What is veterinary social work?

Veterinary Social Work is the provision of services at the intersection of Veterinary Medicine and Social Work Practice.
Veterinary Social Work provides a holistic and informed service specifically tailored for those working in animal-related fields.
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 Downloadable brochure: ​​What is Veterinary Social Work? 

How can social workers support vets?

Veterinary practice is situated within a unique health environment.
Vet's often work in relative isolation and have a role to maximise the potential of the human-nonhuman animal bond, promoting the health and wellbeing of both.
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Vet wellbeing

While many vets experience wellbeing from this deeply meaningful work, vets have higher rates of psychological stress and are at increased risk of suicide than the general population.
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A considerable body of research has acknowledged unique workplace stressors including financial, psychological and ethical which can result in compassion fatigue and burnout.  Ethical dilemmas are suggested as one of the leading causes of moral stress, as veterinarians encounter conflicts between client and patient interests which may affect animal welfare.​​

Client support

Your clients may come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.  
Clients may have high treatment expectations, experience financial, social, mental health distress or other vulnerabilities, or emotional responses which may require support beyond the scope of veterinary expertise. 

Social workers can provide a safe, timely and non-judgmental space often in consultation with vets, to explore emotions and help animal guardians to problem-solve difficult decisions such as treatment choices,  euthanasia, and through the bereavement of losing an companion animal. We can also provide referrals and resources for external supports if required.

Social work

Social workers are trained to work with people, families and communities. Social workers engage people to address life challenges and promote helpful change, while acknowledging and addressing external issues that may impact wellbeing.

​We collaborate with community supports and organisations to enhance individual and collective wellbeing, and can provide referral pathways and information on further community resources for holistic support.

Social work practice is reflexive and evidence based, drawing on current research.
Support for Vet staff
Supporting organisational and staff wellbeing within small and large practice settings.

Debriefing, counselling and education around:
  • Communication skills and managing uncomfortable conversations with clients.
  • Ways of providing emotional support for clients, including the human - nonhuman animal bond and links with mental health and wellness.
  • Compassion fatigue / vicarious trauma / burnout.
  • Debriefing models and ideas to suit your practice.
  • ​The link between human and animal violence.
  • Collaboration / networking with other services to support clients (referral to Mental Health services, Financial Counsellors, Family & Domestic Violence services, etc).
  • Resourcing local services / organisations in your area to provide flyers and resource lists to make available to your clients.
  • Group or individual support.
Support for your clients
Providing a space for clients who may benefit from further support relating to the care of animals.
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  • Holistic support for both individuals and families.
  • Supporting clients with treatment and end-of-life decision making within a non-judgemental environment.
  • Bereavement support around anticipatory and disenfranchised grief.  Ways to talk with children about pet loss.
  • Group facilitation: Grief and Loss Support Group / Treatment Support Group​​​ (discussions around animal related issues).
  • Counselling.
  • Referrals to helpful external services.
  • Resources available – education and further support.​

Resources

Research papers and further information on topics relating to vet health and wellbeing, the human-non human animal bond and useful resources.