The meaning of social hearted vet

who are we?

I started referring to myself as a Social Hearted Vet (SHV) several years ago. It’s been catching on as we have used it more. And now we have a thing. Which is cool. But what do I mean by social hearted vet?

At our recent Conversation: the Future of Social & Veterinary Services, one of the recurring messages coming back to me was the resonance people are finding to the label of Social Hearted Vet.

“I have just realised that I am also a social hearted vet. I feel that I belong again”.

“I realised in hearing you talk about social hearted vet, that this is me too. At last I feel I have found my tribe”.

“Thanks to Alicia Kennedy for driving this movement and naming our identity as social-hearted vets and animal professionals”. - Russell Harrison, Guide Dogs Australia

Nothing has made my heart burst more than this feedback.

Faces of this movement

So what do we mean by Social Hearted Vet? My intention through this blog is to bring light to this discussion: reflections, tips, tools and insights, to help shape a community for all the social hearted vets, vet nurses, and animal health professionals who care not just about pets but also their people.

So who is the social hearted vet? Is this you?

In an nutshell, the social hearted vet (or vet nurse or animal health professional) has five key characteristics:

1. They are curious observers and share a passion for the human animal bond. This magical connection that people share with their pets, that brings forth many gifts around companionship, physical health benefits, mental health benefits and a catalyst for social connection and belonging.

2. They genuinely care about pets AND their people and realise we are all in this together. That we are all part of the problem, and all part of the solution. That working together to create a kinder, safer world for all animals is way better than regarding each other as the enemy. There is so much tension in the vet world - between clients and vet teams - that is not serving our larger purpose. The Social Hearted Vet actually likes people, cares about people, sees the complexity of being human and acknowledges that we are all in this together. So let’s be kind, non-judgemental and collaborative.

3. They are committed to their emotional health and understand that responding to situations with personal accountability, curiosity, love and gratitude rather than being reactive with blame, anger and defensiveness, creates a space for purpose and values-aligned living and being. How we show up as individuals really does matter, and I will explore some of these concepts in future posts.

4. They recognise that the human animal bond has two parts: the animal AND the human. In order to keep pets healthy and well and together with their people, so that the HAB can flourish and benefit all, we need to consider the human elements impacting the bond. Creating a bond-centred lens of care is the social hearted way, and we will share loads more about this in coming posts.

5. They are known for their compassion, empathy and caring ways. The social hearted vet connects with people at the heart level, appreciates the power of the human animal bond to transform lives, and shares a vision of a society where the HAB is valued and recognised for the vital role it plays in healthy and connected individuals and communities.

Is this you?

If you are drawn to this concept of Social Hearted Vet practice then this is a place for you - to connect, learn, grow, contribute, and exchange.

Join me. It’s a movement.

Subscribe to my substack and stay tuned for the next reflection …

Love,

Dr Lissi

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