About Us

Meet Dr. Sara & Her Team

We are a mobile veterinary practice that specializes in comfort care and end-of-life care for pets. All of us at Compassion 4 Paws are committed to helping you and your pet through these difficult times.

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 and care coordinators 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 acupuncture 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.

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Dr. Sara Render Hopkins

DVM, CVA, CHPV

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 and care coordinators to be able to better serve our wonderful community.

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

I was raised in Toronto, Canada and moved with my family to the United States in 1991. I’m happy to call Washington State my home, where I’ve lived since 1996.

For years I knew that I wanted to work with animals. I completed my veterinary education at Washington State University in 2000, and obtained my Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 2013. I practiced at an Eastside small animal clinic for 11 years. I loved my work there, particularly my patients and their families. In the later years, I developed an interest in pain management and a passion for giving pets the dignified and loving end-of-life journey they deserved. In 2013, I felt the need to combine my acupuncture training with my love for compassionate care of animals in a home-based setting, and founded Compassion 4 Paws.

I’m so glad I did. 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 and care coordinators to be able to better serve our wonderful community.

In the fall of 2017, I became one of the first veterinarians in the world to achieve certification in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care through the IAAHPC (International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care). The 16 month course furthered my knowledge to better support pets and their families during their end-of-life journey. In 2020 I was honored to join the IAAHPC Board of Directors and look forward to increasing awareness and promoting education of animal hospice, palliative and end-of-life care.

I live in Edmonds with my husband Dennis, our young son, our dogs Tilley and Roy, and our cats Sushi and Freddie Purr-cury. During my free time I enjoy traveling, camping, reading, crafts and spending time with friends.

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Dr. Allison Edwards

DVM, CHPV
I am so grateful to have made this move to Compassion 4 Paws and truly feel as though I have found my calling. I 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 am happy to be back home after many years of being away at school. 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). Since graduation, I have been practicing 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. I find it so satisfying to be able to guide and assist people and their beloved pets during this difficult time.

I live in Shoreline with my husband and our baby girl. We have two adorable pups, Henry and Lila, along with a rescue goldfish, Goldie, and axolotl, Toothless. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking around Greenlake and sailing. I received my certification in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPV) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) in August of 2020 and am excited to incorporate my training into our practice.

Dr. Tessa King | Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Dr. Tessa King

DVM
I realized what an incredible gift it is to be able to help both people and animals through the end-of-life transition in the comfort of their own homes. I feel honored and blessed to be part of the Compassion 4 Paws team and to be able to provide such a needed service to people and their beloved pets.
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About Dr. Tessa King, DVM

I was born and raised in Seattle and have lived here in Washington my entire life. My dad is also a veterinarian and I spent much time in my youth observing and working in his clinic. I think the first time I watched him do surgery, I was about 4 years old! I loved biology and of course animals and so decided to follow in his footsteps. I went to Washington State University for both undergraduate and veterinary school, graduating from vet school in 2002. After graduation, I headed back to western Washington, finally leaving Pullman behind, though I loved my time there and am definitely a Coug!

I have worked in both private general practice as well as shelter medicine. Prior to joining Compassion 4 Paws, I worked in a practice that provided house calls both for general medical concerns as well as end-of-life care. It was during this time I realized what an incredible gift it is to be able to help both people and animals through the end-of-life transition in the comfort of their own homes. I feel honored and blessed to be part of the Compassion 4 Paws team and to be able to provide such a needed service to people and their beloved pets.

I live in Bothell with my husband, two daughters and three fur children – two Husky mixes, Layla & Lucy, and a tabby cat named Charles Hamm. I love being in the garden, camping, and out in nature when the sun is shining. When it’s raining, I prefer to be inside baking or snuggling and reading with my kids.

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Dr. Kelli Smith

DVM
I joined Compassion 4 Paws to provide guidance to families facing their pets golden years, to enhance a pets comfort, and to bring what peace and strength I may to ease the final parting. 
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About Dr. Kelli Smith, DVM

Growing up in Snohomish, WA, I realized my passion for helping animals at an early age while working at a local wildlife rehabilitation center.

I pursued my undergraduate work at the University of Oregon and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2009. Following veterinary school, I completed a small animal internship at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine, primarily working in emergency medicine.

