Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

45 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

Wednesday10:00 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

Dr. Lara was amazing with us and guiding us through the process. She treated us and our Duke with such respect. She was gentle and kind and gave us the time needed to say goodbye. Thank you Dr. Lara.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 23 2025 by Regina Cahill
Review by Regina Cahill
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

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.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Lara Allison is truly an angel on earth when it comes to the difficult task of putting down your pet. When our beloved cat had gotten too ill to live comfortably, we decided to put him to sleep. She came to our home, embraced and supported us in our sadness, and painlessly administered the medication to end his suffering. I can't give enough praise for her and what she does . Home euthanasia is absolutely the way to go about this tough situation and she's the best.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 05 2024 by d l
Review by d l
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

I recently had to make the heartbreaking decision to help my beloved, 17-year-old kitty, Alice, go over the Rainbow Bridge. I am so grateful that my vet (Air Harbor) recommended in-home pet euthanasia and Dr. Lara Allison of CODApet. Dr. Lara was so wonderful through the entire process. She was so compassionate, kind, and empathetic, gently guiding me through the process and giving me all the time I needed during each step. She was so thoughtful, wanting to hear all about Alice’s life. She even sent a hand-written card and a sweet memento of Alice that I will treasure. I am so grateful that Alice’s final journey did not involve another scary trip in a carrier and a car. She was in her happy and safe place at home, and she passed gently and peacefully in my arms. If you are ever faced with this heartbreaking decision, I would highly recommend in-home pet euthanasia, and I would absolutely recommend Dr. Lara Allison. I cannot possibly say enough good things about Dr. Lara and her compassionate and loving care. I am forever grateful to her. If I ever have to make this choice again, I definitely will be contacting CODApet and Dr. Lara. Thank you, Dr. Lara! Jennifer E.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 07 2025 by Jennifer E.
Review by Jennifer E.
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

Our dog unfortunately had to be put to rest Nov 14, 2024. It has taken me this long to be able to write this, due to my emotions. I wanted to thank Laura for being so compassionate during probably the toughest time in my life and guide me through. Laure was very willing to let you vacillate back and forth on decisions as most of us do in a situation like this she was willing to listen to us and our beloved family member and help us make informed thought out decisions. Our loved one got very sick in the night and Laura was here first thing to help with this situation we hoped would never come. If it had not been for Laura, I am not sure I would have any mind left. Laura helped us work through the entire process and you could tell could feel what we felt. Thank you for being there for us in our time of need. You are a true friend and am so glad you entered our life’s to help make this unbearable situation more manageable. Laura gave us a hair clipping from our loved one and he still goes with us to all of his favorite places. It helps us remember he is still with us.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 08 2026 by David G.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison