Veterinary Social Work & Pet Bereavement Services
The Veterinary Social Work Program at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania was created to address the emotional needs of pet parents/owners who have lost a companion animal. This was one of the first programs of its kind in a veterinary hospital setting. The Veterinary Social Work Program recognizes and embraces the significance and difficulties associated with pet loss. By promoting education about the human–animal bond, grief and bereavement, the Veterinary Social Work Program strives to improve coping and adjustment for those who have lost a beloved companion animal.
The Veterinary Social Work Program also provides support services to those with chronically ill animals and animals with behavior issues, as well as community humane education and education within the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the surrounding community. The Veterinary Social Work Program engages in scholarly research in conjunction with the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society (CIAS) at the University of Pennsylvania.
Clinical services provided include:
Other veterinary social work services provided:
Ryan Veterinary Hospital Social Work in the News
Resources for Pet Owners
Resources for Veterinary Staff
General Information Resources
About Our Staff
Christina Bach, MSW, LSW
Director, Clinical Social Work and Pet Bereavement Services
Phone: 215.898.4529
E-mail: bachce@vet.upenn.edu
Christina received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and a post-master’s certificate in end-of-life care from the Smith College School for Social Work. She has a keen interest in the research of theories of end-of-life care and applying these theories to the human–animal bond and pet loss. She also is dedicated to furthering the mission of veterinary social work practice and the education of veterinary and social work students. Christina is a lifelong dog-mom, currently living with three beagles—Gus, Maggie and Finnegan—and is an active volunteer with BREW Beagle Rescue.