Social Work's Role in Preserving the Human-Animal Bond

Social Work's Role in Preserving the Human-Animal Bond

Canadians love their pets and almost 80% of Canadian households have at least one pet. This webinar will provide an introduction to the field of veterinary social work, give an overview of the human-animal bond and explore the significance of considering animals in direct service work. Participants will learn about the differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals, along with strategies for supporting clients with pets. The session will also cover services available to clients, introduce animal welfare and cruelty legislation, and discuss the importance of cross-reporting between child and animal welfare. Join Toronto Humane Society Social Worker, Dillon Dodson, to expand your knowledge on how to effectively support clients who have animals so you can enhance outcomes and wellbeing.

This webinar is free for all to attend!

REGISTER HERE

Presented by the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Dillon Dodson, MSW, RSW

Dillon Dodson has been passionate about the healing power of animals since childhood. With over 15 years of experience as a professional social worker working primarily in community mental heath, private practice and shelters for humans, Dillon has sought opportunities to bring people and animals together, whether through animal-assisted therapy or equine-facilitated therapy. Dillon's educational background in Social Work includes a Bachelor's Degree from McMaster University and a Master’s Degree from University of Toronto. She has also obtained certifications relevant to her field of specialization, including the Clinical Traumatologist and Compassion Fatigue Specialist designations from the Traumatology Institute Training Curriculum, the Supervisors/Managers Certificate from the Hostels Training Centre, certification in EMDR and postgraduate certificate in Veterinary Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Dillon is on the board of International Association of Veterinary Social Workers and received the Ontario Association of Social Workers regional award in 2023. Finally, Dillon is an adjunct-lecturer with the University of Toronto and certified Pet Loss, Bereavement and Grief counsellor. Dillon’s extensive background in supporting marginalized communities and incorporating animals into wellness led to her current position as Director of Social Work at Toronto Humane Society (the first resident social worker embedded in animal welfare space in Ontario).

The Ontario Association of Social Workers (oasw.org) is the voice of the social work profession in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing 9,500+ social workers. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served. OASW also offers high-quality, free or low-cost professional development opportunities to social workers and other health and mental health care providers through our OASW Learning Centre (olc.oasw.org).