Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

47 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

After 30 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 Experience30 plus years+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Sunday10:00 am - 9:00 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. 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 $135 - $325

Keepsakes

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

Est. CostFrom $20 - $150

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

I couldn’t have imagined a better person to help us say goodbye to our boy- she was so kind and calm and let us do everything in our own time. We could tell she really cared about us and what she does. Being able to say goodbye at home and keep Atty comfortable was priceless. Thank you Dr Lara.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 25 2025 by Johanna P.
Review by Johanna P.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I can't say enough about Dr. Lara Allison! I was anxious and she helped calm my nerves. She was patient, kind, compassionate, thoughtful and extremely helpful throughout such a difficult and sad time. I knew she "felt" our pain.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 12 2024 by Shannon Wakeland
Review by Shannon Wakeland
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

We recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Fritz. Dr. Allison treated us and our pet with the utmost compassion, respect, and kindness. She gave us time, comfort, and space to say goodbye, and explained everything gently so we knew what to expect. It was one of the hardest moments of our lives, but we are forever grateful for the care and dignity she provided. I would highly recommend Dr. Allison to anyone needing support during such a difficult time.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Rachael T.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr. Allison was the kind and calm voice we needed as our hearts broke while saying goodbye to our dearest Kasey. We will forever be grateful.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 11 2025 by Pura C.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr Lara Allison was compassionate, professional and went above and beyond to ensure that my beloved dog, Nala passed peacefully and comfortably. She spent time with me looking at photos and listening to stories I shared about Nala. I highly recommend Dr Lara and cannot say enough food things about her. Truly one of the best people to have by your side at the end of your pers life.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 14 2025 by Alison F.
Review by Alison F.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Our family has been with Pet Vet for many years and has numerous pets. As pet owners know, the most difficult decision we make for our pets is knowing when to keep fighting for them or if we should allow them to be free of their pain. Our beloved GSD, Bauer, was one in a million. We brought him home shortly before our first child joined us. 12 years later, and a couple more kids, Bauer was our constant loving, best friend. We started seeing Dr. Allison regularly to help with Bauer’s joints and other ailments. We promised Bauer that we would help him in any way we could, and Dr. Allison promised our family she would let us know when it was time. We were in it together, as a team. He had such a wonderful last six months, and Dr. Allison helped him and our family along the way. We had many difficult conversations, but they were always made easier because of her ability to have an open discussion. Once Bauer’s health started to rapidly decline our family made the difficult decision, along with Dr. Allison, to help relieve his pain. When planning our final appointment, she so graciously offered to come to our home the next night after work, which just happened to be a Friday evening. We were able to take Bauer to the beach that Friday morning as a family. We had a lovely afternoon at home, while Bauer ate all of his favorite treats. As evening rolled around, we started a nice fire in our living room and made a pallet out of blankets for Bauer. Dr. Allison arrived at our home after working at the clinic all day. We were able to chat with her and hang out with Bauer. She explained the procedure and made sure we understood fully what steps she would be taking. The process was quick, and our sweet boy was no longer in pain. Dr. Allison had even called the crematorium and they were waiting outside our home for whenever we were ready. While losing a pet is never easy, being able to have the procedure done in our home with a veterinarian that loved him like their own, made it much more bearable. We will forever be thankful for Dr. Allison and her kind heart. We know it hurt her almost as much as we were hurting, but we were there together for our sweet Bauer. And he knew it too. Thank you Dr. Allison for your compassion and sincerity. We will forever be grateful that you helped us ensure Bauer had a wonderful life and a gracious passing.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Cassidy and Phillip Bozzelli
Review by Dr. Lara Allison