The College of Health at Cleveland State University is proud to co-host the 8th International Veterinary Social Work (IVSW) Summit from Sept. 12 – 14 on CSU’s campus. The event is the premier platform for interdisciplinary collaboration among the global veterinary community, fostering innovative strategies at the intersection of veterinary medicine and social work. 

The summit will feature keynote addresses from Drs. Aubrey Fine, Zenithson Ng and Angie Arora; panel discussions; workshops; and networking opportunities—all designed to explore the areas of animal welfare, human-animal bond enhancement, grief and loss support, animal abuse prevention and related topics crucial to promoting holistic well-being for both animals and humans.

In addition to the summit, CSU College of Health, School of Social Work is launching a certificate in Veterinary Social Work, further solidifying its commitment to pioneering initiatives at the nexus of animal and human welfare.  

"This course represents a significant milestone in the evolution of veterinary social work education,” said Aviva Vincent, Ph.D., LSW of the School of Social Work. “By offering comprehensive training rooted in evidence-based practices, we empower graduates to make meaningful contributions to the profession by supporting the well-being of both animals and people."

With the support of Maddie’s Fund, a grant has been awarded to ensure textbook affordability. The first 40 students who enroll in the Veterinary Social Work course will have their textbooks provided at no cost.

Early bird registration for the IVSW Summit is available through May 31. For more information about conference details, hotel registration and continuing education credits, visit this page.