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.
Blanka Molnar
Holistic Therapist
Blanka Molnar is a Holistic Therapist, Family Constellation Practitioner, Coach, and Founder of Awarenest. A multilingual professional, Blanka is passionate about helping parents cultivate greater emotional awareness and connection so that a mentally, physically, and... show more
Dr. Pam Cohen
Applied Social Scientist / Behavioral Researcher
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
Dr. Amanda McCasland
CodaPet Veterinarian
Dr. Amanda McCasland is a compassionate veterinarian based in Owasso, Oklahoma, with over a decade of experience providing in-home pet euthanasia and aftercare services for families in the Tulsa area. She grew up on a... 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
Angela Sims
Pet Loss Grief Counselor
Angela Sims is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University and has since gained extensive experience in diverse settings... show more
Dr. Nathan Barclay
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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
Dr. Cara Gordon
CodaPet Veterinarian
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
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Kimberly Blair is a holistic practitioner at The Guides - Holistic Therapies (theholisticguides.com) based in San Diego, where she supports individuals through grief, stress, and life transitions. She holds a background in psychology and an... 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
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 500+ reviews
Dr. Whala was a blessing to our family. She was kind, warm and gentle with our 11 yo Rottie. She is a wonderful person and Doctor. We found her soothing and informative. She explained every step in the process. The entire experience, for as painful as it is, was made more peaceful and supportive than we ever expected. Thank you.
From the time Karen texted she was at the house until she left she was so very calm, professional and patient. Her presence set the mood and the whole experience was so very peaceful for me,Bella, her dog sister Riley, dog cousins, my sister, brothers and friend. Thank you Dr Karen, you will be highly recommended! Riley and I are a bit lost even tho Bella couldn’t do much, but missing her presence. I know deep in my heart she was ready to move on. Thankyou❤️
I highly recommend at home euthanasia, it was a very peaceful experience. Extremely thankful for the compassion that Dr Delia provided me during / after my two old girls crossed the rainbow bridge. She was even kind enough to send me a card.
The vet was incredibly compassionate and patient. They made an unbearably hard day peaceful and full of love. I’ll always be grateful for their kindness and care.
Dr. Whala is a vet who will help you & your dear pet through this sad, hard time of good-bye. Her expertise & experience are matched by her kind, gentle nature - I know this is the most loving way to end a dear pet’s life …..in their own surroundings with you. Thank you .
Working as a veterinarian with Codapet isn’t just a job — it’s a calling rooted deeply in compassion, empathy, and a strong desire to ease both physical pain and emotional distress. Codapet’s mission to provide in-home pet euthanasia services offers a much-needed alternative for pet owners who want to say goodbye to their beloved animals in the comfort of home. Behind every appointment, every goodbye, and every story, there’s a vet making that experience possible with sensitivity, medical professionalism, and emotional strength. Building Comfort in the Most Difficult Moments For most Codapet vets, the biggest differentiator from traditional clinic practice is the environment in which they operate. Home visits allow pets to stay in a familiar space surrounded by the people who love them most. Vets quickly learn that every home is different — some are filled with quiet tears and soft goodbyes, while others are full of children asking questions or elderly owners who need extra time and reassurance. The vet walks into each situation knowing they’re not just there for a medical procedure; they’re a guide through one of the hardest decisions a pet parent can face. This means managing clinical needs, like dosing and sedation protocols, alongside the emotional dynamics of a grieving family. The combination of these elements requires a very specific skill set — one that goes beyond the typical veterinary toolbox. The Emotional Weight of the Role Many Codapet vets describe this work as both deeply fulfilling and emotionally intense. On one hand, they feel honored to be trusted during such a sacred moment. On the other, providing euthanasia services, sometimes multiple times in a day, can be emotionally exhausting. Burnout is a real concern in veterinary medicine overall, but especially in end-of-life care. However, Codapet vets often report a sense of peace in knowing they are helping both pets and families by providing a more compassionate alternative to clinic euthanasia. The ability to offer comfort — not just physical relief to the animal, but emotional support to the family — brings a level of meaning to the work that sustains many through the tough days. Some vets develop small personal rituals to help cope — lighting a candle after a visit, taking a walk, or writing in a journal. Others lean on the Codapet community of professionals who truly understand the highs and lows of the work. This sense of shared purpose, and the knowledge that their work really matters, is a powerful motivator. Scheduling, Autonomy, and Flexibility Another unique part of being a Codapet vet is the autonomy. Unlike traditional clinic settings that can feel rushed and rigid, Codapet vets have the freedom to set their own schedules, allowing for better work-life balance. This flexibility is especially important for those who are parents, have personal medical needs, or want to practice part-time. This autonomy also extends to how they manage visits. While Codapet provides protocols and support, vets are trusted to adapt to the specific needs of each case. They decide how to communicate with families, how much time to spend during each appointment, and how to create a peaceful environment. That said, with freedom comes responsibility. Codapet vets need to be self-disciplined, organized, and emotionally self-aware. They also need to be excellent communicators, capable of navigating complex emotional terrain while maintaining a sense of calm and confidence. The Impact of Aftercare Options One of the more practical aspects of the Codapet vet’s role involves understanding and offering aftercare options. Vets need to explain cremation choices, keepsakes (like paw prints or fur clippings), and sometimes assist with transportation of the pet if chosen. These steps, while technical in nature, are part of the grieving process for the family. Having a clear understanding of these options — and being able to present them in a gentle, respectful way — is critical. It’s also important that vets are equipped to answer questions and manage expectations. Codapet provides training, resources, and even vet community forums to ensure all team members feel supported in these logistical parts of the visit. Collaboration and Support Though Codapet vets often work independently, they are far from alone. A strong backend team supports them — from scheduling and logistics to customer service and technical troubleshooting. Vets also have access to a growing online community of peers through Codapet, where they can share experiences, ask clinical questions, and support one another. Vets frequently collaborate with local pet hospitals, crematories, and other Codapet professionals to ensure smooth coordination. This spirit of teamwork means a lot — especially when unexpected situations arise, like a pet passing before the vet arrives or families requesting urgent same-day appointments. Having a responsive operations team, local coordinators, and helpful tech tools (like the Codapet calendar or appointment dashboard) makes the process more efficient and reduces stress on the vet’s side. This smooth coordination allows vets to focus on what matters most — compassionate care. Continuous Learning and Growth Codapet vets aren’t static professionals; they are constantly evolving. Many choose to further their training in grief counseling, communication skills, or palliative care. Codapet encourages this growth by offering educational resources and periodically updating protocols based on the latest best practices in veterinary euthanasia. By working in such an emotionally nuanced field, vets also grow personally. They become more patient, empathetic, and resilient — qualities that serve them not just in their profession, but in their own lives and relationships. The Bigger Picture At its core, Codapet’s mission is about changing the way pet euthanasia is experienced — making it more humane, more peaceful, and more aligned with what pets and their families truly need. The vets are the beating heart of that mission. Without their expertise, compassion, and professionalism, the service wouldn’t exist. Each Codapet vet is helping reshape the standard of end-of-life care. They’re educating families about their options, empowering them to make informed choices, and offering a level of compassion that lingers long after the appointment ends. Final Thoughts Being a vet with Codapet is unlike any other veterinary role. It combines clinical skill with emotional intelligence, personal freedom with deep responsibility, and solo work with a strong sense of community. While the work is challenging, it is also profoundly rewarding. For many vets, Codapet has reignited their passion for veterinary medicine by reminding them why they entered the field in the first place: to care, to heal, and to be present when it matters most.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
Here are our frequently asked questions to help you feel fully informed and at ease.