The Impact of Veterinary Social Work

Pets are more than companions, they are family. The deep bond between people and pets is the foundation of veterinary social work.

When clients come to the Community Veterinary Hospital, there can be other areas of need in their lives. Oregon Humane Society’s veterinary social worker, Kelly Bremken, MSW, connects clients with other social services including housing, access to pet food, health care, counseling, and other needs. With her expertise, Kelly also helps clients as they face end of life decisions for their pets.

Working in animal welfare can be emotionally demanding with high rates of burn out, so Kelly also plays a critical role in supporting staff at the CVH and OHS campuses in Portland and Salem.