After returning to the Pacific Northwest, I enjoyed nearly 10 years in general practice where I began to realize my passion for treating senior pets, a time during which I feel they need the most care. I joined Compassion 4 Paws to provide guidance to families facing their pets golden years, to enhance a pets comfort, and to bring what peace and strength I may to ease the final parting.

I currently reside in Seattle with my husband, my two boys, and my two kitties, Trinity and Zoey. When not working, I enjoy baking, traveling, reading, and ballroom dancing.

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Dr. Nicole Schwinkendorf

DVM, CVA
I feel called to help pet parents navigate the difficult decisions and emotions inherent with end of life issues. When the loving decision to let a pet pass has been made, I am deeply honored to be present and to help that companion transition in the most peaceful way possible.
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About Dr. Nicole Schwinkendorf, DVM, CVA

Born and raised in Edmonds, I am happy to be back in the Pacific Northwest, doing the work I love. I was late to the veterinary profession, but have always had an empathetic heart toward all creatures and the people who love them. Until recently, my compassion for animals was expressed through volunteer work and a vegan lifestyle that I continue to practice. It wasn’t until after twenty years in the software industry that I decided to pursue veterinary medicine at Washington State University. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to focus on holistic and end of life care. Dr. Sara has been a key influence along this journey, and I am thrilled to be working with her team.

As a lifelong runner who has experienced the benefits of whole food nutrition and consistent exercise, I advocate the same for my patients. I am certified in acupuncture through the Chi Institute and am happy to offer this practice, as well as Chinese herbal medicine and nutraceutical supplementation, for your pets. I particularly enjoy helping geriatric patients with mobility and chronic pain. My interest in end of life care was inspired by witnessing human hospice in a very personal way. I feel called to help pet parents navigate the difficult decisions and emotions inherent with end of life issues. When the loving decision to let a pet pass has been made, I am deeply honored to be present and to help that companion transition in the most peaceful way possible.

Shawnee Neubauer

Practice Manager and Care Coordinator
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 your 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 your 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.

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Tasha Denison

Care Coordinator
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, going out with friends and spending quality time with my pup Gotti, and my son. You can find us working on our toys in the shop or supporting our Seahawks during football season!

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

Eliza Berry

Care Coordinator
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 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.

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

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Jen Pride

Care Coordinator
After spending 10 years on the front lines as a technician I am so pleased to now be a trusted part of the Compassion 4 Paws team, helping families when they need it most by coordinating individualized and compassionate care. 
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About Jen Pride, Care Coordinator

My career in veterinary medicine began when I was 15 years old and I replied to a job ad for a part-time Kennel Assistant. I had no idea at the time that I was setting in motion a lifelong journey into the world of animal care. Animals bring such joy to our lives and being able to witness first-hand the deeply personal and unique relationships that we form with our pets has been a true privilege.

After working as an assistant for several years it became evident that this was not “just a job”. My love for the work and desire to keep learning led me to pursue licensure as a Veterinary Technician. Through dedicated self-study, and with the support of some wonderful mentors, I challenged and passed the VTNE in 2008. I spent some time solidifying my skills in General Practice before making the move to larger multi-specialty hospitals, where I worked alongside many talented doctors, para-professionals and specialists. I especially enjoyed providing care to critically ill patients in the ICU and have a special interest in multi-modal pain management and anesthesia. After spending 10 years on the front lines as a technician I am so pleased to now be a trusted part of the Compassion 4 Paws team, helping families when they need it most by coordinating individualized and compassionate care.

I was born in Seattle, and have lived in the Seattle area my whole life. My adventures have taken me to Thailand, Iceland, Germany, France and Spain, but the Pacific Northwest will always be home. I currently share my home in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle with a senior terrier named Roxy. Roxy likes to help me explore new neighborhoods to find dog-friendly establishments to visit and supervise while I stock my pantry with home-canned goods.

Dennis Hopkins

Logistics
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.

Our Partner

Pet Loss Services | Pet Acupuncture | Pet Laser Therapy | Seattle Area

 

The Pet Loss Center was created in order to offer pet parents the highest quality aftercare experience, and to providing this process with dignity and reliability.

The Pet Loss Center understands your experience of loss, and will walk alongside you during your grief to ensure that you and your precious family member will be treated with the love and respect you deserve.

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The Pet Loss Center