1

Human Animal Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Work Assistant

Asheville, NC · On-site

$22.51 - $27.09/hr

Social Work Assistant Department: Social Services - Child Welfare External Hiring Range: $22.51 ... Associate's degree in Human Services and one (1) year experience in Human Services; or High School ...

Social Work Assistant

Asheville, NC · On-site

$22.51 - $27.09/hr

Social Work Assistant Department:Social Services - Child Welfare External Hiring Range:$22.51-$27 ... Associate's degree in Human Services and one (1) year experience in Human Services; or High School ...

Be Seen First

The work involves cleaning and maintaining animal areas inside and outside property of thefacility ... the human-animal bond. As animal advocates, we are committed to: Saving 100% of healthy and ...

Supervisor Social Work

Providence, RI · On-site

$74K - $123K/yr

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and to develop or administer social work services with consideration of stages of human development and cultural patterns.

Associate degree in social work, human services, social science, or relevant field preferred * Reliable means of transportation * Previous experience assisting people with behavioral health and ...

Supervisor Social Work

Middleton, WI · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

We are seeking a Social Work Supervisor to: * Provide day-to-day operational oversight and ... These locations are home to departments such as Access Services, Compliance, Human Resources ...

Be Seen First

The work involves cleaning and maintaining animal areas inside and outside property of thefacility ... the human-animal bond. As animal advocates, we are committed to: Saving 100% of healthy and ...

Associate degree in social work, human services, social science, or relevant field preferred * Reliable means of transportation * Previous experience assisting people with behavioral health and ...

Associate degree in social work, human services, social science, or relevant field preferred * Reliable means of transportation * Previous experience assisting people with behavioral health and ...

Associate degree in social work, human services, social science, or relevant field preferred * Reliable means of transportation * Previous experience assisting people with behavioral health and ...

Supervisor Social Work

Middleton, WI · On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

We are seeking a Social Work Supervisor to: * Provide day-to-day operational oversight and ... These locations are home to departments such as Access Services, Compliance, Human Resources ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Human Animal Social Work information

What is human-animal social work?

Human-animal social work is a specialized area within social work that recognizes and addresses the important role animals play in people's lives. Social workers in this field help individuals and families navigate challenges related to pet ownership, animal-assisted therapy, grief after pet loss, and the human-animal bond. They may also advocate for animal welfare and work to ensure that both human and animal needs are considered in social services. This field bridges human well-being with animal welfare, often collaborating with veterinarians, shelters, and community organizations.

What is the highest paid type of social worker?

In the field of social work, clinical social workers with advanced licenses and specialization in areas like healthcare or mental health tend to earn the highest salaries. Human animal social work is a niche area and generally offers lower pay compared to clinical or administrative social work roles, which often require additional certifications and experience.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

In animal welfare, senior roles such as veterinary directors, animal shelter executives, or specialized researchers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they may involve managing large teams or organizations. Salaries can vary based on location, organization size, and level of expertise.

Can you be a social worker for animals?

Human animal social work is a specialized field that involves supporting the social and emotional well-being of animals and their owners. Professionals in this area often have backgrounds in social work, animal behavior, or counseling, and may work in shelters, veterinary clinics, or community programs. Certification or training in animal-assisted therapy or related fields can enhance qualifications for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Human-Animal Social Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human-Animal Social Worker, you need a solid background in social work (typically a BSW or MSW), knowledge of animal welfare, and licensure as a social worker. Familiarity with case management software, animal protection laws, and trauma-informed care practices is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective support for individuals and communities while promoting animal welfare and addressing the human-animal bond in various social contexts.

How do Human-Animal Social Workers typically collaborate with other professionals to support clients and their pets?

Human-Animal Social Workers often work closely with veterinarians, animal shelter staff, mental health professionals, and community organizations to address the interconnected needs of clients and their companion animals. This collaboration may involve coordinating care plans, advocating for pet-inclusive housing, and facilitating access to resources such as pet food or veterinary care. By fostering these partnerships, social workers can better support both the human and animal members of a family, leading to more holistic and sustainable outcomes.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Human Animal Social Work is a specialized field that typically does not offer salaries reaching $200,000. Most social workers earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with higher earnings possible for those in senior or administrative roles, or with advanced certifications and extensive experience. Achieving a $200,000 salary would generally require additional qualifications, leadership positions, or working in high-paying sectors or regions.

