Understanding the significance of the human-animal bond is critical to veterinary medicine and at VSH – North County our social worker addresses the needs that may arise for both our clients and our staff members. The changing role of animals in our lives has allowed for the development of veterinary social work; our companions are family and our veterinary social worker fully acknowledges this. Our social worker is here to help support pet owners during the emotionally difficult situations that may arise. As pet owners, we may be presented with overwhelmingly complicated situations and our social worker is here to help guide you through these tough times with empathy and support.

Social Work Services offered:

• Pet loss/grief support (including anticipatory grief)

• 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

• Facilitating family discussions around patient care

Our social worker will also provide additional external resources on the following topics:

• Navigating pet loss with children

• Ways to memorialize our pets

• Euthanasia at home

• Hospice care for pets

• Coping with guilt after pet loss

• Pet loss books and hotlines