08/13/2026
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Dr. Stanley B. Coe, DVM, on August 9, 2026. 🕊️
Dr. Stan Coe was an integral part of Seattle veterinary medicine and leaves behind a lasting impression on not only our practice, but our entire community. His career, spanning nearly five decades, all started when he took a job as a kennel tech in high school. For 45 years, Dr. Coe led Elliott Bay Animal Hospital with steady hands, deep compassion, and an unwavering love for animals. 🐾
Beyond his immeasurable impact on our practice, some of Dr. Coe’s most important work was done for no monetary gain. His selfless and empathetic volunteer work has supported pets and pet owners throughout our community. What began as a small effort to help animals in need alongside a fellow veterinarian, Dr. Bud Doney, grew into the nation’s first no-cost veterinary clinic.
Dr. Doney was helping pets receive care from the back of a church when Dr. Coe began supporting his mission. The two used their own equipment and resources to ensure pets had access to the care they needed. Eventually, Dr. Coe built Dr. Doney’s efforts into the Doney Coe Pet Clinic. Today, the clinic continues to provide free care for animals in need, serving as an enduring space for community care to thrive and keeping both Dr. Doney’s and Dr. Coe’s generous spirit alive.
Dr. Coe touched countless lives — the animals he cared for, the worried owners he comforted, and the veterinary community he helped shape. His kindness and dedication leave a legacy that will be felt for generations.
To his family, friends, colleagues, and every pet and person he cared for over the years: our thoughts are with you.
Thank you, Dr. Coe, for a lifetime of care and for the massive role you played in cultivating and shaping the compassionate and expert care our team strives for each day. You will be dearly missed. 💛
