Simply put, the goal of public health is to improve the health of people and their communities by taking a population level approach. Social workers play an integral role in achieving this by helping people identify needed resources, overcome barriers to care, and navigate the worlds of healthcare and social services.
Veterinary Social Workers (VSWs) contribute in a different, but equally important way, in the quest for public health. We know that pets impact the physical, social, and emotional health of their families. It is the VSWs that help make sure the pets get the care that they need and continue to foster that important bond among families with pets.
A 2021 article highlighted research demonstrating some of the unique things that VSWs are trained to do to help pet families. They include:
- Animal-Assisted Interventions. Beyond the day-to-day support pets bring their families, pets can also perform specialized duties to relieve a family member's stress and anxiety. VSWs can identify these opportunities and work with the family to facilitate them.
- Conflict Resolution. The relationship between a family and their veterinarian is important and veterinarians are trained in navigating communication and treatment options. However, sometimes disagreements arise. VSWs can help mediate these concerns and arrive at a decision that is best for everyone.
- Identifying Abuse. A survey of domestic violence victims found that 71% of their pets had also been abused by the same perpetrator. VSWs are aware of this connection and can use established reporting mechanisms to alert others about the concerns for pets and for their families.
- Assisting with Grief and Bereavement. The loss of an animal, especially a bonded pet, can bring about the same difficult feelings as the loss of a family member or friend. VSWs can help families through the decision-making process and provide support to the families after the pet's passing when they may not find that support elsewhere.
Veterinary Social Workers are valued teammates in the world of public health!
In what other ways have you seen VSWs contribute to the public health of the community they serve?
References
1. Loue, S., & Vincent, A.L.(2021). Directions in Veterinary Social Work. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 13(4), 633-651. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/13.4/502
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Kaitlyn Davis, MS, MPH
Research Associate
UTK Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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