Dr. Penny Coder (she/her), DVM, Fear Free Certified

A St. Louis, Missouri native, Dr. Penny Coder graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After receiving her degree, she worked in human medical research at a pharmaceutical company and Washington University in St. Louis for a number of years before pursuing her passion of veterinary medicine. She graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014.

Penny kicked off her veterinary career with a shelter medicine internship at Young-Williams Animal Shelter in Knoxville, TN. She later progressed to becoming the Director of Medicine at the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin. She worked two years in western North Carolina to serve North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, specializing in surgery and expanding access to veterinary care in underserved communities. Most recently, Penny served as the Vice President of Medicine at the Humane Rescue Alliance, shaping their shelter and community medicine programs.

Penny particularly enjoys guiding pet parents to the best possible care and strengthening their bond. Her clinical interests include soft tissue surgery, dermatology, infectious diseases, dentistry, and immunology.


Penny lives in Washington, DC with her wife, 3 dogs, and 2 cats. In her free time, she runs with her husky, bikes, and tends to her vegetable garden.

Special Interests: Soft tissue surgery, infectious disease, preventative medicine, dentistry, wound management and repair, and dermatology

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