Meet Dr. Dearbhla Owens and Dr. Shannon Cassidy
Veterinarians and co-directors of Peaceful Paws
At Peaceful Paws, we’re more than just colleagues - we’re best friends who share a heartfelt commitment to providing end-of-life care that is gentle, respectful, and kindly dignified.
We passionately provide this service to offer families and their much adored pets a peaceful alternative - one where you feel supported, listened to, and never alone during one of life’s hardest goodbyes.
With every visit, we bring a calm, compassionate presence into your home. Our care is guided by empathy, grounded in experience, and shaped by a genuine love for animals (both big and small) and the people who cherish them.
Meet The Team Behind Peaceful Paws
We believe that when done with compassion and intention, euthanasia can be calm, beautiful, and free of fear. Euthanasia is always a kind choice.
Dr Dearbhla Owens (MVB)
My name is Dearbhla (Derv-la) , most people call me Derv. I come all the way from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I have been living in NZ since 2019. I originally came here on a working holiday visa for 1 year but I was captivated by this beautiful country so decided to make it my long term home.
I studied veterinary medicine in Dublin, Ireland and graduated in 2014. I lived and worked in London for 5 years before making the move to NZ. Unfortunately I don't have any pets in New Zealand. Between work and entertaining a 4 year old I haven't had time to bring a new pet into my life just yet.
I have worked mostly as an emergency vet since coming to NZ and love being able to help pets when they need it most.
My hobbies include running, the gym, comedy gigs and exploring the NZ outdoors.
Dr Shannon Cassidy (BVSc, Dist.)
Having said goodbye to many of my own childhood pets, I truly understand the overwhelming mix of pain, sadness, and uncertainty that comes with facing the decision to let go. Euthanasia, while emotional, is something I’ve come to see as one of the most meaningful parts of my role as a vet. It allows me to connect with people on a deeply human level – to make sure they feel safe, respected, heard, and never rushed. I know how hard it is to give your pet their last kiss or pat, and I wish to do everything I can to make that goodbye as peaceful and dignified as possible.
I graduated from Massey University in 2021 and have worked in emergency and critical care ever since. I also volunteer when I can at 4 Paws Vet Care, a charity clinic close to my heart.
Outside of vet life, I’m all about creativity. I sing in a fabulous women’s choir, keep my love of Irish dancing alive, and unwind with a good book — usually a mix of memoirs or something with a psychological twist.
Although I don’t have a pet of my own just yet, my adored family dog Monty (a very fluffy Pomeranian!) is the absolute light of my life.