Meet Shea

DR. SHEA COX

Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian

Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner

Certified Pet Loss Professional

Dr. Shea Cox is a recognized leader and subject matter expert in veterinary end-of-life care, drawing from her unique background of working for nearly a decade as both a Nurse's Aide and Registered Nurse in human hospice care before becoming a veterinarian.

In 2012, she established the first integrated hospice and palliative care service within a specialty hospital setting. She expanded her impact in 2017 by creating the nation's first Telehealth platform focused on quality-of-life and end-of-life support.

In 2020, Mars Petcare's BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospitals acquired her company, PetHospice, where she led the nationwide expansion of hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life services. She then joined The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) as a co-founder in 2022, leading the company to acquisition by the Cortec Group in 2023.

In 2024, Dr. Cox joined Honor Pet as Chief Veterinary Officer and co-founder, and she continues to advance end-of-life care through education, technology, and innovation with a focus on the pet parent experience.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

EDUCATOR

Led the development of a 100-hour education program to certify veterinarians and technicians in hospice and palliative care.

Delivered lectures to veterinary professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.

Served as a hospice and end-of-life consultant for the Veterinary Information Network, providing guidance to over 65,000 veterinarians worldwide.

Served as guest faculty, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, teaching Communication Labs and leading the Healer's Art program.

AUTHOR

Authored 14 textbook chapters relating to pet hospice and end-of-life care.

Developed the American Animal Hospital Association End of Life Guidelines; the AAHA/AVMA Telehealth Guidelines for Small Animal Practice; and the Feline VMA Hospice and Palliative Care Guidelines/Toolkit

LEADER

Past President of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, including serving on the board of directors for 6 years.

Served three-year term as Secretary for the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians.

MEET SHEA