What is the difference between Human Animal Social Work vs Animal Welfare Social Worker?

AspectHuman Animal Social WorkAnimal Welfare Social Worker
CredentialsSocial work degree, licensing, certificationsAnimal science or social work background, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, community outreach, hospitalsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, community programs
Employer & IndustrySocial service agencies, healthcare, nonprofitsAnimal shelters, rescue groups, NGOs

Human Animal Social Work and Animal Welfare Social Worker roles both involve supporting animals and their owners, often requiring social work credentials. While Human Animal Social Work emphasizes the human-animal bond within social services, Animal Welfare Social Workers focus more on animal rescue and shelter support. Both careers serve similar industries but differ slightly in their primary focus and work settings.

More about Human Animal Social Work jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Animal Social Work jobs? Cities with the most Human Animal Social Work job openings:
What states have the most Human Animal Social Work jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Animal Social Work jobs include:
Infographic showing various Human Animal Social Work job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Purpose:

This position supports individuals and families navigating crises and challenges involving companion animals such as animal illness or injury, pet loss, housing instability, and the prospect of having to surrender their pet(s). This position helps prevent pet surrender by providing individuals and families with access to veterinary or social resources using a trauma-informed, client-centered, and evidence-based approach. With a focus on supporting the human-animal bond, the Veterinary Social Worker supports community members in making informed, compassionate decisions that value both the human and animal experience.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide support to community members in situations including but not limited to pet surrender or rehoming, animal illness or injury, end-of-life decisions, loss of an animal, housing or food instability, and access to veterinary care.
  • Assist families in navigating complex emotions such as guilt, grief, fear or anger related to their companion animal.
  • De-escalate emotionally charged interactions and support constructive communication between community members and shelter staff.
  • Connect community members to resources such as low-cost veterinary care, pet food assistance, temporary foster or boarding options, housing and social services, and crisis support programs.
  • Collaborate with the community to expand available resources and bridge human and animal services.
  • Help design programming that addresses the social determinants impacting pet retention and supports the human animal bond
  • Represent HSSA in a professional and positive manner
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in social work (MSW)
  • License with the State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to independently practice social work (LCSW)
  • Experience and/or training in crisis intervention, grief counselling, or community-based social services
  • Experience working with underserved populations
  • Experience and/or training in animal services or a related field

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Additional coursework or certification in Veterinary Social Work from an accredited university
  • Bilingual proficiency in written and oral English and Spanish

Performance Factors and Skills:

  • Strong collaboration and communication abilities
  • Commitment to community engagement, equity and humane care
  • Strong client-centered and culturally responsive practice
  • Alignment with HSSA’s mission, values, and standards of professionalism

Working Conditions:

Public-facing role with frequent interaction with community members in crisis. Combination of shelter-based, community-based, and office work. Exposure to emotionally challenging situations involving illness, loss, and trauma. Exposure to animals of various sizes and temperaments. Exposure to zoonotic diseases, loud noises, and outdoor weather conditions is common.

Benefits Include:

  • Medical insurance beginning on the first of the month following your start date.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including Paid Sick Time, accruing at 4.61 hours per pay period. Approved PTO usage may begin after 60 days of employment.
  • Eleven (11) paid holidays per year.
  • 8 hours of paid birthday leave per year.
  • Life insurance, beginning 12 months after your start date, provided at no cost.
  • Eligibility to participate in the HSSA 401(k) plan beginning the first of the month following your start date.
  • Employer matching contributions after one year of employment, provided you are at least 21 years old and have worked 1,000 hours during that year. HSSA currently matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3%.
  • Access to supplemental insurance through AFLAC, beginning the first of the month after your start date if you elect this benefit.
  • Eligible employees receive six (6) weeks of paid parental leave
  • Special discounts for employees and in some cases their family members for adoptions and clinic services