Veterinary social work is about supporting the human in the human-animal bond. The tenets of veterinary social work are grief and pet loss, the link between human & animal violence, animal assisted interactions, and compassion fatigue & conflict management. Below are links if you are interested in pursuing a certificate in veterinary social work as a mental health professional or animal care worker, or if you are trying to find a veterinary social worker in your area.
Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program: https://vetsocialwork.utk.edu/postgraduate-vswcp/
How to find a Veterinary Social Worker: https://vetsocialwork.utk.edu/veterinary-social-work-directory/
In addition to supporting pet owners, veterinary social work also involves supporting the professionals who work in the animal care field. Below are some additional resources for animal care workers about compassion fatigue.
Compassion Fatigue:
Jessica Dolce’s “Compassion in Balance” course: http://jessicadolce.com
ProQOL Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction Assessment: http://www.proqol.org
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project: http://www.compassionfatigue.org/index.html
Help for the Helper: The Psychophysiology of Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma by Babette Rothschild
Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Larua van Dernoot Lipsky with Connie Burk
When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession by Kathleen Ayl, PsyD
Mindfulness & Self-Compassion:
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction: http://www.mindfullivingprograms.com/whatMBSR.php
Self-Compassion Assessment and Resources: http://self-compassion.org/test-how-self-compassionate-you-are/
Finding support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Finding a therapist:
https://therapists.psychologytoday.com
http://openpathcollective.org