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:

Stethoscope and Mask along with hand holding red paper hear on blue background related to Veterinary Social Work and Compassion Fatigue in Greenville SC

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.

Couple embracing in support related to grief counseling Greenville SC

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.



Woman with Dog related to Animal Assisted Therapy Counseling Greenville SC

Animal Assisted
Interventions


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.  

Chain links related to Veterinary Social Work in Greenville SC

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: