Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

40 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 years+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Friday10:00 am - 7:00 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 $0

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 $Infinity - $-Infinity

Keepsakes

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

Est. Cost

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 wonderful! Being able to have our beloved family member cross over the Rainbow Bridge at home meant our fur baby felt calm, safe, and loved. Dr. Lara was extremely kind and empathetic with our situation, and did everything possible to help our family understand and feel comfortable with the process, as well as allow us to cry, grieve, and give all the last minute love and words of comfort we could. I highly recommend Dr. Lara if you have to make the difficult decision for your fur baby. Thank you Dr. Lara for making one of life's hardest moments easier.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 17 2025 by Erica Hattings
Review by Erica Hattings
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

My family and I will be forever grateful for Dr. Lara's compassion in our hour of need. She informed us of the entire process when she arrived, in addition to answering several questions over text that I had leading up to our appointment. We loved the way she kept asking about our pup's life with us, keeping the sole focus in the room on the love and light that he brought into our home in the last decade. It really was a beautiful experience, to say goodbye in the comfort Lando's favorite spot at the front window, with the family gathered. Thank you so much, Dr. Lara. It takes a special person to step into this occupation, and you not only do you offer the service, but you go above and beyond with it.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 21 2025 by Caroline P.
Review by Caroline P.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr Lara was the most amazing beautiful person to help me with my transition with my best friend. Above and beyond. So much compassion and grace. I am so grateful and truly recommend her

codapet review
5.0
Jun 25 2025 by Jane M.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

I would like to highly recommend Dr. Lara Allison if you are considering home pet euthanasia. Lara is an extraordinary veterinarian with the added graces of empathy, kindness and caring that make her a perfect choice for the loving passing of a treasured pet. Lara helped me so much with the difficult decisions I had to make when faced with putting down my Irish Setter. She helped me create a beautiful, peaceful setting and during the entire process, which was so professionally done, added words of sympathy , encouragement and support! Lara made a difficult time so much more acceptable, a time I now look back with a peaceful remembrance.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 06 2024 by Rindy Jerue
Review by Rindy Jerue
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Lara Allison recently came to my home to help our 18 year old kitty cross the rainbow bridge. Having it done at home was the best decision we could have made for her. Dr Allison walked us through the entire process. She even loved on our other two kitties that came to see what was going on. She let us know we were making the right decision . The booking process was easy. I highly recommend her. The overall care she gave all of us was wonderful.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 11 2024 by Danyell Mains
Review by Danyell Mains
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Lara was 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. I miss him terribly but know his final moments were very peaceful.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 20 2024 by Stephanie Cheng
Review by Stephanie Cheng
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture