Dr. Mashawn Orth
Verified Veterinarian
Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
While I loved healthy puppy, kitten, and even reptile visits, I soon realized that sometimes a vet's job also necessitates relieving suffering and helping pets to pass peacefully. To be able to further experience and support the bond between humans and their pets has been an honor that I am truly grateful for. I believe that euthanasia in our pet’s homes is a peaceful, loving, and more comfortable way to help them pass, surrounded by the people they love. Family is so important and our pets make up such a special role in our lives.
Education
Undergraduate: University of California
Veterinary Medicine: Washington State University
- Based InFresno, CA
- Service areasFresno, CA & Surrounding Areas
- Work Experience15+ years
- Animals ServedAll Size Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
SundayTimes Vary Weekly
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. Mashawn Orth will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $315
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $20 - $40
What pet parents are saying
Recently, I had to say goodbye to my 4-legged daughter of 13 years, and it was a very difficult emotional choice I had to make. I didn’t want Mari's last moments to be in a cold, noisy vet’s office. I wanted something more peaceful for her, so after asking a friend for a recommendation, I found out about Codapet. I called Codapet around noon that day, and by 3 pm, Dr. Mashawn was at my home. She was incredibly genuine and gentle with my little girl, giving us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes. Dr. Mashawn took the time to explain everything to my family, ensuring we understood what was happening at each step. I also appreciated the text messages and follow-up emails she sent to offer support, especially as I was grieving. When Mari’s ashes were ready, I couldn’t leave work to pick them up, but Dr. Mashawn’s husband went above and beyond by delivering them to my office. Losing a furry family member is never easy, but if you find yourself in that situation, I highly recommend Codapet.
I am so thankful I was referred to codapet. Our vet was absolutely fantastic and made saying goodbye a little easier. I’m truly grateful my furbaby was able to pass at home where he was comfortable. Thank you.
Dr. Orth was so kind and gentle with our little guy. She took the time to talk with us and allowed us to keep him in the bedroom where he was most comfortable. Her calm demeanor and compassion were comforting and we appreciated that very much.
The time finally came all pet lovers dread, we had to put our beloved pitbull, Walker, down. He was 12 years old and lived a good long life, full of love and affection. Dr. Mashawn Orth was so kind, tender, compassionate, and caring as she walked us through the process. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a mobile vet, but especially anyone who needs to send their pet across the Rainbow Bridge.
Dr. Orth demonstrated a level of loving-kindness that far exceeded our expectation. Her compassion, patience, and her knowledge is what we needed as we faced the loss of our dear boy Oliver. Codapet and Dr. Orth are a true blessing.
I am writing to share my experience with the hope that my feedback will help others. I made the appointment through Coda Pet and called Dr. Orth directly, the main purpose being to connect with her emotionally since she would be involved in such a significant event in our lives. She called me back the night before our appointment and left a message saying that Sundays are her "family day" and to text her with any questions. My husband called her anyway, and explained to her that our pet was like our child since we do not have human children and that our main focus was to be as sensitive and kind as possible. The point didn't seem to get across as she still seemed distant and technical. At the time of the appointment, she was late because she didn't fully read the notes I had given Coda Pet for our address. This made me wonder if I had included any other important notes, whether she would have bothered to read those either. When she arrived, I still hoped to make some kind of connection. I told her, "You smell nice," but she looked at me and somehow misheard me and said, "Do I smoke?" She then tried to make small talk, and at some point called my boy a "fluffy cotton ball," which was uncomfortable and not appropriate given the circumstance. The process itself did not go well. The initial injection was intramuscular and excruciating for my boy, and he cried a lot. I'm not sure if there was a gentler way to administer it that would have made the caustic intramuscular injection more tolerable. As he got sleepy, I held my boy in my arms. I requested that I wanted to hold him, and was assured he would pass in my arms. But after poking him a couple of times, she was not able to get a vein. She had him lie down on my leg, where she proceeded to inject him in the liver. I was unprepared for this, as I was told I would hold him the entire time. She then listened to his heart with a stethoscope and specifically said, "I will tell you when he is close," giving me the impression I would be able to pick him up and hold him before he passed. She listened for a few minutes as I stared at the stethoscope, laser focused on the blinking light, waiting for her to tell me it's close so I can lift him and hold him. But instead, she said "He's gone, I'm sorry." I didn't even get to hold him like I was promised. Then minutes after she left, she texted my husband and I that the credit card was not processing. We thought Coda Pet had already ran the card without issues. Regardless, she could have demonstrated some compassion and patience, as we were in the peak of our grief. Overall, the experience was businesslike and lacked compassion. It was disheartening and one that will stay with me forever. Veterinarians should make it a point to contact the family prior to the appointment. This can provide an opportunity to build a connection, explain the process, and give an understanding of what to expect. And most crucial of all, veterinarians can take a moment to ask and become aware of what is important to the family during this momentous time.
