Vet Serves in Charleston, SC

Dr. Lara Allison

Verified Veterinarian

50 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

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 $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

We had Lucy, a rescue that we adopted when she was 10 months old. She was a great family pet. She found her forever home. Our two young children grew up with her. And still talk about her today. After 13 years as a family member, because of medical reasons, we knew that it was time to let Lucy go. We decided that it would be better for Lucy to be in our own home as opposed to a cold clinic. Dr Allison came over to our house to perform the procedure. It was the best situation it could have been. Because Lucy was in her own surroundings, she was relaxed and not stressed. Dr Allison not only took care of Lucy, she had compassion with the humans as well. The time she took with us was priceless. She explained what was happening and did not rush our grieving. We have all heard that hindsight is 20/20. And clearly this was the best way to handle an emotional situation.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Evy Silcox
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

When my beloved dog was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I was devastated and unsure of how to handle her final moments. When the time arrived, Dr. Lara Allison came to my home and provided the most compassionate and professional care I could have hoped for. Her calm demeanor and gentle approach immediately put both my dog and me at ease during such a difficult time. Dr. Allison's expertise was evident as she handled everything with the utmost care, allowing my dog to pass peacefully in the comfort of her own home. The love and compassion she showed were truly remarkable, and I will forever be grateful for her support during one of the hardest days of my life. Dr. Allison’s new mobile home euthanasia practice is a testament to her dedication to providing compassionate end-of-life care for animals. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of such care. Thank you, Dr. Allison, for your incredible kindness and professionalism.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2024 by Stirling Harper, MD
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr.Allison is simply amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better person to help me with my dog Raven. She was just wonderful and so compassionate and caring.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 12 2026 by Deborah O.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

Dr Allison was compassionate and so caring during the process of helping our sweet boy cross the rainbow bridge. We are so happy we choose her and the in home procedure.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 07 2026 by Ginny B.
Review by Ginny B.
Dr. Lara Allison profile picture

Dr. Allison is absolutely amazing...I would never call another Vet. to take care of us...She took care of my sweet Annabelle and my husband and I like we were member of her family.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Cheryl W.
Review by Dr. Lara Allison

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