Families can give their pets a final goodbye in the comfort of their home after a mobile euthanasia service expands throughout central Iowa.

This summer, CodaPet shifted its focus to Ames and will now be offering its services to the community and its citizens.

Veterinarians Drs. Karen Whala, Gary Hsia and Bethany Hsia started CodaPet in the summer of 2022, focusing efforts on bringing comfort to animals and families dealing with a difficult process.

“It is my wish that every family in Ames becomes aware of at-home pet euthanasia so they may provide a peaceful and compassionate end-of-life experience for their beloved pets when their time comes,” Whala said.

The network of veterinarians working under CodaPet currently sits at 250 cities throughout the United States.

CodaPet adds a new staff member and a location.

Iowa State graduate and Illinois native Dr. Amy Monroe leads the charge as the new central Iowa physician for Ames and the surrounding area. Monroe received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2024 and joined CodaPet in May of 2026.

Monroe found her love for veterinary medicine early in life, after she and her twin sister were allowed to assist a family vet with their dog’s checkup. She has since pursued her passion and ended up at CodaPet — helping pets and their families with their remaining moments together.

“With the pets, they don’t understand what euthanasia is,” Monroe said. “They

understand where they are and who they are with. Oftentimes, being at home can be the most comfortable. … There is no anxiety of coming to the clinic; there is no family next door; it’s just them and their pet.”

At-home pet euthanasia has become important to Monroe, who sees the value of providing familiarity to her patients, human and canine alike.

“I didn’t realize how rare it is for doctors to offer in-home euthanasia,” Monroe said. “It wasn’t until I started working in clinics that I realized it wasn’t all that common. I think it’s really important that families know it’s an option.”

In her work, Monroe puts the family and their pet first and foremost. She prioritizes compassion and open communication and ensuring the process is tailored toward specific families and their grieving process.

“It’s just a part of veterinary medicine that means a lot to me,” Monroe said. “I like to be able to connect with these families and give them the opportunity that I had growing up. … It’s one of the most difficult parts, but it’s a pretty honorable part.”

How the CodaPet process works

Currently, only small animal services are available in Ames.

The selected vet contacts the inquiring person to discuss the process, including addressing any questions or wants. CodaPet also offers a quality-of-life assessment for individuals questioning if euthanasia is needed.

CodaPet works flexibly with the family on times and dates that suit them best — providing parties with the desired circumstances.

On the day of service, those who use CodaPet are allowed as much time with their animal before and after the appointment as needed. Cremation and pet ink prints are done at the veterinarian’s discretion or otherwise depending on the individual’s wishes.

Costs start at $300. Aftercare and cremation begin at $60 and shift depending on pet size, distance and cremation preference.

Anyone interested can contact a local CodaPet veterinarian through its website.