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“Veterinary social workers study the spectrum of human-animal relationships,” says Bethanie Poe, PhD, LMSW, who is the Associate Director of Operations & Education at the Center for Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “They then combine this education with their great communication skills, knowledge about mental health and trauma, and the ability to connect people with the resources they need to help in a variety of circumstances.” According to Poe, there are approximately 200 veterinary social workers nationwide, and their numbers are growing.