Evidence of the power of relationships between humans and their animal companions is invigorating a growing interest for social work professionals to know about these connections and incorporate them into practice. Social work faculty in Falk College continue to develop new courses focused on the human-companion animal bond and the therapeutic role of animals while infusing these topics into existing offerings.
During the first course meeting of Social Work and the Human-Animal Bond that debuted this spring, students shared varied perspectives on the important connection between humans and animal companions and considered the implications of these relationships in social work practice. “The readings and discussion for the first class really tried to address the question, ‘why in the world should we study animals in social work?’ And the reason is that nonhuman animals matter deeply in the lives of human animals,” says Assistant Professor of Social Work Yvonne Smith, who created the course in consultation with a working group of other social work faculty, staff and students.
The course introduces students to theory and research on humancompanion animal relationships in social work practice and their role in overall well-being. The class spends time studying pet-related grief and loss [see related article, page 24], an issue veterinary practices face daily.
“There is a great need for social workers equipped to work with people grieving the loss of a pet and with veterinarians and other animal professionals who suffer high rates of suicide, depression and emotional distress,” says Smith.
Texts and articles that include companion animal issues such as the link between animal cruelty and other forms of family violence and how to assess for other animal relationships are critical for courses in human behavior, social work practice, families and children, domestic violence, and child welfare. The therapeutic impact that companion and other animals can have for children, families, and the elderly population can be woven into courses on human development and mental health courses.
“For many of our clients, relationships with companion animals are among the most important in their lives, so it is essential for social workers to understand those bonds,” says Smith.