The Humane Society of Greater Dayton has launched a new program to help people with more than just their pets.
Through their new One Health program, a manager who is a licensed social worker and can assist clients who may be experiencing dire needs outside of the veterinary care needed for their pets.
Many pet owners who come to the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital are concerned about problems in their daily lives, according to the Humane Society. That could be issues like food insecurity, homelessness or loneliness.
That’s when the program manager can step in, connecting them to community resources like a food bank or mental health counselors.
“The One Health program manager works with people who present some of the other needs they have in their lives and our social workers essentially point them to resources and being an advocate for them to find those resources to help them,” Brian Weltge, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, said.
The program manager will also help them understand their pets’ treatment options, Weltge said.
“The vet, a lot of times, has to explain some complicated procedure or terminology that might be difficult for a human to understand,” Weltge said. “And our veterinary social worker, the One Health program manager, was in the room with them and helped explain.”
The program is funded by a grant from an anonymous foundation.
Learn more about the One Health program by contacting the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital at (937) 965-4399.
