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The Veterinary Human Support Certificate provides education for animal related professionals on the four areas of Veterinary Social Work. 

Eligibility

This certificate program is for animal-related professionals who have some form of health related state registration or license (DVM, LVT, etc)

If one does not have a state registration or license, they may apply for the certificate if they meet one of the two criteria below. These applicants will need to have 2 letters of recommendation sent on their behalf on top of the standard application materials.

  • Animal related professional who has an associate or bachelor degree in any field AND has been in animal related field 5+ years
  • Animal related professional with a bachelor degree in animal related field AND has been in animal related field 2+ years

Certificate Overview:

Modules: Online, self-paced, year-round availability

  • Social Work Values, Ethics, and History
  • Compassion Fatigue and Conflict Management 
  • Animal Related Grief and Bereavement 
  • Animal Assisted Interventions 
  • The Link Between Human and Animal Violence
  • Ethics and Moral Stress
  • Advanced Techniques for Human Engagement
  • Advanced Techniques for Human Management 
  • On boarding in Mental Health

Supervision Sessions: Online video conference

  • 7 sessions (All sessions required)
  • Progression of cases, with assignments
  • Hosted once a year. Dates TBD.

Keystone Project: Proposals can be submitted after completion of related modules

  • participants must complete a keystone project that requires at least 250 hours of service learning. This piece of the certificate requires participants to take their new knowledge and turn it into action at a location of their choosing. The keystone component is flexible and is designed to help participants develop relationships and begin the process of making their goals come into being.
  • Click here to submit your Keystone proposal

Workshops: 3 workshops

  • Emotional CPR workshop
    • Hosted once a year. Dates TBD.
    • 2 or 3 days depending
    • Online via zoom
  • Veterinary Human Support Intensive
    • Hosted once a year. Dates TBD.
    • 5 days
    • Online via zoom
  • 3-day International Veterinary Social Work Summit
    • October, biennially (2020, 2022, 2024, 2026)
    • Location TBD
    • Final step in the certificate!

Disclaimer: Completion of this certificate does not qualify one to become a mental health professional. If you are interested in becoming a mental health professional, check out the Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program for University of Tennessee Master of Science in Social Work students.

Apply Now

Applications are accepted year round. You can apply any time. You will need a letter of intent, resume, professional license number if applicable, transcripts, and photo to complete this application. Some applicants will need to submit 2 letters of recommendation. The review process typically takes 4 weeks once all materials are received. For additional application information, click the apply now link.

If you have a question, click here to send us a message. Using this form to contact use will get a quicker response than email.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this program 100% Online?

Almost! A majority of the certificate is online, the International Veterinary Social Work Summit may be in person. The 2022 Summit will be held virtually October 14-16, 2022.

Once enrolled, how long do I have to complete the program?

This is a self-paced program! You can take up to 5-6 years to complete the certificate, though you can finish sooner.

When is payment due for the certificate program?

Participants purchase each individuals step in the program as they move through the program. If you want to work on a module, then you purchase the module when you are ready. It is pay as you go.

Is there a refund policy if I am no longer able to complete and online or face to face training?

Click here for our refund policy for our modules. Click here for our refund policy for face-to-face trainings.

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