Our Team

Meet Dr. Sara & Her Team

We are a mobile veterinary practice that specializes in end-of-life care for pets and pet loss services. Your pet does not leave our hands from the time we take them into our care from your home, until their ashes are ready to come back to you in an urn of your choice or are respectfully scattered along the coast of Whidbey Island.

A Passionate and Dedicated Team

Out of the drive to start her own practice combined with her passion for end-of-life care for pets, Dr. Sara founded Compassion 4 Paws in late 2012. Since then, her devoted team of veterinarians, care coordinators and aftercare specialists continue to offer you and your beloved companion the support and care you need during this difficult time of navigating your pet’s end-of-life journey.

Dr. Sara’s team of dedicated veterinarians have specialized training in end-of-life and hospice care and are continually advancing their knowledge, allowing them to provide the highest quality care for your pet.

We at Compassion 4 Paws consider it an honor and privilege to support you through this journey.

Does this sound like a team you would like to be part of? Looking for a new opportunity? Go here to learn more about joining our team.

Join Our Team
Dr. Sara Render Hopkins

Dr. Sara Render Hopkins

DVM, CVA, CHPV

(Pronouns she/her)

I find nothing more fulfilling than offering pets the care and dignity they deserve in an environment where they’re completely comfortable. Over the years, we have built our team of amazing and compassionate veterinarians, care coordinators and aftercare specialists to be able to better serve our wonderful community.

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About Dr. Sara Render Hopkins, DVM, CVA, CHPV

Raised in Toronto, Canada, I moved to the United States in 1991 and have called Washington State home since 1996. My passion for working with animals led me to complete my veterinary education at Washington State University in 2000 and earn my Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2013. After 11 fulfilling years at an Eastside small animal clinic, I founded Compassion 4 Paws in 2013 to provide compassionate, home-based end-of-life care for pets.

People often tell me my job must be “so hard”. While it is hard to see the human heartbreak, it is truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of the end-of-life journey of a beloved pet. In 2017, I became one of the first veterinarians globally certified in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, further enhancing my ability to support pets and their families during this sensitive time.

I live in Edmonds with my husband Dennis, our teenage son, and our sweet pets George, Mabel, Sushi and Freddie Purr-cury. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and serving on the board of directors of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.

Dr. Allison Edwards

Dr. Allison Edwards

DVM, CHPV
(Pronouns she/her)
I am so grateful to have made this move to Compassion 4 Paws and truly feel as though I have found my calling. After over 9 years, I still find it so satisfying to be able to guide and assist people and their beloved pets during this difficult time
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About Dr. Allison Edwards, DVM

I was raised in the Seattle area and am proud to be a 3rd generation Seattleite. I completed my veterinary education at Washington State University in 2012 and then spent a year undertaking a small animal rotating internship at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, CO (the clinic of Animal Planet’s ‘Emergency Vets’ television fame). After graduation, I practiced emergency medicine. I believe this was the best preparation for my transition to hospice and end of life care, since the two often go hand in hand. I am so grateful to have made this move to Compassion 4 Paws and truly feel as though I have found my calling. After over 9 years, I still find it so satisfying to be able to guide and assist people and their beloved pets during this difficult time. In 2020, I received my certification in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPV) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) and incorporate my training into our practice every day.

I live in Shoreline with my husband, step son and daughter. Currently we have our dogs- Henry and Lila and our kittens - Boba and Jango Fett. The Fetts. During my free time I enjoy being with my family, walking around Greenlake and learning to DIY remodel our home.

Dr. Nicole Schwinkendorf

Dr. Nicole Schwinkendorf

DVM, CVA
(Pronouns she/her)
My interest in end-of-life care was inspired by witnessing human hospice in a very personal way, when a close family member died at home, surrounded by people who loved him. This agonizing yet beautiful experience compelled me to make a professional change that would allow me to make a similar impact, holding space for families during one of life’s most poignant transitions.
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About Dr. Nicole Schwinkendorf, DVM, CVA

My interest in end-of-life care was inspired by witnessing human hospice in a very personal way, when a close family member died at home, surrounded by people who loved him. This agonizing yet beautiful experience compelled me to make a professional change that would allow me to make a similar impact, holding space for families during one of life’s most poignant transitions. With related interests in holistic medicine and animal welfare, I left a 22-year career in the software and design fields to enter veterinary school.

