Veterinary professionals often face intense emotional challenges — from navigating difficult euthanasia conversations to managing compassion fatigue and moral distress. But did you know that social workers are increasingly becoming essential allies in these moments? In this episode, we explore the growing field of veterinary social work and how it bridges the gap between human and animal wellbeing. You’ll learn about the origins of veterinary social work, including pioneering efforts from the University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work Program, and how this interdisciplinary approach helps address the emotional complexities faced by veterinary teams and their clients.
We’ll also dive into real-world examples of how social workers provide critical support — assisting with grief counseling, enhancing client communication, and helping veterinary professionals manage stress and burnout. Listen to discover how integrating social work into veterinary settings is transforming the profession by fostering a more compassionate, sustainable future for everyone involved.
Resources
Center for Veterinary Social Work: https://vetsocialwork.tennessee.edu/
University of Tennessee launches the first Center for Veterinary Social Work (article): https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/262/1/javma.23.11.0614.xml
Why all veterinary practices should have a mental health professional on staff (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/veterinary-hospitals-mental-health-professional-staff/
Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo
Try 100 Notes for Free: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed
Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.
Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com
The first AI-powered veterinary SOAP creator that builds accurate medical records effortlessly.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.