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 reputation, and social responsibility, linking those and other relevantintangibles to key performance outcomes. Her teaching and research is focused on applications of behavioral economics and social psychology.
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 where he worked at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic from 2011-2021.
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 at San Francisco State University earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a double minor in Chemistry and in Speech and Communications. Throughout her 13 year career in the veterinary field, Dr. Bethany has worked in private practice, shelter medicine and in the veterinary department of a local college. She now devotes her time, skills, and passion to helping pets and their families through in-home euthanasia. Dr. Bethany provided her first in-home euthanasia for an elderly dog in 2011 and truly believes it is one of the best options for end of life pet care. This is what drives her to make in-home euthanasia available to every pet parent who desires it. She strongly believes a peaceful passing is the last gift we give our pets and that it's a gift best given at home. Even as a child, Bethany sought to calm and comfort animals, keeping many common childhood pets and occasionally tending injured wildlife. Her interest in medicine and design of the immune system was sparked during an undergraduate course titled "Disease!" In her spare time Dr. Bethany enjoys writing and is an active author on the CodaPet resource page, writing about pet euthanasia, pet loss, dog and cat end of life care. She also likes reading, running but most of all spending time with her young family. In addition, she spends time with her hobby ranch which boasts 1 dog, 1 turtle, 2 snacks, 4 cats, 5 goats, and 20+ chickens, a salt-water tank and a foster pup with a broken leg…who will likely “foster fail” and become a permanent addition to the family.
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 healing power of music. Her artistic talents also shine through hand-painted pet portraits, showcasing her love for animals and dedication to capturing their spirits on canvas. Erica has thoughtfully created the entire line of Wolfie’s Wish healing products. She also wrote and illustrated “Tails Of Spirit Pets” and “Tails of Spirit Cats” books and most recently released “Maybe I’m Normal: 10 Things I Wish I Knew About Pet Loss”
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 End-of-Life Certification. Dr. Karen believes she has found her purpose and loves learning about how to offer a better experience for pets and pet owners as well as networking with veterinarians who also share a love of this growing field. She annually attends and volunteers at the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) conference which helps end-of-life veterinarians that are dedicated to advancing the field of end-of-life animal care. After experiencing the clear benefit as a veterinarian in offering in-home euthanasia to grateful pet owners Dr. Karen’s passion for helping veterinarians offer this service led her to co-found CodaPet – A Peaceful Passing At Home, in order to expand nationally. Dr. Karen graduated from the University of California, Davis with both her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Management degree in 1998 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2006. She began her career practicing veterinary medicine as an ambulatory mixed animal practitioner working with both large animals, small animals and small exotics. She later began working at a full service small animal AAHA certified clinic for 5 years alongside veterinary specialists such as dentists, surgeons and behaviorists. In 2012, after losing her beloved dog Skeeter unexpectedly, she left private practice and decided to work in public health as a USDA veterinarian. Dr. Karen also has a secondary professional interest in veterinary public health and has a Masters in Public Health from the University of Iowa School of Public Health and is Board Certified in Veterinary Preventive Medicine. In her spare time, she loves international travel, backpacking, volunteering at her local church and grocery shopping. After assisting thousands of families navigate the difficult decisions involving euthanasia, she feels blessed to have this opportunity to increase awareness of IHE as an option for pet owners as well as give this gift of economic empowerment, time flexibility and professional fulfillment to fellow veterinarians.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
Hear from pet parents like you
Overall service rating from over 3081+ reviews
Dr Josh Williams was so kind. It was the hardest thing we've ever had to do, but his compassion was something that made the experience a little less painful which is all we could ask for.
Our experience with Dr. Whala was an incredible one. Our 17 year old cat had been living with kidney disease for several years, but it progressed rapidly the last two months. Within a few days he greatly declined and we were faced with the unthinkable choice of putting him to sleep or continuing to care for him while he suffered unnecessarily. When we finally decided to have him humanely euthanized, our regular vet's office recommended CodaPet. We had to make a very fast decision, and were able to book an appointment with Dr. Whala the very next morning. From the moment we booked to the appointment, everything went professionally and with the utmost compassion. Dr. Whala texted the next morning to confirm everything and explain the process. When she arrived, she was extremely kind and caring, and allowed our entire family the time and respect to spend as much time as we needed with our beloved cat. She explained the entire process and was just lovely in her demeanor. It was obviously an emotional time, and she knew exactly how to proceed without overwhelming us. As the visit continued, she explained everything she was doing and made sure to ask us if we had any questions or concerns. She provided compassionate care and went above and beyond to respect this difficult time. For anyone wondering if this is the route for them to take, I highly recommend at-home euthanasia with Dr. Whala. Yes, it was difficult and not an enjoyable time, but I can't thank her enough for the care she took to help our beloved Indy cross the rainbow bridge. If you are in a similar situation, or questioning whether this is the right decision for you, I absolutely recommend using Dr. Whala and allowing her to help your loved one pass on with dignity. Thank you Dr. Whala for honoring our cherished pet.
The sad experience was made more comfortable by the veterinarian’s compassion. She allowed us to set the pace. Saying “goodbye” in the warmth of our own home vs a sterile environment made a big difference.
My husband and I were searching for the best option to give our pet the rest and relief she needed. We wanted her to pass peacefully and learned about in home pet euthanasia. Dr. Alexandria Bufford with CodaPet is amazing and gave our pet the best care during a very hard time. We will be forever grateful.
Delia was very knowledgeable, compassionate and helpful in letting us know it was the loving, right thing to do with my big French Mastiff Lincoln. So thankful Codapet has people like her to come to our home and help with the devastating loss of my best friend. Thank you
Dr Chapman was exceptional. She is kind, thorough, creates a comfortable atmosphere, and comforted our family and other dogs. I have never experienced something so amazing. Our Molly passed comfortably and peacefully as the energy in the room was calm. I will always think of her and how great she made this for us. We couldn’t be more pleased and more accepting of the entire process. It was wonderful.
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Supporting You Every Step of the Way
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