Meet Our Team

Dr. Courtney started Rest Your Paws so that every pet would have the opportunity to receive the best end-of life medical care at home, and when the time comes, pass away peacefully in the place they’re most comfortable.

After many years working as a small animal veterinarian, Courtney realised that her true passion was in caring for, and supporting, terminally-ill pets and their families.

She is hoping to lead the good-death movement in Australia, bringing dignity and comfort to companion animals during their end of life.
Dr. Courtney is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPV) and a member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Kathy has wanted to be a vet since the age of 8. She has been practicing in Sydney for the last 30 years in general practice, house calls and emergency. Her passion is bonding with her beautiful patients and their families.

When Dr Kathy met Dr Courtney she knew she had found a kindred spirit. They shared all the same values of empathy, kindness and caring for our patients and she knew she was meant to be part of the amazing Rest Your Paws team.

Dr Kathy graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She also has a Pet Bereavement Counselling Diploma , Certificate IV in Training and Assessment  as well as being CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

After years as a GP vet, Dr Caitlin joined Rest Your Paws to focus her career on supporting families and their beloved pets through end-of-life stages. She is dedicated to making this heartbreaking time as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

With 5 fur babies of her own and previous experience with pet loss, Dr Caitlin has a deep appreciation of the grief that comes with the passing of a beloved pet. She understands that it can hurt more and ache longer due to a pet’s inability to share their wishes, their unconditional love and the common social diminishment of this type of loss.

She also has intimate knowledge of the heartbreak of terminal illness and the grief of loss. She supported her mother through palliative care and her passing following a battle with cancer, which sparked her passion for providing medical and emotional support during end-of-life stages. 

Dr. Caitlin graduated from the University of Sydney with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to this, she also completed a Bachelor of Advanced Science at the University of NSW. 

Based in the western suburbs of Sydney, Dr Caitlin is available to support families locally as well as throughout the Blue Mountains and anywhere else she is needed.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Laura completed her veterinary studies at the University of Sydney. Prior to this she attended the Australian National University where she majored in Zoology and Immunology/Microbiology.

She has always been passionate about animals and their wellbeing and as a fur-mum herself, she understands the large role that our pets now play in our daily lives.

Working with Rest Your Paws allows her to both protect and celebrate the human-animal bond that our clients and their pets share. Being able to help families through a difficult time and provide peace to their loved one is truly rewarding.”

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Anna’s passion for working with geriatric, hospice and palliative care patients developed not too long after starting her career as a small animal veterinarian. After working in general practice and caring for her two geriatric family dogs, both whom lived to 17 years old, she noticed there was much more that could be done to care for these patients outside of standard general practice medicine. This is when she met Dr Courtney. Like Dr Courtney, Dr Anna endeavours to provide compassionate, best practice care to your loved ones with a fear free and dignified approach. Her background in internal medicine uniquely equips her to manage the most complex diseases in the comfort of your pets home.

Dr Anna graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelors or Veterinary Biology/Bachelors of Veterinary Science. Since then she had completed a post graduate certificate in emergency and critical care (first class honours) whilst undertaking her rotating internship through the emergency and critical care, surgery and internal medicine departments of a referral hospital. She has recently become a IAAHPC certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian (2023), has further certifications in the human-animal bond and is CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Jessica Graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She is local to the Northern Beaches and will be helping families within the beaches, as well as the upper and lower North shore regions. 

Dr. Jess has recently completed an internship in Internal Veterinary Medicine, where she developed the knowledge and skills in managing and treating patients with complex medical conditions and terminal disease. This sparked her passion to ensure that all her patients received appropriate care, support and palliation during this stage in their life. 

Following the loss of her family pet, Dr. Jess has endeavored to ensure that our beloved companions and their family members receive the guidance, support, and respect that they deserve during this difficult time. She truly believes it is a privilege to be able to provide our furry best friends with a peaceful, dignified and loving goodbye. She will be with you every step of the way to provide consolation and reassurance during such a challenging time.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Michelle joins the Rest Your Paws team after more than 15 years in GP practice in both Sydney and London. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2006, with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

Throughout her career she has been passionate about the pet-owner bond and ensuring owners are provided with empathetic care and communication to help guide their veterinary experience. With an interest in behaviour medicine and a focus on providing low-stress handling for patients, Michelle strives to provide each patient with compassionate care. Having personal experience with pet loss has led her to wanting to provide the best end-of-life care for each and every pet she meets.

Michelle looks forward to meeting each of the pets and their people; getting to know about their lives together, while guiding you through this challenging time.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Since working as a vet, Dr. Rachel has developed a passion in palliative care, as well as the desire to provide the utmost level of guidance and compassion for families during such a challenging time.

She joined Rest Your Paws to contribute to Dr Courtney’s endeavour to provide comfort and empathy to patients at their end of life, and to support their families through the decision and procedure of humane euthanasia.

Dr Rachel Booth graduated from The University of Sydney with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Prior to this, Rachel completed an undergraduate degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, also at The University of Sydney.

Dr. Rachel is a CAETA graduate, certified in best practice euthanasia for our beloved furry friends.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

After receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Sydney, Dr Sara moved down to breezy Melbourne where she works as a small animal veterinarian. Sara is passionate about providing care to pets and their dedicated families, especially her end-of-life patients. As someone who has said goodbye to her own beloved pet, she understands how important that love is and the strength required to make that decision. She is committed to providing peace and comfort to pets until the end of each beautiful life.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Since graduating from Murdoch University in 1988, Alison has been working as a small animal veterinarian for more than 30 years.

She has always believed that the relationship we have with our pets and the trust they place in us is precious. It should be honoured and protected.

Her kind and gentle nature make her a perfect person to guide and support you with your pet’s end of life care.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Katie join the Rest Your Paws team. Dr. Katie has worked for many years as a small animal veterinarian in general practice and at a busy emergency hospital. She has also recently completed her masters in Small Animal Behaviour, practising a fear-free approach with all of her patients.

Dr. Katie brings a wealth of experience and an empathetic and compassionate bedside manner to the families that she supports.

Making the decision that our loved ones need to pass on is so very hard but Katie believes that the greatest kindness we can offer our pets is a pain free, dignified passing.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

“I know how hard it is to see your pet not be able to do activities they used to love doing like running after their favourite ball, swimming in the river or chasing lizards. Making the decision to let them go is even harder, but I promise to be there for you and your family every step of the way to make the process a little bit easier. I will be gentle and make sure the entire process is peaceful in a place where your fur baby is comfortable, safe and surrounded by so much love”

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Kathy’s childhood was filled with a delightful mix of pets—dogs, cats, a canary, and even some lambs and calves. It’s no surprise that this upbringing fueled her love for animals and led her to a career in veterinary care. In 1989, she graduated from Murdoch University in Perth and has been working in small animal practice ever since.

Between her veterinary work, Dr. Kathy managed to raise two wonderful children, who are now adults. In her free time, you’ll find her indulging Archie, her beloved geriatric brown Burmese cat, and enjoying activities like pilates, walks, cycling, and baking.

Dr. Kathy has a genuine passion for people and a deep appreciation for the special connection between pets and their owners. She recognises the importance of supporting aging pets through their later years and ensuring a gentle, loving farewell when the time comes. Excited to be part of the Rest Your Paws team, Dr. Kathy feels a strong alignment between her values and the organisation’s mission.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Ashlee earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Science from James Cook University and has since spent the past four years in general practice. Along her journey, she discovered a profound connection with geriatric pets, leading her to focus her career on palliative care. Dr. Ashlee is committed to ensuring that the twilight years, be they months, weeks, or days, of the beloved animals in her care, are filled with the utmost comfort.

Driven by her strong belief in providing a gentle and loving transition, Dr. Ashlee is devoted to offering peaceful farewells surrounded by the warmth of loved ones. Dr. Ashlee’s mission is to ensure that your cherished furry family members are honored and celebrated as they rightfully deserve.

Dr Ashlee is based in the South West of Western Australia and will be there for local families that need her.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Vivian graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She first worked as an animal shelter vet in Western Sydney helping countless stray, abused, and abandoned animals find their new loving homes.
Dr. Vivian has joined the Rest Your Paws team to provide support to families during the most difficult stages of their pets’ life. She has found the work incredibly rewarding and believes that no family should have to go through these challenging times alone.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Kelly is originally from California but has lived in Australia for over 10 years. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of Sydney and has worked in small animal medicine ever since.

She chose veterinary medicine because she believes all animals deserve the best care and treatment and she wanted to make a difference.

She is passionate about palliative care and making the end-of-life moments peaceful and pain-free.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Cynthia graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hons) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

She believes that a pet reaching the end-of-life is a significant milestone and that it is our responsibility to make it as peaceful, painless and stress-free as possible for both our beloved companions and their loving owners.

She is currently working towards her Membership qualifications in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and believes that end-of-life care shares a similar connection to the unbreakable human-animal bond that the veterinary behavioural field does.

Dr. Cynthia endeavours to make saying goodbye as dignified and gracious as is possible for our pets and the people who love them.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Nikki graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) and from the University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr Nikki pursued her childhood dream of becoming a vet. Since graduating, she has worked in mixed practice, small animal practice and the not-for-profit wildlife sector. She is passionate about the human-animal bond and her favourite part of being a vet is seeing the wonderful relationships between animals and their humans, and she loves listening to all of the stories that families tell about their beloved pets. Dr Nikki especially loves working with older pets, and is an advocate for ensuring her patients are happy and comfortable in their senior years.

