Welcome to Penn Vet’s new website; now in the last phase of completion. If you are a member of the Penn Vet community and see an issue, please complete our feedback form.

    What we do

    We have our own team of veterinary social workers and interns who provide compassionate support to pet caregivers. These sessions are not professional counseling or therapy.

    Penn Vet clients who are interested in one of our Support Groups should ask the attending veterinarian to connect them with a Penn Vet social worker. Our support groups foster mutual support and sharing of experiences.

    Our Service

    Resources

    Remember, you are not alone. If you are facing a challenging time, either because of the loss of an animal you love, or because your animal is facing long-term illness, here are some resources for you.

    Our Service

    Resources

    Remember, you are not alone. If you are facing a challenging time, either because of the loss of an animal you love, or because your animal is facing long-term illness, here are some resources for you.

    For Families and Surviving Pets

    Reading Recommendations

    Adults

    Recommended Reading (Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement)

    • It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand, by Megan Devine
    • Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, by Jon Katz
    • Only Gone From Your Sight, by Kate McGahan
    • Griffin’s Heart, by Reagan Pasternak
    • The Loss of a Pet, by Wallace Sifee

    Children

    • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (Season 3, Episode 20: “Daniel’s Fish Dies/Daniel’s Strawberry Seeds”)
    • Paw Prints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet, by Warren Hanson
    • The Next Place, by Warren Hanson
    • The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet, by Patrice Karst
    • Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates, by Gary Kurz
    • Until We Meet Again: From Grief to Hope After Losing a Pet, by Melissa Lyons
    • The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise, by Adrian Raeside

    Surviving Pets

    Budgeting Information

    • Budgeting for your furry best friend by The Skimm
    • Money tips for caring pet owners by AVMA

    Support Groups and Hotlines

    Animal Cruelty Reporting & Dog Laws

    Just like humans, animals cannot always escape abusive situations. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, these are some of your reporting options. Each state has their own unique animal welfare laws and investigative procedures.

    The above resources last updated January 2024.

    Meet the Social Work Team

    Page Buck, PhD, LSW

    Alea Cummings, MSW, LCSW

    Ella Chasan, CVT, MSW (Volunteer)

    Cathy Kreider, MSW (Volunteer)

    Freya Chunran Zhang, BS (Social Work Graduate Intern)

    Talia Zlupko, BA (Social Work Graduate Intern)

    Ryan Veterinary Hospital

    Emergencies:
    (215) 746-8911

    By Appointment:
    (215) 746-8387