At-Home Euthanasia and Compassionate End-of-Life Care
In this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, I’m joined by Dr. Bethany Hsia, co-founder of Coda Pet. Dr. Bethany Hsia and her husband, Dr. Gary Hsia, are both veterinarians. Along with Dr. Karen Whala, they created Coda Pet to help families navigate one of the hardest parts of loving an animal: saying goodbye.
We talk openly about at-home euthanasia, what it really looks like, and why having this option can make such a profound difference for pets and the people who love them. Dr. Hsia explains how in-home care allows animals to remain in familiar surroundings, reduces stress, and gives families the space and time they need to be present and supported during the process.
This conversation also explores the emotional side of end-of-life decisions, including how to know when it may be time, how veterinarians approach these moments with compassion, and why education around euthanasia is so important. For many pet guardians, fear of the unknown makes an already painful situation even harder. Dr. Hsia helps gently demystify the process while honoring how deeply personal these decisions are. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and reassuring, and it offers comfort and clarity to anyone facing — or wanting to better understand — end-of-life care for their pets.
Listen to Episode #154 Now:
BIO:
Throughout her 13 year career in the veterinary field, Dr. Bethany Hsia has worked in private practice, shelter medicine and in the veterinary department of a local college. She took a pause from full-time employment to be a full-time mom. IHE has allowed her to juggle her career while spending time with her son and daughter. While not at work, Bethany 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. In addition, she likes reading, running, and spending time with her son and daughter.
Transcript: