About Us
Our Story
The International Association of Veterinary Social Work (IAVSW) is a global interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing the well-being of animals, their caregivers, and the professionals who serve them. Rooted in the foundational work of the Center for Veterinary Social Work and the International Veterinary Social Work Summit, the IAVSW was born from a shared vision.
Our journey began at the 2018 Veterinary Social Work Summit, where leaders in the field came together to create a professional home for collaboration and growth. From this gathering, this working group defined our core pillars: education, advocacy, community building and research. In 2020, IAVSW was formally established, and our first board of directors was formed, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of veterinary social work.
Today, we continue to honor our roots while looking ahead, fostering innovation, providing education, and cultivating partnerships that drive meaningful change. Whether you're an experienced professional or new to the field, we welcome you to join us as we work toward a future where the human-animal bond is fully understood and supported, and where the mental health of those in animal care is prioritized.
The 5 Pillars
Professionals working together to honor and understand the human-animal relationship.
Veterinary Social Work (VSW) addresses the most critical intersections of human and animal well-being through five interconnected pillars. Together, the guide professionals in creating meaningful change for animals, their caregivers, and the communities that support them.
-
The Link Between Human and Animal Violence – Advocating for interventions that protect vulnerable humans and animals by addressing the interconnected nature of abuse.
-
Animal-Related Grief and Bereavement – Supporting individuals and communities through the unique challenges of losing companion, service or working animals.
-
Animal-Assisted Interventions – Advancing the ethical use of animals in therapeutic settings to improve human mental and physical health.
-
Intentional Well-Being for Animal-Related Professionals – Addressing compassion fatigue and promoting resilience in professionals who dedicate their lives to animal care.
-
Environmental Impact on the Human-Animal Relationship (HAR) – Investigating how environmental factors shape the human-animal bond and advocating for practices that support sustainability.
The IAVSW is dedicated to advancing these five pillars through advocacy, education, research, and community building. Our work ensures that the human-animal relationship is not only studied but actively nurtured, for the benefit of animals, their caregivers, the professionals who support their wellbeing, and society at large.