Veterinarian Alicia Kennedy describes pets as “anchors” for our mental health. Companion animals have a strong relationship with human wellbeing – and the emotions involved often also get reflected onto vets. 26.4% of Australian vets suffer work-related burnout, 25.6% suffer from depression, and they’re four times more likely than the average Australian to die by suicide.
Dr Kennedy’s practice Cherished Pets, in Ocean Grove, Victoria, uses an innovative model of “veterinary social work” to improve wellbeing outcomes for both vets and pet owners. The inclusion of a social worker in the vet care team provides an extra layer of care for vulnerable clients – who might be aging or disabled and struggling to keep up with their pet’s needs, or experiencing mental health crises, domestic violence or homelessness. In other circumstances, these aspects often fall on vets themselves, who aren’t equipped to address them – the veterinary social worker takes them off their shoulders, as well as providing a direct support for vets to debrief from the work.
“70% of Australians love and cherish a pet,” says Dr Kennedy. “But when people are facing hardship for whatever reason … they need extra assistance. So I very much see the role of veterinarians in community health.”
Listen to AFTRS FM Episode 5: Pets, to hear the full story on holistic vet care.
Image: Public Domain.
Leave a Reply