At BARC, our purpose is to bridge the human-animal bond,
so people can make the most of every moment they have with their pets.
We provide peace of mind for our clients and ease pain for their pets
so they can start the healing process.
The number of days is important, but making the most of those days is most important.....
every moment matters.
Chelsea Tripp, DVM, MS, DACVIM (O)
Dr. Chelsea Tripp is a board certified Veterinary Oncologist that has been practicing in the Seattle area since 2005. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri and completed an internship at a private practice in Seattle. She has worked hard in the Seattle area to build a rapport for compassionate care. She is a Seattle native and wanted to return home after completing her three-year residency in medical oncology at Washington State University. Dr. Tripp is board certified in medical oncology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. In 2015, Dr. Tripp founded Veterinary Cancer Specialty Care. In 2017, BARC was created in a newly remodeled facility in Edmonds, WA.
Dr. Tripp is a national speaker on the novel therapeutic of electrochemotherapy. Pioneering this technique for the West Coast of the United States, she is determined to make this therapy available across the country and has helped train many others in this technique. Her other areas of interest include client education, hyperthermia, oncologic emergencies, clinical pathology, palliative care, and improving the quality of life for end-stage cancer patients. She believes that the human animal bond is an amazing thing and loves getting to witness this aspect of her job on a daily basis. Compassion really is her passion!
Dr. Tripp is a seven times Paul Harris Fellow and Past President of the Alderwood-Terrace Rotary. She has many personal interests including travel, musical theater, interior design, baking, and wine tasting. She is the proud parent of three dogs; a Miniature Schnauzer named Ward, a Toy Schnauzer named Brix, a Teacup Schnauzer named Boyd.
Shawn Ferguson, DVM
Dr. Ferguson is a Seattle native and summa cum laude graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following a rotating internship, she pursued a career in emergency and critical care medicine. She has enjoyed learning about many disciplines and benefitted from a team approach practiced in collaboration with veterinary specialists. It is this collaboration that brought Dr. Ferguson into sync with the practice of oncology. An opportunity to develop as an Oncology Fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Chelsea Tripp. She has been practicing Oncology since September of 2013.
The shift away from acute care has filled a hole she didn't know was there: the chance to develop a long-term relationship with pets and their people, and to participate in their care through the arc of their lives. This has been a true gift.
In her spare time Dr. Ferguson enjoys family time (furry and human), cooking, international travel and blue-water sailing. In 2009, she completed a journey on sail boat from California to New Zealand with her lovely husband, Ben.
Becky Murray, DVM, DACVS (small animal)
Compassionate Care at the Cutting Edge
Dr. Becky Murray is a board certified Veterinary Surgeon that is thrilled to bring surgical oncology treatment options to BARC. Dr. Murray was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2012. She brings her years of private practice experience from the South Sound to provide expertise in the removal of the cancers from nose to tail and everywhere in between. She especially enjoys head and neck tumors, chest surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Murray completed veterinary school at University of California, Davis and after completing both general and surgical internships in California, she moved to Ohio for a rigorous surgical residency at MedVet Columbus in Worthington, Ohio. It was training at the MedVet Cancer Center, side by side with medical and radiation oncologists, that her passion for the team involvement in treating oncologic cases truly developed.
She loves that client, primary veterinarian, oncology specialists and surgeon come together to achieve good quality time with our pets. She believes that understanding the complex surgical options is crucial and so enjoys discussing all aspects of the surgery process so that clients can make the decision that is right for them and their family member. Dr. Murray has used these communication skills in a variety of continuing education events at the local, state, and national level. She was awarded the House Officer Award for Best Presentation at the Society for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery in 2010.
After moving to Tacoma Washington in 2012, this California native has fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest! The combination of water and mountains is perfect for all her outdoor adventures with her husband, daughter and their two dogs. Besides the hiking gear, they own two kayaks to paddle the Sound. Once indoors, Dr. Murray can be found in yoga practice, reading or cooking.
Kaitlan Hovis, DVM, MS, DACVIM (O)
Dr. Kaitlan Hovis is a board-certified veterinary oncologist. She began her veterinary educational journey earning her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University. She then completed veterinary school at Texas A&M University followed by a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri. Dr. Hovis continued her education at the University of Missouri by completing a paired master’s degree and oncology residency program. After completing her residency, she achieved board certification in oncology from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
Throughout her time as an oncologist, Dr. Hovis has always placed a strong emphasis on client education and support. She understands the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis for pet owners and strives to empower them with the information needed to make informed decisions about their pets' care. Whether implementing traditional therapies or exploring innovative approaches, Dr. Hovis is dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals affected by cancer.
In Dr. Hovis's spare time, when she is not fighting cancer, she can be found reading or listening to music with her partner and three furry companions, Gypsy (Pittie/Husky mix), Nix (DSH), and Tusk (DLH).
Our Staff
Our team of veterinary support includes registered veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, referral coordinators, receptionists and career chemotherapy nurses. Cancer therapy requires dedicated individuals who have a passion for client service. We strive to make sure each pet gets treated as if they were our very own!
During your visit, our staff will help you understand what procedure and drugs your pet has received and will address all of your questions prior to your departure. If you have any additional concerns following the appointment, they are always available to field phone calls and discuss common potential complications with chemotherapy, electrochemotherapy or immunotherapy.
We are always looking for team members who value our approach to care and want to work in a fun, innovative and creative environment.
Our Core Values
Our core values are more than just words, they are a way of life. We know that companies with a strong culture and a higher purpose perform better in the long-run. As we continue to grow, we strive to ensure that our culture remains alive and well.
These are the standards to which we hold ourselves and each other accountable.
Always Possess Honesty and Integrity
Be Creative and Resourceful
Embrace Teamwork
Never Stop Learning and Growing
Provide Compassionate & Innovative Medical Care
Recognize and Drive Change
Communicate Clearly & Openly
Commit to Safety in Everything We Do
Optimize Our Financial Resources
Serve Our Community & Each Other