While a student at Washington State University, I pursed my interests by managing Washington State University’s pet loss hotline, and by introducing a willed body program to promote the ethical use of animals in education. I also became certified in veterinary acupuncture.

I consider it a privilege to help pet parents navigate the difficult decisions and emotions inherent with end of life. When the loving decision to let a pet pass has been made, I am deeply honored to be trusted in helping that companion transition in the most peaceful way possible.
Dr. Ryan Black

Dr. Ryan Black

DVM
(Pronouns he/him)
After I obtained my medical degree, I started working in a general practice setting. In the beginning, performing euthanasias was difficult for me because I strongly felt what the families that I was helping were feeling: grief, sadness, and loss. As time has gone by, my views of end-of-life have shifted slightly. I still feel the grief that is occurring during these times, but I have also begun to see that end-of-life care is a privilege to be able to participate in. It is a culmination and celebration of a well-loved life.
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About Dr. Ryan Black, DVM

Since becoming a veterinarian in 2015, end-of-life care has been a very important aspect of how I practice medicine. Having grown up with animals in the house, watching them age, and eventually pass away, I am no stranger to the feelings that grief can cause. After I obtained my medical degree, I started working in a general practice setting. In the beginning, performing euthanasias was difficult for me because I strongly felt what the families that I was helping were feeling: grief, sadness, and loss. As time has gone by, my views of end-of-life have shifted slightly. I still feel the grief that is occurring during these times, but I have also begun to see that end-of-life care is a privilege to be able to participate in. It is a culmination and celebration of a well-loved life. To see people willing to put themselves in pain to alleviate the pain their pets are experiencing is truly beautiful. I’m excited to be working for Compassion 4 Paws to be able to provide this service to families outside of a clinical setting in the comfort of people’s homes.

I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 2015.  After graduation, I got a job in general practice at a small-animal clinic in Everett where I worked for several years. Following this period, I also worked in the emergency field including a short stint working at the referral hospital Animal Medical Center of Seattle where I managed multiple complex medical cases and worked closely with a variety of specialists to help pets and families in need. The move to focus exclusively on end-of-life care was rooted in the appreciation I received from families who were forced to make these hard decisions. At multiple junctures, families expressed relief to be given the permission to let go rather than continue to treat when treatments were failing. When I realized I was good at having these conversations and saw how much pet owners appreciated the points I brought up, I realized a calling to hospice/end-of-life care which led me to Compassion 4 Paws.

Before becoming a veterinarian, I worked as a biological scientist for the Department of Homeland Security, during which I relocated from Illinois to Washington in 2006. My husband and I both call the Northwest home though neither of us grew up in the area. Like many locals, we seize opportunities to camp, hike and ski in the beautiful landscapes around us.  We share our home with two shelter pit-mixes, two stray cats, and a surrendered ball python.  Most of the pack travels together with some frequency; the alpha dog, Clementine, has road-tripped to 15 states west of the Great Lakes.  Our senior cat, Palouse, has even taken to the road with the pack, adventuring to places like the Redwoods and Death Valley.  At home, I enjoy tending to an extensive indoor garden of tropical and desert plants, making cold-process soap, and cooking.

