Veterinary social work is a unique intersection dedicated to honoring both animal and human needs. Pairing social work with veterinary medicine helps foster a supportive and healthy environment for veterinary and animal care professionals, pet owners, and ultimately animals. As veterinary social workers we take an oath to use evidence-based practice from a strengths-based perspective to tend to the needs that arise in the relationship between animals and humans.

A veterinary social worker (VSW) can assist professionals by taking some of the emotional burden off of staff so they can focus on what they do best. So often veterinary and animal care professionals step into the role of mental health support for clients because they feel they have no other choice. This creates unnecessary strain and leads to burnout amongst staff who deal with their own traumatic and emotionally taxing work. Offering voluntary critical incident debriefing sessions for staff can reduce the physical and emotional impact of traumatic experiences in the workplace. Bay Area Veterinary Social Work can facilitate these sessions and help develop and implement a debriefing program to use long-term for supporting veterinary staff through those extra tough cases. A VSW can offer wellness services which address burnout and compassion fatigue and promote the health of veterinary staff. Many VSWs who are licensed in their state provide individual therapy to veterinary or shelter professionals and pet owners as a speciality.

For pet owners VSWs offer support during diagnostics and treatment, help facilitate difficult discussions including goals of care and end of life, and act as a liaison between staff and pet owners. We provide support during euthanasias, and connect those in need to resources including counseling and community programs. We also offer unique keepsake and memory making opportunities to promote continuing bonds with beloved companions who have passed.

This ever evolving area of social work is a critical piece to the puzzle when it comes to improving the lives of veterinary and animal professionals, pet owners, and animals. There is a mental health crisis within the animal care professions. Adding a mental health professional can be an incredible benefit to any practice or organization. Bay Area Veterinary Social Work acts as an advocate for veterinary professionals on a micro, mezzo, and macro scale while providing essential support to pet owners. Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of animals and the humans who love them.