Veterinary Social Work
What is Veterinary Social Work?
Veterinary Social Work is a specialty practice of social work that focuses on the human needs in human-animal relationships. It is guided by the Veterinary Social Work Oath.
Veterinary Social Work often includes four interconnected areas of service:
Compassion Fatigue and Conflict Management
Animal Related Grief and Bereavement
Animal Assisted Interventions/Animal Assisted Therapy
The Link Between Human and Animal Violence
Compassion Fatigue and Conflict Management
Stressful and traumatic experiences are common in veterinary and animal care environments. Veterinary Social Work meets animal care professionals where they are and provides education and coping skills to manage stress, conflict, and compassion fatigue.
Animal Related Grief and Bereavement
As the bonds between humans and animals can be profound, the loss of animals can produce profound grief. Veterinary Social Work supports those caring for ill or aging animals as well as those grieving the loss of a beloved animal.
Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) are intentional, goal-directed interactions in which the inclusion of an animal is part of the broader goal for the people involved. AAI may include Animal Assisted Therapy, Animal Assisted Education, and Animal Assisted Activities.
The Link Between Human and Animal Violence
Research indicates that those who harm and abuse animals often go on to harm and abuse other humans. This is often referred to as "The Link." This link makes it critical that society take seriously acts of cruelty toward animals both for the animals themselves and for people who are also at risk.
How do we do Veterinary Social Work in the Upstate?
In the Upstate we are taking several steps:
Educate on holistic wellness for animal professionals
Normalize interdependence
Educate mental health professionals on the unique needs of animal professionals as well as the similarities with other caregiving professionals
Provide resources for the human care side of the human-animal bond
Provide consultation to veterinary clinics and animal organizations related to building and maintaining healthy work environments for staff and clients