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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do veterinary social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do Veterinary Social Workers commonly face in their daily work?

Veterinary Social Workers frequently encounter emotionally intense situations, such as helping clients cope with pet loss, making difficult treatment decisions, or managing end-of-life care discussions. They may also serve as mediators between veterinary staff and clients to ensure concerns are addressed compassionately and effectively. Balancing the needs of diverse clients, managing stress, and maintaining professional boundaries can be challenging but also rewarding for those passionate about supporting both people and animals. Collaborating closely with veterinarians and clinic staff, they contribute valuable expertise in mental health and client support within animal care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Veterinary Social Worker position, and why are they important?

Veterinary Social Workers need a solid background in social work, knowledge of animal welfare, and typically hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with specialized training in veterinary settings. Certification from organizations like the American Association of Veterinary Social Work and familiarity with confidential case management systems are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and effective communication enable them to support clients and collaborate with veterinary teams. These competencies are crucial for navigating sensitive human-animal relationships, grief counseling, and crisis intervention in veterinary practices.

What is a Veterinary Social Worker job?

A Veterinary Social Worker (VSW) is a professional who supports the emotional and psychological well-being of pet owners, veterinary staff, and animal caregivers. They help clients cope with pet loss, grief, and difficult medical decisions while also providing mental health support to veterinary professionals facing stress and burnout. VSWs may work in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or private practice, offering crisis intervention, counseling, and educational resources. Their role bridges the gap between human and animal care, ensuring compassionate support for both pet owners and veterinary teams.

More about Veterinary Social Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Veterinary Social Worker jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Social Worker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Social Worker jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary Social Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Veterinary Social Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Social Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Social Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Social Worker jobs are:
Veterinary Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Social Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Veterinary Social Worker

Veterinary Social Worker

Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted just now

Job description

EOE Statement
It is the policy of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Inc. to provide all persons with equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.
Category
Community Engagement and Support
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

Position Requirements
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Compensation & Benefits
Salary
Temporary
Position
Veterinary Social Worker
Close Date
Number of Openings
1
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Hiring Manager(s)
Michele Figueroa
Location
Humane Society of Southern AZ
About the Organization
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), founded in 1944, is a private, independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization with the mission of acting with compassion and responsible stewardship through innovative programs that serve pets and the people who love them. HSSA is the largest charitable animal welfare and protection agency in Southern Arizona with 100+ employees and 1300 volunteers. In 2018, HSSA moved into a new state-of the-art animal shelter and spay/neuter clinic.
Vision: A community in which all pets are cared for and loved
As staff of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, we pledge to be committed to our team as we are to the organizations mission. We will foster a compassionate environment for each other, our volunteers, and the human and animal clients we serve; empowering one another with knowledge, empathy, encouragement and recognition. We aim to eliminate negativity, support positive and effective communication, promote individual and organizational growth, and work as a cohesive team at all times regardless of tenure, position or department.
HSSA values and and champions diversity and inclusion. these values are part of who we are. Together we will continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our HSSA team and teh communities we serve.
This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply