Veterinary social work is a social work specialty that focuses on the human needs that arise in veterinary medicine.
As pet owners, we are sometimes presented with overwhelmingly complicated situations; our social worker offers support and guidance during the emotionally difficult situations that sometimes arise when receiving veterinary care for our beloved family members. At Premier in Orland Park, understanding the significance of the human-animal bond and maintaining the emotional wellness of our team is critical to veterinary medicine. A veterinary social worker is a valuable resource for pet owners and our medical team, and we are fortunate and proud to provide this important service to our community.
Pet Loss Support Groups
If you are struggling with the loss of a pet, our monthly Pet Loss Support Groups may be a useful resource in your healing journey. The groups provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where bereaved owners can support each other following the loss of a pet.
Please contact us if you have questions or would like to sign up.
Social Work Services offered:
- Pet loss/grief support (including anticipatory grief).
- Navigating pet loss with children.
- Ways to memorialize our pets.
- Coping with guilt after pet loss.
- Guidance in helping pets grieve the loss of their housemate.
- Pet loss support group.
- Facilitating family discussions around patient care.
- Caregiver support (support for those caring for pets with chronic needs).
- Support when receiving a new diagnosis/new treatment options.
- Support during decision making.
- Assessing quality of life.
- End-of-life decision making.
Our social worker will also provide additional external resources on the following topics:
- Euthanasia at home.
- Hospice care for pets.
- Pet loss books and hotlines.
- Alternative cremation and burial options.
- Financial aid resources, such as external grants and pet food pantries.
- Additional support groups.
Learn more about Veterinary Social Work
Dr. Christina Malloy joined the PAWEDcast to talk about the role of a veterinary social worker. Together they discuss what it means to support veterinary teams, clients, and patients.