Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

65 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

Very kind and calm. Putting Bear down was an awful decision I did not want to make and wasn’t expecting so soon. I also appreciate she hand delivered his ashes back to us.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 14 2024 by Stephanie C.
Review by Stephanie C.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Lara was with Chewbacca and me on the worst day of our lives. She treated Chewbacca with such love, dignity, and compassion. I cannot say enough great things about her. None of this is easy and will never be. Having Dr. Lara there with her care and love ensured Chewbacca had the kindest and most loving departure. Thank you so much Dr. Lara, for everything.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 09 2025 by Elizabeth G.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Having Dr.Lara by my side as my family and I said goodbye to our much loved Daisy was invaluable. Being able to do this at home where Daisy was most comfortable gave us an opportunity to say goodbye in our time on our own terms. Dr.Lara talked us through every step with compassion and love. She took care of everything from beginning to end and made this process much easier. She is not only a wonderful vet but a wonderful person and we were so thankful to have her there.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 06 2025 by Liza Chambers
Review by Liza Chambers
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I am so grateful we had Dr. Lara Allison to help us through this process. I was having a really difficult time making the decision about what was best for Guinness. Dr. Allison came to our home for a consultation. Her medical knowledge of Guinness's needs was important, but her intuitive insights into what he was experiencing and why I was struggling so much with the decision was invaluable. Just talking through all of it with her helped me tremendously. When she came to our home for our final moments with Guinness, Dr. Allison was so compassionate. Her presence allowed Guinness, and our family, to make room for healing in his transition to the other side. I would highly recommend Dr. Allison for anyone who is going through the difficulty of saying good-bye to their fur baby.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 15 2024 by Carol C.
Review by Carol C.
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When Bootsie was unable to control her bladder, at age 14, we knew it was time. Having had my first lab euthanized at the vets office many years before , I knew that wasn’t what I wanted for my Bootsie. We reached out to Dr Lara and she was able to come to our house. There was something very calming and very natural about the whole experience. Dr Lara explained everything to me in detail. Bootsie was able to lie on her bed in her favorite spot and very peacefully go to sleep. It was only a few short months later that her littermate, Beauregard was ready to leave us. Dr Lara was there for us again. It’s so hard to lose your fur babies. Im so grateful that there is a service that can treat you and your fur baby with so much kindness and so much compassion. Thank you Dr. Lara.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Terrie Howlett
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr. Lara was so very kind, patient and compassionate. We had family gathered to say goodbye to our sweet cat Cleo. She gave us time and space to love one her and say goodbye our way. DR. Lara after care was beautiful she sent us a beautiful card to us all which was lovely, in addition brought a memorial candle with pictures of Cleo and stating her birth and death dates.Thank you Dr. Lara your kindness and compassion was greatly appreciated.

codapet review
5.0
May 05 2026 by Sandra W.
Review by Sandra W.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture