Amy Conroy sat alone in a veterinary exam room clutching a water bottle and holding back tears. Her 16-year-old cat, Leisel, was having trouble breathing. Conroy waited for an update on her condition.
The door opened and Laurie Maxwell entered.
Maxwell works for MedVet, a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in Chicago. But when Maxwell sat across from Conroy on a Monday afternoon in May, she explained that she wasn’t there for the cat, she was there for Conroy.
Maxwell is a veterinary social worker, a job in a little-known area of the therapy world. which focuses on relieving stress, the worry and pain that can arise when a pet needs medical attention.
Pets are no longer relegated to the periphery of the human family: For example, a 2022 survey found that nearly half of Americans sleep with an animal in their bed. As that relationship has intensified, so has the stress when something goes wrong. Those emotions can spill over into veterinary hospitals, where social workers can help pet owners navigate difficult decisions, such as euthanizing a pet or weighing whether they can afford to pay thousands of dollars for its medical care.
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Although still rare, the number of social workers at animal hospitals is increasing. Large chains like VCA are beginning to employ them, as are major academic veterinary hospitals. The service is usually offered free of charge. About 175 people have earned certification in veterinary social work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a major center for the field.
Maxwell, who oversees the work of five social workers at five MedVet locations, also helps out on busy shifts.
In the living room with Conroy, Leisel’s owner, Maxwell asked her one of his usual questions: “What role does she play in your life?”
Conroy smiled. “Well, it’s a terrible thing to say because I’ve had other cats, but she will always be my favorite cat,” he confessed.
Conroy said that when she brought Leisel home from a shelter in 2010, the cat was so scared that it was two years before Conroy could even touch her. Now the two are closely bonded.
“I have social anxiety, and it can be pretty debilitating at times,” Conroy told Maxwell. “I feel like she has social anxiety, too. We share that, you know?”
“Your twin cat,” Maxwell said. “I think she’s a unique cat.”
Just a few feet away, Dani Abboud, a social work student, sat on the ground to talk with Gloria Reyes, her 11-year-old son Jesreel, and her 8-year-old granddaughter Janiah. They were visiting Sassy, their 12-year-old pit bull, who was experiencing critical complications from bladder surgery.
“Where have you been all this time?” Reyes asked Abboud with a laugh. Hours earlier, Reyes had been trying to decide whether to euthanize Sassy or authorize a second surgery. “If I didn’t see life in her eyes, then maybe,” he said. “I can’t euthanize her.”
“You know what’s in his heart,” Abboud said.
The main task of social workers is to care for pet owners, But veterinarians and technicians, who are essentially nurses, say their presence also helps.
“I used to come home and worry about how a client was doing,” said Amy Heuberger, head of MedVet’s emergency department in Chicago. Now, she said, “I can see more animals in a shift because I know someone is taking care of the clients.”
Elizabeth Strand, director of the veterinary social work program at the University of Tennessee, said having a therapist on staff was becoming a strong selling point for veterinarians and other workers. The industry is a high-stress area, and suicide rates among veterinary physicians are higher than average.
After dropping off Reyes and the children, Abboud went to tend to Evrim Topal, whom he had been helping earlier in the day. Topal had brought in his family dog, Zorro, a 16-year-old cockapoo, because he was having trouble breathing. An examination revealed that Zorro’s condition was not going to improve.
Abboud met with Topal in a “comfort room,” a place MedVet reserves for euthanasia. Topal said she had a chaotic mix of feelings when she entered the room. “I don’t think I was ready to make this decision,” she said. But after talking it through, she felt at peace.
Shortly afterward, an assistant wheeled Zorro in on a cart. A plastic mask supplied him with oxygen. Topal placed Zorro on her lap while Abboud moved the oxygen tube so he could breathe better. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” Topal whispered to Zorro.
After Topal spent some time alone with Zorro, she rang a bell to let staff know she was ready. Heuberger joined Abboud in the room.
“Thank you all for being here,” Topal said.
Heuberger knelt on the ground and administered the lethal drugs to Zorro. After a few seconds, Zorro’s breathing stopped.
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#Support #pet #owners #critical #moments
The Emerging Field of Veterinary Social Work: Supporting Pet Owners in Times of Need
As the bond between humans and animals continues to strengthen, the emotional impact of pet care has become an increasingly important aspect of veterinary medicine. Veterinary social work, a relatively new and rapidly growing field, is dedicated to providing emotional support and guidance to pet owners during challenging times. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of veterinary social work, exploring its areas of focus, benefits, and the professionals who are making a difference in the lives of pet owners.
The Four Areas of Veterinary Social Work
According to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a leader in veterinary social work education, this field encompasses four primary areas of focus: Intentional Well-Being, Animal-Related Grief and Bereavement, Animal-Assisted Interventions, and The Link Between Human and Animal Well-being [[1]]. These areas of concentration acknowledge the intricate relationships between humans, animals, and their environments, addressing the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of pet care.
Relieving Stress and Pain
Veterinary social workers, like Laurie Maxwell, are trained to provide short-term, one-on-one support to pet owners navigating difficult situations, such as dealing with a pet’s illness, injury, or end-of-life care [[3]]. They offer a safe and non-judgmental space for owners to express their emotions, concerns, and fears, helping them make informed decisions about their pet’s care. By doing so, they alleviate stress, anxiety, and pain, promoting a more compassionate and supportive environment in veterinary hospitals.
Bridging Human and Veterinary Healthcare
Cherished Pets, an Australian organization, has developed an innovative Veterinary Social Work model that integrates human and veterinary healthcare, providing holistic support to pets and their owners [[2]]. This approach recognizes that the emotional well-being of pet owners is deeply connected to the health and well-being of their animals, and vice versa. By addressing the needs of both, veterinary social workers can foster stronger relationships between humans and animals, leading to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.
Growing Demand and Accessibility
Although still a relatively rare profession, the number of veterinary social workers is increasing, with large veterinary chains and academic hospitals beginning to employ them [[1]]. Many services are offered free of charge, making this valuable support accessible to a broader range of pet owners. To date, approximately 175 people have earned certification in veterinary social work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [[2]].
Conclusion
As the human-animal bond continues to evolve, veterinary social work is poised to play a vital role in supporting pet owners during times of need. By providing emotional guidance, relieving stress and pain, and bridging human and veterinary healthcare, these dedicated professionals are making a significant impact on the lives of pet owners and their beloved companions. As the demand for veterinary social workers grows, it’s essential to raise awareness about this emerging field and its importance in promoting a more compassionate and supportive veterinary care system.
The human-animal bond
The Growing Field of Veterinary Social Work: Supporting Pet Owners and Veterinary Professionals
As the bond between humans and animals continues to strengthen, the emotional toll of pet care can be significant. Veterinarians and pet owners alike often find themselves grappling with difficult decisions, such as euthanizing a beloved pet or weighing the cost of expensive medical care. In response, a relatively new field has emerged: veterinary social work. This profession focuses on relieving stress, worry, and pain that can arise when a pet needs medical attention [[1]].
What is Veterinary Social Work?
Veterinary social work is a specialized area of social work
