Veterinary Social Work

Misha when she wasn't feeling well.

The first time I heard the term "veterinary social work" was from my advanced practicum instructor during my social work internship at a government facility just this year.  When I meet new people I intend to spend any amount of time with I inevitably bring up my love for dogs.  Well, I love all animals actually but my bond with dogs is quite extraordinary in my opinion.  Those who know me may agree.  I forget the exact conversation but my PI was asking me what I wanted to do for my career and I'm sure the word "dog" was peppered somewhere in the conversation and she said "you know there is something called veterinary social work?"  No.  I did not know that.  Several minutes after I got back to my desk I was searching the internet.




According to a National Association of Social Workers (NASW) online news article from 2103, veterinary social work is an emerging field combining the two professions.  I will add the link to the article below.  Of course I didn't immediately think the profession would entail counseling dogs or advocating for the welfare of cattle and such but the possibilities of need is much broader than I expected.  According to author this profession could include:

• Grief and pet loss
• Animal assisted interactions
• The link between human and animal violence
• Compassion fatigue management

The term was first coined by Elizabeth Strand, Director of Veterinary Social Work  at the University of Tennessee Knoxville.  Strand has been running the program since 2002 and the academic programs include a concurrent MSSW/VSW (Master of Science in Social Work/Veterinary Social Work), a post graduate VSW certificate, and continuing education hours.  I will add the University's link below as well.  Needless to say, the concept piqued my interest and even more so after I had a house veterinarian come see Misha for a home check-up and to talk about the inevitability of needing help getting her over the "rainbow bridge" when it is her time.

References:

Clayton, L.  (2013).  Veterinary Social Work:  Emerging field joins two professions.  NASWNews (58)7.  https://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/news/2013/07/veterinary-social-work.asp

Veterinary Social Work, University of Tennessee Knoxville.  vetsocialwork.utk.edu