Dr. Danielle Hagen

Dr. Danielle Hagen

DVM, DACVIM
(Pronouns she/her)
Compassionate end-of-life care has always been a deeply valued part of my practice. While I enjoy practicing Internal Medicine, I wanted to connect with my patients and families in a more personal way that was free from the hectic pace of the hospital. It is an honor to be invited into the homes of my clients and bear witness to the deep bond they have with their pets. My goal is to ease the end-of-life transition and to provide comfort, closure, and a sense of peace.
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About Danielle Hagen, DVM, DACVIM

I grew up in Minneapolis, but am very glad to call Seattle my current home. After graduating from veterinary school at the University of Minnesota in 2013, I got my first taste of the Pacific Northwest during my rotating internship in Portland. After completing a 3-year residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to become board-certified in Internal Medicine, I practiced as an internist in the Bay Area for several years but missed the PNW, and moved to Seattle in 2020. I don’t miss the freezing MN winters one bit, and really love being surrounded by the green space, water, and mountains of Western Washington.

I’ve always been particularly drawn to senior pets and to pets with complex health needs. Helping clients navigate difficult decision-making for their furry family members is challenging but deeply rewarding work. I am passionate about patient-centered care, and enjoy working with clients to optimize quality of life for both their pets and their families.

Compassionate end-of-life care has always been a deeply valued part of my practice. While I enjoy practicing Internal Medicine, I wanted to connect with my patients and families in a more personal way that was free from the hectic pace of the hospital. Joining the Compassion 4 Paws team has been a gift. It is an honor to be invited into the homes of my clients and bear witness to the deep bond they have with their pets. My goal is to ease the end-of-life transition and to provide comfort, closure, and a sense of peace.

My partner and I share our home with three tabby cats: Lola, our sweet (and cranky) old lady, as well as “the twins” Leo and Petie, who still think they are silly kittens at 4 years of age. We will always be grateful to Bubba, our goofy Persian boy, as his passing allowed us to connect with the amazing members of the Compassion 4 Paws team. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, travel, and trying new restaurants.

Dr. Julia Schoellenbach

Julia Schoellenbach

DVM
(Pronouns she/her)
I worked in general practice for several years and I enjoyed many aspects of it, but I found myself drawn to end-of-life care. I believe that end-of-life care is as important as the medical care we give our pets during the rest of their lives. Ensuring our pets finish their lives in comfort and dignity is an essential part of our care for them, and I feel called to provide that care and help people navigate through this journey.
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About Julia Schoellenbach, DVM

I’ve lived in Washington for the past 10 years, but I grew up in California. When I was growing up I always knew I wanted to work in some capacity with animals, and that started as an interest in biology. I did my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz. While I was there, I felt called away from academia and towards veterinary medicine, where it felt like I would be helping people and pets more directly. I got my DVM at Western University in Southern California. I graduated in 2008, moved to the Pacific Northwest shortly after, and started work in general practice.

I worked in general practice for several years and I enjoyed many aspects of it, but I found myself drawn to end-of-life care. I believe that end-of-life care is as important as the medical care we give our pets during the rest of their lives. Ensuring our pets finish their lives in comfort and dignity is an essential part of our care for them, and I feel called to provide that care and help people navigate through this journey. I want peoples’ memories of their pet’s last days to be peaceful and full of love. I feel honored to be a part of these final moments, and I am so happy to be a part of the wonderful team at Compassion 4 Paws.

I live in Seattle with my husband, our three kids, our terrier Rogue, and a flock of backyard chickens. When I’m not practicing vet med, I enjoy hiking with my family, designing and knitting sweaters, playing roller derby, weight lifting, and baking.

Susan Anderson

Susan Anderson

DVM
(Pronouns she/her)
I believe gently relieving pets of pain and illness is the greatest way I can be of service to them and to their families. Having owned pets throughout my life, I empathize with the pain of knowing that they will never live long enough.
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About Susan Anderson, DVM

I grew up primarily in eastern Washington. After my high school graduation, I attended the University of Washington, obtaining both a degree in mechanical engineering and a husband. I worked for Boeing for 7 years, then returned to school to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 1997. Since then, I’ve worked part-time in general practice treating dogs and cats around the northern Puget Sound, in between raising and homeschooling four children.

Although I’ve consistently enjoyed and been proud of the variety of skills required in general practice, I’ve always considered euthanasia to be one of the most important parts of my job. Unfortunately, a busy veterinary hospital is often not the best place to say goodbye. I’m honored to join Compassion 4 Paws, where pets and their families can spend their last moments together at home. My goal is to help pets pass as stress-free as possible, and to try to make one of their family’s hardest days just a little bit easier.

I live in Lake Stevens with my youngest child and two cats, Neo (named after Mr. Anderson in the Matrix) and I-HOP (he has three legs). In addition, my daughter and I share a dressage horse, Apollo. In my spare time I enjoy riding, reading, drawing, and painting, and I like to pretend that someday I will write the Great American Novel.

Shawnee Neubauer

Shawnee Neubauer

Practice Manager, Care Coordinator and Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist
(Pronouns she/her)
Whether I was working in veterinary medicine directly, or just volunteering my time and services to various rescue organizations – animal health and wellness has always been my greatest passion. I am so honored to assist you and your family through the end of life journey with your beloved pet.
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About Shawnee Neubauer, Practice Manager and Care Coordinator

I began my career in veterinary medicine when I was just 18 years old. Over the next several years, my dedication and experience helped me to evolve from being a kennel assistant to a veterinary technician, and eventually to a practice manager for a group of small animal hospitals located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, where I stayed for many years. As life took my family and I to several states around the western US, I continued my commitment to helping pets and their families. Whether I was working in veterinary medicine directly, or just volunteering my time and services to various rescue organizations – animal health and wellness has always been my greatest passion.

I happened upon my position with Compassion 4 Paws when I had to call Dr. Sara out to our home to help us say goodbye to our heart dog, Bud. It was such an emotional time and we were utterly devastated. But, to see first-hand the gift that in-home euthanasia provided to our sweet boy (and us) that night, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. I am so honored to assist you and your family through the end of life journey with your beloved pet.

My husband and I now reside in Northern Colorado where we enjoy the great outdoors with our two amazing rescue pups: our border collie Jack, and our Maremma Sheepdog, Lukas. I also enjoy volunteering with the Colorado Master Gardeners Program and Mountain Pet Rescue whenever I can.

Tasha Dennison

Tasha Denison

Care Coordinator Team Lead, Hospice Support and Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist
(Pronouns she/her)
I am incredibly thankful to have found my calling with Compassion 4 Paws. I strive to help families through their most difficult times and hope to make their transition as smooth as it can possibly be.
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About Tasha Denison, Care Coordinator

I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with animals. At 18 my passion became a reality when I began working at a veterinary practice. Over the years, I had opportunity to travel to different veterinary hospitals to better my team building skills, client education and improve staff morale when needed.

I am incredibly thankful to have found my calling with Compassion 4 Paws. I strive to help families through their most difficult times and hope to make their transition as smooth as it can possibly be. It is a true blessing to work with such an amazing team who are equally as passionate about the relationship between people and their beloved pets.

In my spare time, I enjoy lounging in the sun with my friends, going to Mariners Games and traveling with my family.

Eliza Betry

Eliza Berry

Aftercare Center Manager and Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist
(Pronouns she/her)
I truly value the bond we have with our pets, and having experienced saying goodbye to my beloved 15-year-old dog Willie in my home, I am grateful to be a part of the Compassion 4 Paws team helping others through this same experience.
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About Eliza Berry, Care Coordinator

I have been dedicated to the care of pets and their human companions in Washington State for over 20 years. At the age of 17, I started working in emergency clinics and general practices as a veterinary assistant and lead client service coordinator. After earning my degree in Biology from UW in 2015, I transitioned to human health care where I worked for 2.5 years as a patient service representative providing between visit care. I am happy to once again be a part of the field I am passionate about and continue my work with animals. I truly value the bond we have with our pets, and having experienced saying goodbye to my beloved dog Willie in my home, I am grateful to be a part of the Compassion 4 Paws team helping others through this same experience.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my kitties Xena, Wombat and George Boots, jogging, traveling with my husband and being a devout Seattle Sounders soccer and Husky football fan!

