International Association of Veterinary Social Work

?? New IAVSW Merch Alert! ?? Rock your passion with our latest styles: “Ask me about Veterinary Social Work” and “Veterinary Social Worker.” ???? ?? Now through March 31st, use code THXVSW10 for 10% off your order! ?? Don’t miss out— visit our store at https://buff.ly/gpVriz4 #IAVSW #VeterinarySocialWork #VSWMerch #SocialWorkApparel #VeterinarySocialWorker #VetMed #MerchDrop #DiscountCode

???? Let’s celebrate the vital role of Veterinary Social Workers in the animal welfare field! ???? Our IAVSW Vice President, Dillon Dodson’s dedication to breaking down barriers and advocating for pets and their people at @toronto_humane_society is truly inspiring. By bridging social work and animal welfare, social workers in animal welfare settings “provide essential support to pet parents facing significant challenges, collaborate with other animal welfare professionals to ensure holistic care, and advocate for systemic changes that benefit both humans and animals.” To read more of Dillon’s article, "The Role of Social Work in Animal Care Spaces: Fostering Compassion and Advocacy", visit https://lnkd.in/egt9Um-E #VeterinarySocialWork #AnimalWelfare #IAVSW #Advocacy #PetGuardians #AnimalWellbeing #InclusiveCommunities #SocialWorkMatters #PetSupport

The IAVSW is offering a special promotion for the My Dog is My Home Annual Virtual Conference! ?? This year’s conference, held March 25-27, 2025, is centered around the theme “Why Pets? Why Now? The Urgency of Inclusion.” The conference will unite leaders in pet-inclusive housing, individuals with lived experiences of homelessness, and hundreds of representatives from human services and animal welfare nonprofits to create meaningful change. ? Register now and save $65 on your $130 ticket with code IAVSWfriend. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an essential conversation about the future of housing and pet inclusion. ?? Get your tickets and more details at https://lnkd.in/gjSYgU5c. Let's work together to ensure no one has to choose between a home and their best friend. ????

March is Social Work Month in the US! ?? Let's celebrate the incredible social workers who support both animals and their human companions, providing compassionate care, advocating for change, supporting communities, and empowering individuals. #SocialWorkMonth #IAVSW #VeterinarySocialWork

Given the current social and political enviroment, we want to be transparent as an organization about how we are using social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook that are owned by Meta. The IAVSW does not support Meta’s stance on hate speech, the spread of misinformation, or other actions that align with the current administration’s harmful rhetoric. As an organization rooted in social work ethics and principles, we stand firmly against the use of social media platforms to amplify divisive and misleading content. However, we also recognize that many in our community rely on this platform for connection, support, and access to accurate information. For this reason, we will continue to use Meta’s platforms strategically—to share vetted, reliable content, foster meaningful discussions, and provide a space for those seeking support. We want to make it clear that IAVSW will not contribute financially to Meta through advertising or paid promotions. Instead, we are prioritizing more active engagement on LinkedIn, where we encourage you to follow us for professional discussions and resources. We also invite you to stay connected through our newsletter and membership platform, where we will continue to provide updates, advocacy opportunities, and community-building efforts. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we engage thoughtfully and intentionally in the spaces where we can make a difference. Thank you for standing with us.

VetLed's annual VIRTUAL event, the Veterinary Human Factors Conference is happening on 28th February 2025 and is the place to find out more about essential topics like workplace culture, wellbeing, leadership, communication, and so much more. You can't thrive in practice without these skills, yet clinical topics are always the 'main attraction' at veterinary conferences. Well, not anymore! Get your ticket now - you won't want to miss out! Tickets are usually ￡190.80 (inc. VAT), but IAVSW members can get 10% off with code IAVSW10. With your ticket, you'll have access to three streams and a full day of live, immersive CPD for vets, vet nurses, practice managers, veterinary social workers, mental health professionals, and the whole practice team! You can even watch the content on replay if you can't attend on the day! Tickets and further information available at https://buff.ly/4gPTpTk

?? FREE RACE-Approved CE Credits! ?? Looking to earn CE credits and improve your ability to support others through emotional crises? Don’t miss out on the IAVSW-sponsored course: "Intro to Emotional CPR"! Emotional CPR (eCPR) teaches you three simple steps to help someone in an emotional crisis: ?? Connection ?? Powerment ?? Revitalization eCPR draws from proven approaches like trauma-informed care, peer support, emotional intelligence, and suicide prevention to provide effective support in high-stress situations. Led by Valarie Bogie (IAVSW Director of Partnerships) and Dr. Joanna Robson (IAVSW member), both certified eCPR trainers with a focus on applying these techniques in veterinary settings. ?? Sign up now for FREE credits! ?? Enroll here https://buff.ly/3CYIc4W or search for the course on CE Broker! #EmotionalCPR #RACEApproved #FreeCE #VeterinarySupport #MentalHealthMatters #TraumaInformedCare

A note from the IAVSW regarding our current political climate: The current challenges unfolding in the U.S. are deeply troubling, impacting the communities we serve and the values we uphold. As an organization grounded in social work ethics and principles, we are committed to advocating, educating, and using our collective voice—especially for those who cannot. In these critical times, we urge our members to engage with their local chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), veterinary associations, and other organizations actively championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Now more than ever, finding your community and identifying ways to take action at a local level is essential. While much of this turmoil is centered in the U.S., we know the world is watching, standing in solidarity, and seeking ways to support those most affected. This moment calls for urgency, unity, and resilience. We also recognize the emotional and mental toll these challenges bring. As you work to support others, we encourage you to prioritize your own well-being. Advocacy and action are powerful, but they must be sustained with care and connection. We stand with you. We will continue to amplify your voices. And together, we will navigate this moment with strength and purpose.

"Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control" ?? February 17th @ 12pm EST Join Dr. Mary Wakeham (CEO & Founder of Refuge4Pets) and Amy Hyde (National Lifeline Service Manager, Cats Protection) as they share their expertise from the UK on the intersection of animal abuse and coercive control. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/edDevyr8

???? We’re putting the ?International? in International Association of Veterinary social work with our 2025 curriculum ???? Join us for 7 exciting webinars, featuring incredible speakers from 5 different countries, as we explore the intersection of veterinary care and social work across the globe. ???????? Get ready to expand your knowledge, connect with professionals worldwide, and be part of an international community dedicated to animal welfare and human well-being. ?????? To read more about our webinars and sign up, visit buff.ly/3WXPeO1 #IAVSW #VeterinarySocialWork #GlobalConnection #WebinarSeries #AnimalWelfare #SocialWork #VeterinaryCare #InternationalCommunity