Being able to provide guidance and support to families who are saying goodbye to a pet or helping them through serious illness is important to Dr Nikki. She provides compassionate care and gives her patients the respect and kindness they deserve in their final moments.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Felicity always knew she would work with animals, and graduated as a vet from the University of Queensland in 2012. She has worked in many aspects of Veterinary Medicine including general practice, mixed practice and emergency medicine before discovering her passion for Oncology. She has recently moved to Sydney to start specialist training to become a Veterinary Oncologist.

Dr Felicity is passionate about maintaining quality of life for her patients, and providing them with dignity in their final moments. Having many pets as part of her family, she understands how special these moments should be and is committed to making this difficult time as beautiful and peaceful as possible.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

“I have loved animals for as long as I can remember. At home my husband and I adore our very spoilt cat called Maisie. I love working as a veterinarian and am passionate about providing caring end of life care for pets. Having had to say goodbye to my own elderly pets before I know how hard it is and want to provide the most loving and peaceful goodbye for all my patients as though they were my own”

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Marielle is a compassionate and experienced veterinarian who graduated from Sydney University. She has spent many years working at a family-owned vet practice, where she gained valuable experience in providing high-quality medical care to pets.

She understands the deep emotional bond that exists between humans and their pets, and takes great care to ensure that their final moments are peaceful and dignified. At Rest Your Paws Dr Marielle aims to provide a compassionate and caring approach to her work. She understands the importance of providing comfort and support to both animals and their owners during this difficult time.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

“Dr. Kate is a compassionate veterinarian with a special interest in end-of-life care and and ensuring a gentle euthanasia for pets. With a warm and understanding approach, Dr. Kate provides comfort and support to pet owners facing the difficult decision of saying goodbye to their beloved companions. Dr. Kate brings a wealth of experience to our team, and approaches every appointment with the utmost care and compassion, ensuring a peaceful transition for the animals she cares for. She lives at home with her two beautiful cats Billy and Bee”

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Jessica earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours from The University of Melbourne in 2013. She furthered her expertise by obtaining certification in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Jessica has pursued additional formal education in veterinary behaviour and holds the title of Fear Free Certified Professional.

With a household that includes three cats and two dogs, Jessica truly understands the profound connection shared between pet parents and their furry companions. She firmly believes that bidding farewell to a beloved pet should be a peaceful and loving experience. Jessica holds the utmost reverence for your pet’s comfort and pledges to always approach your cherished family member with compassion and gentleness. She considers it a tremendous privilege that families entrust her to navigate their pet’s end-of-life journey within the comfort of their home.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr. Amy graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She now lives in Newcastle, working as a small animal veterinarian and helping families in Newcastle and the surrounding areas.

She has always been passionate about helping animals, and knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age! She has surrounded herself over the years with many furry family members of her own, and understands how much love and joy they bring to our lives.
She knows how much courage and kindness is required to make the decision to say goodbye to a cherished family member, and is committed to providing peace, compassion and comfort to pets and their families during this time.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Cindy spent her entire life growing up in Hong Kong, where the lack of opportunity to have a pet fueled her determination and passion to become a veterinarian. She made the decision to relocate to Australia, and in 2011 she successfully graduated with honors, earning her Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree.

With a career spanning more than a decade, Cindy has dedicated herself to practicing in the field of small animal general medicine. Throughout these years, she has developed a particular affinity for assisting families during the most challenging moments of pet ownership. Drawing from her experience as a pet owner herself, she intimately comprehends the emotional pain and sorrow that accompanies the loss of a beloved animal companion. Cindy’s aspiration is to offer her presence and support to other families navigating through similar circumstances, striving to provide solace and guidance throughout these dififcult times.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Tanya is a gentle and warm veterinarian who wants to give every beloved pet the love and care they deserve. She graduated from the University of Sydney and works as a small animal clinician. She grew up with many animals, and believes that our fur babies deserve a peaceful and gentle goodbye, reflective of all the love they have shared with us throughout their lives. Tanya believes that our companions leave paw prints on our hearts.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Mel graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2016. She has worked as a general practitioner vet ever since, first rurally, before moving to the Central Coast.
Mel has always had a keen interest in veterinary behavioural medicine, recently completing additional education with Sydney University in this area. Through this, she learnt early in her career how beautiful the bonds between pets and their human families are.
It feels like a natural evolution for Mel to move into end of life and palliative care. The gift of honouring the human-animal bond, and assisting families in these times is a privilege and something Mel will always be humbled by.
Mel is also a pet mum to two cats, a whippet and an Australian Shepherd.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.

Dr Ellen graduated from the university of Melbourne and has worked as a veterinarian in rural Victoria, Melbourne, London and Sydney.

Ellen believes one of the most important parts of being a veterinarian is to provide compassion and kindness to patients at their end of life, and to help and support their families through this difficult time.

Ellen is a CAETA graduate, certified in best practice euthanasia for our beloved pets.

She is also proud to be CAETA certified in best practice euthanasia.