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
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
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
Yesterday on 9/11/24 I thought I was going to have to say "goodbye" to my beloved 9 year old Shih Ztu Tucker after he had a severe reaction to a medication and he spent two days in the hospital and his liver enzymes were extremely high. I wrestled with this decision for days but I wanted him to pass peacefully in the comfort of his home and in my arms not some cold steel table among strangers. Dr. Lara was so kind, compassionate and had such a calming demeanor and I had already paid for all the arrangements prior to her arrival. She did a complete assessment of Tucker and told me he still had the will to live, his eyes looked good, his teeth and he was still showing signs of life and she felt with time the liver enzymes and damage could regenerate itself and went into great detail. Dr. Lara even called him in a prescription that she could legally do and recommended some "brick & mortar" vet facilities she highly recommended to take my beloved dog to for a second opinion and didn't charge me for anything but a consultation charge! I will forever be grateful because she also offered me hope. I can't emphasize enough just how much this meant to my husband and I and we will forever be grateful. Dr. Lara truly has a calling and a zen like aura about her. I told her to take this as a compliment she ranks right up there with Dr. Pol! When it truly is time for my boy she will be who I call. I'd give her 10 stars ⭐️ if I could.
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.
Dr. Lara Allison was wonderful! She was so kind, explained the process, asked about Loki and our journey together and befriended him upon arrival. I chose in-home euthanasia because I did not want my pet to be scared or stressed in his final moments and I did not want to be rushed. I highly recommend Dr. Allison and this service💕
Dr. Lara was such a blessing to us. She was so kind, sensitive, and respectful to my dog and what we were going through. Having my dog cross the rainbow bridge at home was such a gift. Thank goodness there are people like Dr. Lara to help people say goodbye to their beloved pets in a way that is the least stressful for everyone.
Our family was heartbroken when our beloved English bulldog, Cowboy, received the diagnosis of canine lymphoma. Dr. Lara Allison was there for him and for us during and after the many weeks of chemotherapy. She saw Cowboy when he was in remission, and she checked on him often by phone. When the cancer eventually came back, Dr. Lara worked with us to provide the best palliative care for Cowboy. It gave us great comfort to see that he was comfortable and happy in those last few weeks. When we knew the time was near, Dr. Lara offered to come to our home, where Cowboy was most comfortable, to help him on his final journey to the rainbow bridge. We highly recommend Dr. Lara Allison for pet parents seeking compassionate in-home care.
Our family was faced with the dilemma of a 15.5 year lab that was having extreme difficulty with daily life. Her biggest fear in life was a trip to the vet. Seeking alternatives, we searched for in home euthanasia options. We selected Dr Lara Allison from all her great reviews. She lived up to her reputation. When she arrived, she not only cared for the family, but was very intent on making our pet at ease. She is a very caring person. Saying goodbye to a loving pet is one of the most difficult things people face, and while it isn't easy, Dr Allison showed she cared. Thank you for being a special person.
