More Than Medicine: The Role of Veterinary Social Workers in Healing People and Pets

Written by Renea Lewis, Marketing Growth Strategist, blendVET®
Founder & AI-Powered Marketing Strategist, WriterReneaMultimedia.com

Veterinary Social Workers (VSWs) are the emotional first responders in the exam room, behind the reception desk, and sometimes even on the other end of a grief-stricken phone call. They provide critical support for pet parents and veterinary professionals alike—support that goes beyond the stethoscope.

We sat down with Bri Golob, MSW, LCSW, Program Director at blendVET®, to learn how VSWs are making waves in the veterinary industry and why their presence is essential in every clinic, classroom, and community.

Q&A with Bri Golob, blendVET Program Director

Q: What is a Veterinary Social Worker, and how do they fit into a veterinary team?
Bri: A Veterinary Social Worker (VSW) is trained to provide emotional and psychological support in veterinary settings. We work with veterinary professionals—doctors, techs, nurses, and CSRs—to manage stress, compassion fatigue, grief support, crisis intervention, and client communication. We're a bridge between clinical care and emotional care.

Q: Who benefits from a VSW's presence in veterinary medicine?
Bri: Everyone. Pet owners often face devastating decisions or financial stress; VSWs help them process those emotions in real time. On the professional side, veterinarians and team members are experiencing burnout and moral distress at alarming rates. VSWs help create a psychologically safe workplace, reduce turnover, and promote team well-being.

Q: How has blendVET® leaned into the support of Veterinary Social Work?
Bri: We integrate VSW principles into our veterinary continuing education curriculum for veterinary professionals. For example, during our Certified Achiever program, we featured Angie Arora, MSW, RSW—a renowned veterinary social worker—in two learning modules to guide learners through trauma-informed care and inclusive client communication.

Q: Can you share an example of VSWs impact beyond traditional practice?
Bri: Absolutely. At our Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine Youth Pathways event, we partnered with the Toronto Humane Society to host students exploring careers in veterinary medicine. Social workers, including myself and current IAVSW Vice President Dillon Dodson were on-site supporting the event and educating youth about the role of social workers in veterinary settings. Angie Arora also delivered a VETtalk that moved the entire room—it underscored how human-centered care starts with belonging.

Q: blendVET recently launched a collaboration that also supports Veterinary Social Work. Can you tell us more?
Bri: Yes! We partnered with the International Association of Veterinary Social Work (IAVSW) on a limited-edition apparel collection. Proceeds support both Youth Pathways events—like our vetlab supplies and youth engagement efforts—and helps IAVSW continue advocacy and education in the VSW space. It’s fashion with purpose.

Q: How can the vet med community support the mission of Veterinary Social Workers?
Bri: Start by recognizing that veterinary care is people care. Advocate for VSW in your clinics. Invite them to speak at CE events. Include them in client care strategies. And support initiatives like ours—where healing isn’t just for the pet, but for everyone in the room.

Wear the Message. Fuel the Mission.

blendVET believes in backing up their values with action—and style. They recently launched a special collaboration with the IAVSW to spotlight the essential work of VSWs through a limited-edition apparel line. You can support the future of veterinary social work with purpose-driven apparel that gives back. Proceeds help fund blendVET’s Youth Pathway program supplies and IAVSW’s ongoing advocacy in mental health and veterinary care.

🛍️ Use code VSW to get 25% off your order now through May 30 at the blendVET Shop.

Creating a culture of care starts with what you stand for—and sometimes, what you wear.

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