Hannah Renbarger

Hannah Renbarger

Care Coordinator, Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist
(Pronouns she/her)
After the losses of my own pets, I realized how important the comfort and dignity of our furry family's last days really are, and it quickly became a passion of mine; to help others in their pet's last days
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About Hannah Renbarger, Care Coordinator

I was born and raised in Florida and called Seattle my home in 2007. I have been in the veterinary industry since 2004, mostly in general practice. After the losses of my own pets, I realized how important the comfort and dignity of our furry family's last days really are, and it quickly became a passion of mine; to help others in their pets last days.

My husband, Jacob, and I are rabid Sounders fans and share our home with our cats Sparta and Grover. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, jigsaw puzzles, and naps. Go Sounders!

Emily Crawford

Emily Crawford

Care Coordinator
(Pronouns she/they)
I want to help everyone, whether animal or human, in their best and their worst. I have always had a passion for animals. I strive to be an advocate for them and to make sure they are happy and comfortable.
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About Emily Crawford, Care Coordinator

I have always been a caring and kind soul. I want to help everyone, whether animal or human, in their best and their worst. I have always had a passion for animals. I strive to be an advocate for them and to make sure they are happy and comfortable. Whether that may be beside them, giving them love, or on the phone helping their fur-parents deal with the toughest decision of their life, I am more than happy to help in any way that I can.

I have 2 cats of my own and preparing for a puppy to terrorize my home. I like arts and crafts and often find myself amidst a portrait of someone's pet or painting scenery. I am nothing without my creativity and being covered in my cats hair. I love adventures to anywhere. Put me in the mountains, or in a farmers market, I'm happy with the experience!

Maria Hanson

Maria Hanson

Care Coordinator and Hospice Support
                                     (Pronouns she/her)                                  My favorite part of my job is connecting with our clients, and hearing all about their connections with their beloved pets. To lose a pet is to lose a family member. It’s an honor every day to be able to help these pet parents on such a difficult day. 
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Maria Hanson, Care Coordinator

My favorite part of my job is connecting with our clients, and hearing all about their connections with their beloved pets. To lose a pet is to lose a family member. It’s an honor every day to be able to help these pet parents on such a difficult day. The team I work with is nothing short of incredible.

In my time away from work, I can be found hanging out with my husband, my baby, and my kitty cat. I love to cook and bake, and to consume all the true crime I can. I also love a good leaf peeping drive.

Sheila Wilson

Sheila Wilson

Care Coordinator
(Pronouns she/her)
I am so honored to be a part of the Compassion 4 Paws team. I'm so grateful to have the ability to comfort people and their pets at home with loved ones in a place they've always known and are familiar with.
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About Sheila Wilson, Care Coordinator

I am so honored to be a part of the Compassion 4 Paws team. I'm so grateful to have the ability to comfort people and their pets at home with loved ones in a place they've always known and are familiar with. After working 4+ yrs at a veterinary hospital, I always sympathized with the families that struggle to bring their loved ones to an unknown scary place.

Working with the elderly and hospice care for 29 years, I always knew that I wanted to work with pets and their families. Comfortably surrounded by caring people at the time that they need us the most.

I enjoy hanging out with my husband, two grown kids, and of course Hansel & Gretel, our Chihuahua mixes, and our sweet 2-year-old cat Toph. As Seattle natives we love camping on the Olympic Peninsula as a family.

Christine Pacile

Christine Pacile

Care Coordinator, Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist
(Pronouns she/her)
My time spent in the veterinary field has proven to me that animals are the most perfect souls on earth and there is no one else I’d rather work with. My life’s path has branched yet again, and led me to Compassion 4Paws. Here I hope to bring my customer service background AND my love of animals full circle.
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About Christine Pacile, Care Coordinator

Moving to Washington from New York State, has afforded me the chance to change my life for the better in so many ways. Dedicating myself to helping animals and their humans is one of them, and thankfully I’ve come to be a part of Compassion 4 Paws. I’ve found that each of our doctor’s and team members embody the core values of compassion…empathy, respect, and dignity. Helping our companion animals in their time of need is truly a gift and I am so honored to be part of that. My time with Compassion 4 Paws has only reinforced my feeling that animals are the most perfect souls on earth and there is no one else I’d rather work with.

