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/
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