Dr. Lara Allison
Verified Veterinarian
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
1CAETA'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
Monday10:00 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
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $25 - $160
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
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.
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.
Our experience with Dr. Allison was truly wonderful. She was so kind and compassionate and gave our sweet cat a dignified, peaceful passing. She was relaxing in her favorite spot on our back porch; this was so nice compared to the thought of transporting her to a vet office in pain and anxious being in the car. I truly cannot recommend Dr. Allison highly enough. This is a phenomenal service that she offers. The work she does is truly remarkable.
Though we may not have control of when we say goodbye to our animals, we sometimes have the choice as to where and with whom we will face this impossibly hard decision. I grew up with dogs my whole life, welcoming many into my family and was fortunate enough to also be there at the end of their time on Earth. The bond I had with Bruce (the first dog that was really just mine, after college) was and remains one of the most important, special connections I will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. A trusted friend, life coach, and confidant, Lara extended her in-home euthanasia services to me when Bruce could no longer enjoy his life. It was emotional and scary as I wondered if I was doing the right thing. She comforted me and stood by me, supporting my decision. She carefully explained the process- what would happen before, during, and after - leaving out anything too overwhelming or unnecessary for me to know. She performed the service in my home and handled Bruce’s cremation for me as well. Bruce passed away peacefully in the comfort of his favorite chair. Admittedly, this testimonial is difficult to write as it conjures a painful memory, but I often reflect on how much more discomfort I would have experienced having to take him to a sterile, foreign environment in order to say goodbye to my best friend. Lara was calm, collected, kind, and invaluable in making the entire situation much more palatable for me, and for Bruce. His and my comfort were of utmost importance. It is impossible to imagine having to go through that event in any other way. My new dog has taught me how to love again, and with that, we've created a special, different kind of bond - one that I never thought I could have after losing Bruce. He’s stable, but suffering from cardiomyopathy and has limited time left earthside. I know one day, maybe sooner than I would like, I will have to make another hard choice. I rest easy and find peace knowing that when it is his time to transition into another realm, Lara will be there, in the comfort of our home, Gus on his favorite chair, getting the best pets and receiving all the love he deserves. I cannot recommend Lara enough - her heart is SO big - the service she provides is complicated, necessary, and special. In my opinion, she is the perfect person for this difficult job.
I am so grateful we had Dr. Lara Allison to help us through this process. I was having a difficult time deciding 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 were 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 to anyone who is going through the difficulty of saying goodbye to their fur baby.
Dr. Allison helped our family to care for Zoie for hopefully a while longer and keep her pain controlled. Dr. Allison is calm, has great touch with animals and is very knowledgeable. From making the appoinment to meeting with her second time, she was always responding, kept in touch and followed through with all we had discussed. Thank you!