In my down time, I love reading, walking, relaxing with my Chiweenie, Opal, on my lap, listening to music, and trying new vegan restaurants. I’ve come to love every season in Washington (yes, even the rainy ones)…it’s beautiful here and I have befriended so many wonderful people and pets on my journey which only adds to my contentment.

Robert Hanson

Robert Hanson

Aftercare Specialist
(Pronouns he/him)
After hearing so many heartwarming stories from my wife (Maria Hanson) about Compassion 4 Paws, and the positive impact they have on families going through some of their toughest moments, I knew this was something that I wanted to be a part of. Knowing that I can help ensure families and their pets are respected and cared for at such a crucial moment means a lot to me.
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About Robert Hanson, Aftercare Specialist

After hearing so many heartwarming stories from my wife (Maria Hanson) about Compassion 4 Paws, and the positive impact they have on families going through some of their toughest moments, I knew this was something that I wanted to be a part of. Knowing that I can help ensure families and their pets are respected and cared for at such a crucial moment means a lot to me.

I have lived in Washington most of my life, thoroughly enjoying our wide variety of ecosystems via walks and drives. I like to stargaze when the weather permits. I enjoy games with too many details, like Magic The Gathering, to try and challenge my brain. I enjoy a good story (usually conveyed via TV or film), I’m the one people go to when they forget an actor’s name! Above all else, I adore spending time with my wife, Maria, and our cat (who is more like a dog), Oskar, who we hope to get harness trained to enjoy the outdoors alongside us!

Holly Schwichtenberg

Holly Schwichtenberg

Aftercare Specialist
(Pronouns she/her)
As humans, we will all experience loss and grief. As a hospice foster and animal caregiver, much of my life has been dedicated to caring for companion animals throughout their life and end-of-life process. So it’s only natural that I’ve aligned my career with the opportunity to work as part of the team here at Compassion4Paws
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About Holly Schwichtenberg, Aftercare Specialist

It is said that grief is one of the truest expressions of how much we have loved. I’m so grateful and proud to be a part of such a dedicated team of individuals who assist people who love their pets, during times of grief by helping create a beautiful bridge- a bridge built to carry their loved ones from this life, on into the eternal peace that is the afterlife.

In my spare time I enjoy living life to the fullest with my partner as we road trip, swim, and ride our bicycles all over Washington. I also enjoy collecting records, reading, listening to music, and volunteering to rehabilitate (injured and orphaned) wildlife.

Dennis Hopkins

Dennis Hopkins

Logistics
(Pronouns he/him)
I assist with the day-to-day operations at Compassion 4 Paws making sure the team is equipped to help people and the pets they love.
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About Dennis Hopkins, Logistics

I’m grateful to say I was able to create a thriving remodeling business from the ground up, one that focused on integrity, efficiency and environmental stewardship – all of which are very important to me.

When Sara began to consider leaving general veterinary practice to start Compassion 4 Paws, I realized the potential for helping people and their beloved pets in this type of in-home care. At that time I decided to retire my remodeling business and began focusing more on Compassion 4 Paws. As I watched the practice grow, I began to recognize some of the business insufficiencies that were time consuming and cumbersome for the doctors as well as the care coordinators. I applied my project management skills and rallied a team of consultants and software developers to create a software application for mobile hospice veterinarians to make the business side of their practice more efficient . And that was the start of REX Veterinary Software. I also assist with the day-to-day operations at Compassion 4 Paws making sure the team is equipped to help the people and the pets they love.

Cam Ceniceros

Cam Ceniceros

Aftercare Specialist
(Pronouns they/them)
We all deserve respect and kindness as we pass over, whether human or animal. I’m honored to work with a team that holds those values so closely. As someone who loves animals, it’s truly a privilege to get to be part of their end-of-life care and help such loving families.

We love our pet community and show our support by donating a portion of revenue from each appointment to one of our favorite nonprofits