful moment, she’s truly an angel on earth! If you ever find yourself in the heartbreaking position of needing this service, know that Dr. Lara Allison will not only provide the highest level of professionalism, but will also bring genuine compassion and grace when you need it most.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 06 2025 by Viviana S.
Review by Viviana S.
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Dr. Allison made a very difficult time so much easier. Her kind and caring personality and genuine warmth created an atmosphere of peace during our beloved cat’s passing. Having her come to our home made it so much easier for the family but most important for Sophie. Thank you for all you do. 💗

codapet review
5.0
May 14 2026 by Deb C.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

We had an absolutely amazing experience with Dr. Allison. We called her to our home to meet with our cat who has a terminal illness- to help guide us in next steps. We went over our cat’s current medical regimen, bloodwork numbers, etc. It’s important to us that our cat enjoys quality of life for as long as possible. Dr. Allison displayed not only her knowledge of veterinary medicine, she also showed us kindness, compassion and empathy. Our very shy cat was drawn to her immediately, and we were all able to take part in a spiritual healing. Although we know our cat’s prognosis is bleak, Dr. Allison offered a new perspective for all of us, and we are beyond grateful. When the time comes to make a hard decision, we know who we will call, but Dr. A offers so much more to our family. She’s been a blessing.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 10 2025 by Rebecca Wollenberg
Review by Rebecca Wollenberg
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