The veterinarian-owned startup empowers a network of veterinarians who provide peaceful in-home euthanasia to ease the passing of pets at home.

Euthanasia at home is a beautiful gift to give a pet, and partnering with CodaPet helps bring this gift to more pets and their people.”
— Dr. Dawn Fitzhugh

FREDERICK, MD, UNITED STATES, November 24, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CodaPet has expanded its network of trusted licensed veterinarians offering in-home pet euthanasia services in the Frederick, MD area. Dedicated to providing peaceful, compassionate end-of-life care, CodaPet enables pets to spend their final moments in the comfort and familiarity of home. Dr. Dawn Fitzhugh now joins Dr. Corrie Bates, Dr. Caroline Bailey, and Dr. Jenny Krueger in serving families throughout Frederick and the surrounding communities.

“As an in-home euthanasia veterinarian, I repeatedly hear the heartfelt gratitude and the relief a family feels when they have been able to grant their pet this gift. It is my wish that every family in Frederick 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,” says Dr. Gary Hsia, a co-founder of CodaPet.

Dr. Gary Hsia, Dr. Bethany Hsia, and Dr. Karen Whala are co-founders and veterinarians of CodaPet. They share a passion for increasing both customer access and awareness by empowering a network of veterinarians who provide compassion and professional care to more pets and their families in a familiar environment.

"Euthanasia at home is a beautiful gift to give a pet, and partnering with CodaPet helps bring this gift to more pets and their people," says Dr. Dawn Fitzhugh.

Dr. Dawn Fitzhugh brings a profound sense of empathy and purpose to her work in end-of-life veterinary care—a calling shaped by both her personal experiences and her decades of service. A Philadelphia native, Dr. Fitzhugh completed her undergraduate studies at Austin Peay State University before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Her career then led her into military service, where she and her husband, both members of the U.S. Army, were stationed in Germany and later in Maryland. Since 2004, Maryland has been home, and she and her family have firmly rooted themselves in Frederick County.

Dr. Fitzhugh’s path to providing in-home euthanasia is deeply personal. During her time in the Army, her beloved dog—who accompanied her through veterinary school, an overseas move, and the early years of motherhood—became terminally ill with cancer. Because Roly feared clinical settings, a veterinarian friend came to their home to help her pass peacefully. Experiencing that loss in a place filled with comfort and familiarity made an unbearable moment just a little more gentle. That experience stayed with Dr. Fitzhugh, and she knew she would one day offer the same gift to other families and their cherished pets.

After retiring from the Army, she began doing exactly that—providing compassionate, calming end-of-life care where pets feel safest: at home, surrounded by the people who love them most.

Outside of veterinary work, Dr. Fitzhugh enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and pets. She’s an avid reader—often juggling two books at a time—and is rarely without a true crime podcast playing during her drives.
Dr. Fitzhugh serves Gaithersburg, Frederick, Columbia, Ellicott City, Germantown, Westminster, Catonsville, and the surrounding areas.


How In-home Pet Euthanasia Works

Through CodaPet's website, pet parents can easily book in-home pet euthanasia performed by a licensed vet.

Before the appointment, the vet contacts the family to address any questions or concerns they might have.
The vet assists the family by going over the diagnosis and applying a quality-of-life assessment to objectively assess the pet's health and ensure there is no uncertainty about the need for euthanasia.
For those who need support with aftercare, CodaPet can also assist with transportation and cremation services.
The visit takes, on average, one hour. Pet parents have a window of time to be with their pets privately before and after the euthanasia procedure, which lasts about 15 minutes. The vet only starts the euthanasia process when everyone is ready. This helps bring closure to all family members involved in the end-of-life care of a pet.


Benefits of In-home Pet Euthanasia include:

1. Familiar and Comfortable Environment: One of the primary advantages of in-home euthanasia is that it allows pets to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment during their final moments. Being in a place they know well can help reduce anxiety and fear, providing a sense of security and peace. This can be particularly beneficial for pets who may be stressed or anxious when visiting a veterinary clinic.

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: For many pets, visiting a veterinary clinic can be a source of stress and anxiety. The unfamiliar smells, sounds, and sights can cause fear and discomfort, making the euthanasia process more challenging for both the animal and their owner. In-home euthanasia eliminates these stressors, allowing pets to be in a calm and relaxed state during their last moments.

3. Enhanced Emotional Support: In-home euthanasia provides an opportunity for pet owners to say goodbye to their beloved companions in a private and intimate setting. Being able to surround themselves with familiar surroundings and loved ones can offer emotional support during this difficult time. Additionally, having control over the environment allows owners to create a peaceful atmosphere that promotes healing and closure.

4. Personalized Care: In-home euthanasia allows for personalized care tailored to the specific needs of each pet and their family. Veterinarians who provide this service often take the time to understand the unique circumstances surrounding the decision, offering guidance, empathy, and compassion throughout the process. This personalized approach ensures that both the pet's physical comfort and emotional well-being are prioritized.

5. More Time for Goodbyes: In a veterinary clinic setting, there may be time constraints due to the need to accommodate other appointments. In-home euthanasia allows for more flexibility, ensuring that there is ample time for owners to say their final goodbyes and spend quality time with their pets before and after the procedure. This additional time can be invaluable in the grieving process and can help facilitate closure.

6. Minimized Travel Discomfort: For pets who are experiencing pain or discomfort, traveling to a veterinary clinic can exacerbate their condition. In-home euthanasia eliminates the need for transportation, reducing any potential discomfort or stress associated with traveling. This is particularly beneficial for pets with mobility issues or those in advanced stages of illness.

7. Control Over the Process: In-home euthanasia provides pet owners with a greater sense of control over the entire process. They can choose the timing, location, and atmosphere in which their pet's life will end. This control can help alleviate feelings of helplessness and allow owners to feel more empowered during a challenging and emotional time.

8. Privacy and Dignity: In-home euthanasia allows pets to pass away peacefully in the presence of their loved ones, maintaining their dignity until the very end. The privacy of home euthanasia ensures that the process remains intimate and personal, allowing owners to grieve without feeling rushed or exposed.


In-home Pet Euthanasia Costs

The starting price of in-home euthanasia starts at $300 in Frederick. The aftercare and cremation price begins at $25 and varies depending on factors such as the driving distance, the pet's size, and the option for private or communal cremation.


About CodaPet

CodaPet is expanding quickly and currently supports a network of veterinarians that offer peaceful at-home pet euthanasia services in over 100 cities. Our network of compassionate and licensed veterinarians are available to help your beloved pet pass peacefully surrounded by family and all the safety and comforts of home. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit www.codapet.com or call 1-833-CodaPet. CodaPet is expanding rapidly; if you are a veterinarian interested in learning more or offering this service in your area, please visit https://www.codapet.com/vets.

Bethany Hsia
CodaPet
+1 833-263-2738
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X

CodaPet: A Peaceful Passing At Home

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected]