Veterinary Social Work
Supporting the People Who Love and Care for Pets
Veterinary Social Work (VSW) supports the human side of veterinary care, recognizing how deeply our lives are connected to the animals we love.
When your pet is sick or injured, the emotions and decisions that follow can feel overwhelming. Our veterinary social worker offers education, guidance, and emotional support to help you navigate these experiences, including conversations about your pet’s quality of life and euthanasia.
The field of veterinary social work centers on four key areas:
- Animal-assisted interventions
- The connection between violence toward people and animals
- Grief and loss related to animals
- Compassion fatigue and conflict management
This support extends to our caregivers, too. Our veterinary social worker works with veterinarians and staff throughout OPVMC to support their well-being as they care for pets and their families.
To connect with our Veterinary Social Worker, Katie Nokovich, call 716-662-6660 ext. 276. You can also ask your pet’s veterinarian or any member of the OPVMC team about accessing these services.
Katie Nokovich
LMSW
Katie Nokovich is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Daemen University and Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University at Buffalo. Katie has experience working with patients that are terminally ill and their loved ones in the field of dying, grief, and loss including Hospice Care. Katie uses a trauma focused approach to help families navigate difficult conversations surrounding quality of life and end of life.
Katie wanted to become a Veterinary Social Worker to merge her biggest passions: animals and grief support. Katie’s goal is to normalize/validate grief among pet owners and help them develop healthy coping skills to navigate life without their pet. Katie enjoys spending time with her partner and their dog. She enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and traveling.
Autumn
VSW
Bio coming soon!
How Our Veterinary Social Worker Can Help
- Offer emotional support when you visit your pet in the hospital
- Provide short-term support during a crisis
- Help you navigate difficult decisions about quality of life and euthanasia, along with support for grief and loss
- Support conversations between you, your veterinarian, and your pet’s treatment team
- Reach out by phone to check in and offer support
- Connect you with community resources and support services