What is Veterinary Social Work?

At Bolton, we recognize that our animals are a beloved part of our lives. Veterinary social work is a specialized field of social work that focuses on the intersection of human-animal relationships, supporting both animal owners and veterinary professionals.

Our Veterinary Social Worker, Michele Watson , can be reached by phone at 860.926.1158 or by email at michele.watson@boltonvet.com.  Michele works on site 4 days a week and can be available to join you during an appointment.

Veterinary Social Work Services for Pet Owners

Please note that all VSW services are confidential and free of charge to clients of Bolton Veterinary Hospital.  Whether there has been a long term relationship with Bolton Vet as your veterinary care provider or it’s your first time seeing us, these complimentary services are here for you.

Veterinary Social Work Services offered:

  • Pet loss/grief support or anticipatory grief
  • In hospital support while visiting your hospitalized pet
  • Euthanasia support
  • Caregiver support
  • Support during decision-making
  • Assessing quality of life, support and guidance
  • Support when receiving a new diagnosis/new treatment options
  • Facilitating family discussions around patient care
  • Navigating pet loss with children
  • Community referrals and resources
  • Facilitate pet loss support groups

As part of our commitment to our clients and the human-animal bond, we offer a Pet Loss support group meeting by Zoom on Tuesdays at 5pm. Please contact Michele to confirm attendance and she will send the link via email.

Michele routinely reaches out to clients following appointments or tough decisions.  Please feel free to let your vet or exam technician know you’d like a call and Michele will contact you to provide additional support.

Veterinary Social Work services with Staff:

  • Compassion fatigue & burnout
  • Stress management
  • Short term counseling or resources
  • Conflict resolution & ethical/moral dilemma support
  • Short term crisis intervention
  • Grief support
  • Debriefing after a difficult case
  • Educational trainings
  • Staff Well-being groups