CodaPet expands compassionate in-home pet euthanasia services in Des Moines, IA

The veterinarian-owned startup empowers a network of veterinarians who provide in-home euthanasia to ease the passing of pets at home, surrounded by loved ones.

DES MOINES, IA, UNITED STATES, October 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CodaPet has added a new licensed veterinarian to expand its services for in-home pet euthanasia in Des Moines. Through its network of compassionate veterinarians, the company provides peaceful, in-home euthanasia that allows pets to pass at home, where they feel most at ease, surrounded by the people they love. Dr. Jordan Marotz plans to serve pets and pet parents in Des Moines and the surrounding areas.

“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 Des Moines 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. Karen Whala, a co-founder of CodaPet.

Dr. Karen Whala, Dr. Gary Hsia, and Dr. Bethany Hsia 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.

Dr. Marotz grew up in South Dakota, where most of her childhood and early adult years were spent caring for horses and volunteering at her regional Humane Society. What began as a volunteer role in elementary school grew into something far more substantial. By the time she finished college she was serving as both an adoption coordinator and a member of the surgery team. That progression, from young volunteer to someone trusted with the most serious work the shelter did, reflects exactly who she is. She has called Des Moines home since graduating, building her life here with her husband and their pets.

Before turning her focus to in-home euthanasia, Dr. Marotz spent years in emergency medicine in the Des Moines area, and what she witnessed there stayed with her. Again and again, she heard the same regret from families: that they had not been able to say goodbye the way they would have wanted. That pattern gave her a clear picture of what was missing and what she could offer instead. “After working emergency medicine in the Des Moines area for several years, one common regret people voice is that they did not get a chance to process their pet’s euthanasia how they would have liked,” she says. “Going through that experience in as comfortable a setting as possible is something I would want for me and my pets, and being able to provide that service for my neighbors all across the region is truly a privilege.”

For Dr. Marotz, the work is personal from both directions. She would want this for her own pets, and that conviction is what fuels her commitment to offering it to others. Veterinary medicine has always been the only career she ever wanted, and in-home euthanasia represents the part of it she finds most meaningful. “Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is always a heartbreaking experience,” she says, “and having the ability to make the process as manageable and comfortable for both pets and their parents is a way I can provide something for others that I would like for myself. Saying goodbye to our beloved pets in the comfort of their own space, surrounded by love, is a special last gift we can offer.”

Dr. Jordan Marotz serves Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, Ames, Nevada, Grimes, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and surrounding communities throughout the Des Moines–Ames corridor and central Iowa.


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. Compassion: In-home pet euthanasia allows for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life care. Pets can be surrounded by their loved ones, receive individual attention and care, and pass away peacefully in a familiar environment.

2. Comfort: One major benefit of in-home pet euthanasia is the comfort it provides to both the pet and their owners. The familiar surroundings of home can help reduce anxiety and stress for pets, making the process more peaceful. In addition, being surrounded by loved ones can provide a sense of support and comfort during a very difficult time.

3. Control: In-home pet euthanasia also allows pet owners to have more control over the experience. They can choose the time and place of the euthanasia, as well as who will be present. In addition, in-home euthanasia allows owners to personalize the experience, including choosing the location, music, lighting, and other factors that can make the experience more meaningful.

4. Closure: Being able to say goodbye in a meaningful way can be an essential part of the grieving process. In-home pet euthanasia allows for a more intimate farewell, which can provide closure and help with the healing process.


In-home Pet Euthanasia Costs

The starting price of in-home euthanasia is $315 in Des Moines. The aftercare and cremation price begins at $40 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: At home pet euthanasia