Pets play a critical role in the lives, safety, and well-being of many social work clients. In practice settings, such as housing, child welfare, aging services, behavioral health, and interpersonal violence, client decisions and outcomes are frequently influenced by their relationships with their pets. When pets are not considered, service plans may unintentionally create barriers to care, safety, and stability.

This Social Work Month webinar is designed to inform social workers about why pets must be recognized as part of the client system. Grounded in a One Health framework, this session will examine how the human–animal bond influences client engagement, risk, and access to services, and why pet-inclusive practice is essential for ethical, effective social work.

WEBSITE LINK:  https://tiny.utk.edu/March2026Webinar