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.
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 pass away peacefully, surrounded by the love and care they deserve.
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.
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 of Veterinary Medicine. Although she has also spent time in Texas and California, Dr. Gordon now considers Oklahoma her home, where she is committed to providing compassionate care to the beloved animal companions of the area. Dr. Gordon's passion for animals has been a lifelong journey that began at a very young age. Her deep love and curiosity for the animal kingdom led her to pursue a veterinary degree, and she is determined to use her knowledge to benefit the well-being of our furry friends. Dr. Gordon's goal is to offer the best possible care to pets, ensuring their health and happiness. Outside of her veterinary profession, Dr. Gordon finds solace in reconnecting with the great outdoors, indulging in horseback riding, and spending quality time with her loved ones. The sweet pup pictured was her best friend and loyal companion, her beloved beagle named Enzo who passed in 2024. With her commitment to compassionate care and her strong connection to Oklahoma, Dr. Cara Gordon is a trusted and caring veterinarian dedicated to the well-being of pets in her community.
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 4068+ reviews
Dr Dzierga was so special. She was kind and caring. She took special care of our precious Molly, plying her with treats and affection. She was respectful of our loss. I will always call on her, at our home, to preform this special service. We miss Molly but know she is in a better place.
August 17th was a really hard day. It was Sunday, and my boy Gus had been to the vet that Friday because he was acting just a little off. By Saturday at 1:00 we got the news - late stage advanced renal failure, so in order to feel productive and push aside my emotions for the time being, I scheduled an in home euthanasia for Monday afternoon. I stayed up with him all night, and by 6:00am I knew that trying to hold on until Monday afternoon was no longer the right choice. His condition advanced so rapidly that the thought of moving him and taking him somewhere just felt out of the question - I wasn't sure he could even survive being transported, and for a boy that loved his Vet office so much, I could not bear moving him and taking him some place unfamiliar. After hours of calls, emails, inquiries, Dr. Martin swooped in - he actually doesn't live far from us, and he was able to come around 11:30am. By 12:00pm my boy was gone. It was devastating, it was kind, it was everything that my boy deserved. And, when his remains were ready to come home, Dr. Martin delivered to us so we did not have to go pick him up. It was a gut wrenching, but incredible experience, and has inspired me to look into training to be a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner so that I can help other families through their experience. I will be forever grateful.
Saying goodbye to our beloved dachshund Lily was one of the most painful moments of our lives, but thanks to Dr. Lisa Stadler with CodaPet, it was also one of the most peaceful and compassionate. Dr. Lisa, a retired veterinarian, brought a gentle presence and deep empathy into our home—qualities that made an unbearable day a little more bearable. Her kindness and professionalism helped guide my wife and me through the process with grace and dignity. We are overwhelmingly grateful that Lily was able to pass in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the space and the things she loved most. Holding her in my arms as she went peacefully was a blessing I will never forget. The communication with CodaPet was seamless, and scheduling the appointment was simple—something I deeply appreciated during such an emotionally difficult time. I cannot recommend CodaPet and Dr. Lisa more highly. Their service was not just professional—it was personal, compassionate, and deeply respectful. Thank you for being part of Lily’s journey, and ours. You will forever hold a place in our hearts.
We are so thankful for Dr. Clem’s help with this very difficult part of our lives. Her compassion, thoughtfulness and kindness brought us much comfort. Her patience and attentiveness to Gizmo’s comfort meant the world to us. Having Dr. Clem come to our home made this painful experience bearable. We take comfort in knowing Gizmo was able to stay in his home, surrounded by the things he loved and the people who loved him dearly. Thank you Dr. Clem!
Truly was our patron saint during a difficult and emotional process. She exudes kindness, sincerity and gentleness. Her guidance through the process was critical to us and our beloved Tess. We can not be thankful enough to her.
Dr. Walton was extremely professional, caring, and humane during this difficult time with Charlie. She explained the process and gave the family as much time as needed. I highly recommend her during this very emotional time.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
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