The final clinic drive pet owners may not have to make

For pet owners, saying goodbye is hard enough without one final drive to a veterinary clinic with a pet who is sick, frail, anxious or in pain. Maryville veterinarian Dr. Catherine Whitman is offering another option: in-home pet euthanasia through CodaPet.

Whitman said families she met in general practice wanted end-of-life care at home but found limited local options. She now serves Maryville, Alcoa, Blount County and nearby East Tennessee communities, including foothill communities, small towns and more spread-out areas where travel can be especially difficult for aging or seriously ill pets.

“I became a veterinarian because I have always felt called to care for both animals and the people who love them,” Whitman said, describing the human-animal bond as one of the profession’s most meaningful parts.

For Whitman, the service is about more than avoiding a stressful trip. She wants pets to pass peacefully and with dignity at home, surrounded by the people who cherish them.

Each visit begins with a quality-of-life conversation and assessment. Families choose where the appointment takes place, who is present and how the space is arranged. Favorite blankets and music may be included, along with other pets when appropriate. Medical protocols are designed to keep the pet calm and comfortable. Optional aftercare support includes transportation and cremation coordination.

Whitman grew up in an Air Force family and lived in many places, an experience she says fostered appreciation for diverse communities, connection and compassion. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Central Florida and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband, Blake, moved to Maryville in August 2023 with their children and pets.

CodaPet provides in-home pet euthanasia through a network of compassionate, licensed veterinarians. Families can learn more about Dr. Whitman’s in-home pet end-of-life care, service area, and what to expect during a visit through her CodaPet profile.

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