The Social Worker: An Essential Hospice and Palliative Team Member.

In veterinary hospice and palliative care practice, there is as much or more interaction with people as with the animal patient. It is an emotionally volatile environment, and veterinary professionals do not have the training to assess the mental health and emotional needs of clients. Nor are they qualified to counsel or provide therapy for humans. Providing veterinary treatment in this environment is emotionally draining for the treatment team, necessitating assistance to address workplace stress and compassion fatigue. Social workers are uniquely qualified to serve in these capacities. This article explains how they are essential to the interdisciplinary team.