Veterinary
Social Work & Client Counseling
At the Veterinary Hospital, we recognize that your relationship with your pet is of the highest importance, and we aim to offer you the same support that you offer them by helping you manage the challenges of caring for a pet with increased needs.
Resources
Clients and families facing difficult decisions, grief, or emotional stress often benefit from having access to supportive tools and guidance. The resources below are designed to help pet owners, children, and professionals better understand the challenges that come with pet illness and loss, and to provide compassionate support throughout the healing process.
Books for Talking about Pet Loss
A curated list of books designed to help individuals and families understand and process the grief that follows the loss of a beloved pet. These titles offer age-appropriate language, emotional guidance, and practical strategies for beginning conversations about loss and healing.
Children & Pet Loss
Resources to help children understand and cope with the death of a pet. This section provides guidance for caregivers on communicating about loss in supportive, age-appropriate ways, along with tools to help children express their feelings and build resilience.
Community Resources
A directory of local and regional support options, including grief counseling services, support groups, emergency assistance, and organizations dedicated to helping pet owners navigate emotional or financial challenges related to veterinary care or loss.
Memorial Ideas
Thoughtful ways to honor and remember a cherished companion animal, including memorial keepsakes, ceremonies, tributes, and personalized projects that help families celebrate their pet’s life and preserve meaningful memories.
Pet Grief and Loss Online Support
A collection of online resources—including virtual support groups, articles, and counseling services—designed to help pet owners find comfort, connect with others experiencing similar loss, and access guidance no matter where they are.
Service Dog Resources Veterans and Service Members
Information and support services for veterans and active-duty service members who rely on service dogs. Resources include training programs, placement organizations, financial assistance options, and guidance for navigating the emotional impact of service dog illness or loss.
Veterinary Social Work Resources for Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals
Professional resources for those supporting clients experiencing pet-related grief, trauma, or crisis. Materials include best practices in veterinary social work, communication tools for difficult conversations, and guidance on partnering with veterinary teams.
Supporting You Through Your Pet’s Health Challenges
Animals fill many significant roles in a person’s life. At the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, we know deeply that that the illness or loss of such an important fixture in your life can be devastating. The bond between a pet and their person does not break when subjected to difficult circumstances, and it is important to acknowledge this in order to process the grief that accompanies these life changes.
At the Veterinary Hospital, we recognize that your relationship with your pet is of the highest importance, and we aim to offer you the same support that you offer them by helping you manage the challenges of caring for a pet with increased needs.
How can we help?
Giving support to your family:
- Fostering partnership between you and your veterinary care team.
- Assistance in processing complicated treatment decisions, including quality of life assessments.
- Counseling during treatments and procedures, such as chemotherapy and surgery.
- Emotional support and assistance.
- Support during the euthanasia process.
Counseling and Providing Education for Individuals and Families
- Managing demands of chronic illnesses
- Planning for end of life transitions
- Facilitating discussions with children about the treatment for or loss of a pet
- Grief counseling
- Remembrance and pet memorial ideas
- Pet Loss Support and Online Resources
Jennifer Dehn, MSW, LCSW
Veterinary Social worker
Jennifer is a licensed clinical therapist and has worked with both animals and families in various medical environments for 35 years. She has counseled families of dialysis patients and hospice patients, as well as developed support services for veterans, service members, and their families to help with adjustment to civilian life.
Jennifer is aware of how important the bonds are between pets and their person and how a change in the health of a pet can affect the family. She can provide support, counseling and resources to assist in navigating decisions and adjustments for your family. These supportive measures can include facilitating parent-child discussions, counseling for clients who are caring for pets with chronic conditions and providing emotional support for those heart wrenching emergent situations.
Jennifer is available in person or by phone Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. At times Jennifer will be away from her desk or with another client, but will return your message as quickly as she can. If you are on site at Veterinary Hospital, please ask one your medical team members to introduce us.
Privacy
The Veterinary Hospital guarantees that your medical and personal information is kept confidential, and our veterinary support services also include this promise.
We acknowledge and respect the uniqueness of every situation and will stand behind you and your pet to help your family through difficult and challenging circumstances.
Additional Resources
Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
Are you in a domestic violence situation? You are not alone, and help is available! Call the YWCA's 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 765-423-1118 or toll free at 1-888-345-1118. Read about the YWCA's services, including safe shelter, protective orders, 9-1-1 cell phones, and support groups.
Animal Abuse: If you are concerned with animal abuse or have been a witness to animal abuse please contact your local animal control (Lafayette: 765-807-1200, West Lafayette: 765-775-5200, Tippecanoe County: 765-423-9321) or police department.
Honoring Your Pet
If you are an owner who would like to honor your pet through a memorial, learn more about giving opportunities.
Mental Health Resources
If you are having suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm and need immediate help please:
If you are in the Tippecanoe County and surrounding area:- Contact Mental Health America of Wabash Valley Crisis Line (Available 24/7)
- Call or text: 765-742-0244
- Call: 877-419-1632
Proudly AAHA-Accredited
We are an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. That means we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Pets are our passion. And keeping them healthy is our #1 priority. Here, we strive to deliver excellent care for pets. Because your pets deserve nothing less.
Learn more about AAHA accreditation and why our accreditation is important to you and your pet.
