CodaPet expands at-home pet euthanasia in Akron

CodaPet added a licensed veterinarian in Akron to grow its in-home pet euthanasia network across Northeast Ohio. The service aims to give pet owners a calmer end-of-life option at home, with pricing starting at $350.

Why it matters: - CodaPet's Akron expansion gives local pet owners another end-of-life option outside a clinic or emergency room. - The service is designed to reduce stress for pets and families and allow a more private goodbye at home. - The company is extending access across Akron and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities where in-home euthanasia options are limited.

What happened: - CodaPet added licensed veterinarian Dr. Toni Longville to support in-home pet euthanasia in Akron. - Dr. Longville will serve pets and families in Akron and nearby areas across Summit, Medina, and Wayne counties. - CodaPet said Dr. Longville will cover Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Barberton, Wadsworth, Medina, Rittman, Orrville, Wooster, New Franklin and Norton.

The details: - CodaPet's model lets pet parents book in-home euthanasia through the company's website. - The veterinarian contacts the family before the appointment to answer questions and concerns. - The veterinarian reviews the diagnosis and uses a quality-of-life assessment before moving forward. - The appointment averages about one hour. - The euthanasia procedure itself lasts about 15 minutes. - Families get private time before and after the procedure. - The veterinarian begins only when everyone is ready. - CodaPet can also help with transportation and cremation services after the visit. - The starting price for in-home euthanasia in Akron is $350. - Aftercare and cremation start at $50 and vary based on driving distance, pet size and whether cremation is private or communal. - CodaPet operates in more than 100 cities through a network of licensed veterinarians. - The company says more information is available at the company's announcement for veterinarians interested in offering the service.

Between the lines: - Dr. Karen Whala, a CodaPet co-founder, said many families feel gratitude and relief after choosing at-home euthanasia. - Dr. Whala said the goal is to make more Akron families aware of the option when the time comes. - CodaPet was founded by veterinarians Dr. Karen Whala, Dr. Gary Hsia and Dr. Bethany Hsia. - Dr. Longville said she learned about CodaPet after considering the service for her own pets. - Dr. Longville said families in Wadsworth and nearby areas have few euthanasia choices beyond a clinic or emergency room. - Dr. Longville has lived in Northeast Akron for most of her life. - She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and her DVM from The Ohio State University in 2007. - She has spent most of her career treating dogs and cats in small animal clinics across the region. - She now works as a part-time relief veterinarian and lives in Wadsworth with her partner and two rescue pets.

What's next: - CodaPet is positioning Akron as part of a broader expansion of its at-home euthanasia network. - Dr. Longville will continue serving families in the region as awareness of the service grows. - The company is also seeking veterinarians who want to offer the service in their own communities.

The bottom line: - CodaPet is betting that more pet owners will choose a home setting for a difficult and highly personal goodbye.