Meet Our Veterinary Experts
At CodaPet, our articles are written by experienced veterinarians who specialize in end-of-life care for pets. Dr. Bethany and Dr. Karen, our co-founders, bring their deep knowledge and compassion to every piece, ensuring you receive trusted guidance during difficult times. Explore their insights and expertise as they help you navigate this important journey with care and understanding.
If you'd like to learn more, please email info@codapet.com.
Dr. Pam Cohen
Applied Social Scientist / Behavioral Researcher / Social Impact Strategist / ForbesWomen
Pam Cohen is a behavioral research scientist with expertise in predictive analytics. She combines qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to create measurement systems and analyze data on workplace sentiment and engagement, family friendly policies, corporate... show more
Codapet
CodaPet is dedicated to honoring that bond by celebrating the lives of the pets we cherish and providing resources, support, and love as they approach the end of their lives. We want to help them... show more
Nathan Barclay Ph.D.
Dr. Nathan Barclay is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing at The Coping Resource Center in Houston, Texas. With expertise in grief, trauma, and interpersonal issues, he has provided therapy for a wide variety of people... show more
Dr. Gary Hsia
Co-Founder, Codapet
Dr. Gary graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After graduation, he moved west. Dr. Gary spent a year at a mixed animal practice in Oregon before moving to Fresno... show more
Cara Gordon
DVM
Dr. Cara Gordon is a dedicated veterinarian who proudly hails from the state of Oklahoma. She pursued her education at the esteemed Oklahoma State University, where she completed both her undergraduate degree and her Doctorate... show more
Kimberly Blair
Kimberly Blair is a holistic practitioner based in San Diego, where she supports individuals through grief, stress, and life transitions. She holds a background in psychology and an MBA, along with credentials in Clinical Hypnotherapy,... show more
Dr. Bethany Hsia
Co-Founder, Codapet
Dr. Bethany Hsia has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. Dr. Bethany graduated from University of Illinois' College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Prior to her graduate degree, Dr. Bethany studied... show more
Erica Messer
Pet Loss Educator | Creator of Award-Winning Sympathy Gifts | Author | International Speaker | Podcaster | Featured on ABC7 & QVC
Erica is a certified pet bereavement specialist and coach. She leads a free monthly virtual support group and is an in-demand international speaker. With clinical musical training, Erica helps people navigate their grief through the... show more
Dr. Karen Whala
Co-Founder, Codapet | Founder, Peaceful Passing
Dr. Karen Whala founded Peaceful Passing in 2018 after receiving advanced training in the ‘art’ of in-home euthanasia through the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy and is certified Fear Free and has received AAHA Accredited... show more
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
Hear from pet parents like you
Overall service rating from over 4388+ reviews
Dr. Walton is both kind and professional. You can tell she loves animals. She and her assistant made a very sad day bearable. I will recommend her to any family or friend for when they need her services.
Dr. Stukey was so amazingly kind, patient, and caring! She created such a gentle way to say goodbye during a very difficult experience. If you are finding yourself at the tough position of having to say goodbye to a beloved pet, she is the vet to help your loved one cross the bridge. ♥️
Dr. Kim was an absolute angel! She made the passing of our sweet Belle (15 year old blue tick) so much easier. Her compassion and just overall presence during such a hard time was so comforting. I will be recommending the at home service to anyone I know who has an elderly dog.
We were lucky to have nine good years with our Bernese Mountain Dog, “Sansa”; however, when the end came, it came fast. Our vet recommended CodaPet, and I immediately booked the first appointment available. And while the decision to end Sansa’s suffering as soon as possible was easy; her actually dying was something else entirely. But what did make this utterly heartbreaking experience a little less painful, was the doctor we got: Lauren Ayala. When she arrived, she calmly and gently just “took it from there”. I can’t tell you how much this matters when you’re faced with such an overwhelming loss. Dr. Ayala had such a special way about her: not only giving Sansa the painless, gentle departure we wanted so badly, but she also provided us with just as much comfort. She isn’t just a good doctor; she’s the kind of person who genuinely cares for everyone involved. She understands completely that Sansa isn’t just our pet—she’s a family member. We got to spend our last few moments petting her and cradling her snout while Dr. Ayala talked us through everything that was happening and what to expect. We were never out of our pup’s line of sight, and I know that was exactly what she wanted; and for us to be able to do that, in our own home, and without having to move her, meant so much. The first injection was to sedate her, so she’d be unconscious. Sansa just closed her eyes, but her breathing let us know she was still with us. Laruen then let us know the euthanasia was going in. She didn’t feel a thing, It was peaceful. Everything about the process and how Dr. Ayala managed it all was the best we could possibly hope for. And as soon as Sansa passed, she stepped out for a bit so we could say goodbye. Losing a pet is just… hard. And honestly, it was only after some time passed and we could reflect on that day then when it dawned on us how truly fortunate we were to have Lauren there. She was so kind, so caring, and professional in a way that it almost went unnoticed that this is a doctor who has done all the prep, calculated all the medications, then flawlessly executed a procedure that really does take some serious skill. I would urge anyone considering in-home euthanasia to know that it’s worth every penny. Being with your pet in your own home really matters so much. Even if you (like us), can’t fully realize how important the little things matter until you’re able to look back on it later, trust me, you’ll be glad knowing you chose the best option when you were faced with such a difficult decision. If you feel your pet might be approaching the end, the first thing I’d suggest would be to bookmark the CodaPet website. Keep Dr. Lauren Ayala’s name written down nearby. If you’re able to book her, you can rest assured you’ll be in truly excellent hands.
Dr. Lisa made herself available for a last-minute urgent call for us and she couldn’t have been more lovely and caring. This is obviously a challenging and sad time for anyone in the position to call. She treated it with reverence and kindness. Feel lucky to have had her.
Such a great experience, during such a difficult event. Dr. Anna Peterson was incredible. So kind, kept things light, and was so skilled. Thank you!
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
Here are our frequently asked questions to help you feel fully informed and at ease.