Our Team
Veterinarian: Rachel Tapp, DVM, CPEV (she/her)
Dr. Tapp grew up in northeast Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated in 2008 and moved to the Charlotte, NC area where she lived for 6 years. She settled in Chattanooga because the Scenic City is close to her family and friends and she thinks it’s one of the most beautiful places she’s ever seen.
Dr. Tapp has practiced in small animal hospitals since graduation but wanted a change. She lost both of her cats and another adopted dog in 2019-2020 so she knows euthanasia is a difficult decision. She wanted to make the process easier for families in the area and decided to start Sunset Vet Chattanooga with that goal in mind. She has completed the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy program and enjoys continuing education courses that focus on end-of-life care.
She has a dog ( Linus) & a cat (Abby) & loves spending time with them when she is not working. She also loves to read, binge watch tv, and take care of her indoor plant collection. She is the secretary for the Hamilton County Veterinary Medical Association and fosters cats and kittens for the Humane Educational Society.
Special thanks to Crystal Alba for her amazing photos. Meet the rest of the team below.
Care Coordinator: Samantha (she/her)
Samantha was born and raised in upstate New York but currently resides in Florida with her husband and pets. Her career in animal care started during her undergraduate studies and has expanded to working in animal shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics for almost 30 years. She has also recently received her Master’s degree in Management from Excelsior University.
Having relocated to Florida during the pandemic, she continued her role in the companion animal field remotely assisting families with end-of-life care for their beloved pets. She has a deep commitment to supporting pet parents through some of the most emotionally complex moments of pet ownership. Her work has shaped her into a trusted guide for clients facing difficult decisions, offering not just supportive scheduling but genuine compassion.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and she loves to create pet themed crafts and home décor. In the future, she plans to become involved in senior pet rescue, where she can provide an environment for elderly pets to feel love and dignity during their golden years.
Linus, Assistant to the Regional Manager
Abby, Inventory Assistant
In memory of Bertie, former Security Officer