Free Webinars
Ask About Pets! - A Trauma-Informed and Ethical Call to Action for Human Service Providers
Ask About Pets! - A Trauma-Informed and Ethical Call to Action for Human Service Providers
71% of US households report having at least one pet, and over 90% of these call their pets family. Asking about pets is much more than small talk; it’s trauma-informed care! Pets can play a vital role in safety, stability, and healing for trauma survivors - yet are frequently overlooked in behavioral health care. Failure to recognize the importance of pets in people’s lives can leave related service barriers and risks unaddressed. Grounded in trauma-informed care, the NASW Code of Ethics, and related profession standards, this session offers providers practical tools to integrate three key pet-related questions into routine service delivery, ensuring the profound role pets can play in human wellbeing is recognized and supported.
Presented by
Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach, PhD, LCSW
socialwork@opendoorconsults.org
Director of Veterinary Social Work | Open Door Veterinary Collective (ODVC)
Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach is a licensed clinical social worker in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary Collective (ODVC) a national non-profit that works to improve access to veterinary care and related supports. In her role at ODVC and through her social work practice One Health People-Animal Wellness Services (OHPAWS), Janet collaborates with individuals, organizations and communities to advance supports for vulnerable and historically marginalized humans with companion animals, ultimately promoting both human and animal well-being. She has previously worked as a tenured social work full professor with a joint appointment in psychiatry; a community mental health outreach case manager with unhoused individuals struggling with addiction and mental illness; a community mental health center-based therapist and clinical supervisor; a crisis intervention clinician; a non-profit grant writer; a horse trainer; and a fast food worker.
Her research on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) has been cited in national news sources such as Discover Magazine, Business Insider, the Guardian, Medscape, and Psychology Today. She serves as a subject matter expert on ESAs for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Janet is the lead author of Human-Animal Interaction: A Social Work Guide –peer reviewed and published by NASW Press in 2017. This book is an evidence-supported call to the social work profession to recognize and respond supportively to human-animal bond issues encountered across social work practice settings and populations. Janet speaks and trains internationally on how to recognize and address human-animal relationship issues in human health and social service systems. She has provided expert testimony to state legislature on the need for cross-reporting of animal cruelty and child abuse to strengthen the safety net for children and animals.
Currently Janet lives in Pittsburgh with her family, which includes three dogs (two of which are “foster fails”) and three cats (two of which are “foster fails”). While she is currently not able to provide foster care for animals due to space constraints and her track record of “foster fails”, she is a passionate advocate for animal and human well-being!
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
BestyBnB Live Session
Join our NEW Live Session, held monthly. In our Live Session, we will give agencies and advocates an opportunity to view the lifesaving platform offered by BestyBnB and offer a refresher for those already using the platform on how to use BestyBnB to offer the most and best support to pet owners.
Healing Together: Understanding and Supporting Pets Impacted by Domestic Violence
Healing Together: Understanding and Supporting Pets Impacted by Domestic Violence
When survivors of domestic violence flee abuse, their pets often carry emotional scars too. Animals experience trauma in different ways, and their behaviors, whether fearful, withdrawn, or reactive, are often misunderstood. These responses can be the result of directly experiencing abuse, witnessing violence, or being separated from the humans they love.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this webinar will explore how domestic pets cope with trauma and how we, as caregivers and advocates, can support their healing. This webinar will feature a special guest, Andria Gibbon, Founder & President of Protecting Paws for Life - an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their beloved pets. Learn how trauma-informed care can be extended to the entire family, pets included.
In this session, you will learn:
How trauma impacts the behavior and well-being of domestic pets
The signs of trauma in animals and how to recognize them
Practical strategies to support pets who have experienced or witnessed abuse
How organizations like Protecting Paws for Life are partnering with BestyBnB to create pathways for survivors and their pets to heal together
Ways your agency or community can become more pet-inclusive in supporting survivors of domestic violence
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Animal welfare program managers and staff
Social service providers working with pet owners
Mental health program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Presented by:
Andria Gibbon
andria@protectingpawsforlife.org
Founder & President, Protecting Paws For Life
Andria has been involved in animal rescue for over 25 years, working within rescues and shelters in NJ, TX and FL. From fostering to overseeing operations, she has touched every part of rescue which has, in turn, touched every part of her heart and soul. Alongside her growth in rescue, she maintained a full-time career in the association world, both non-profit and for-profit, and she currently sits as Executive Director of the North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) based in St. Petersburg, FL.
Andria is also a Certified Advanced Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist and owner of With a Heart Canine Care, LLC, which is focused on keeping families together that are facing behavior challenges with their dogs. Her dedication and commitment to the rescue world is what inspired her to create this organization to help keep pets from being left in harm's way.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
From Data to Action: Keeping Pets and People - With HASS & BestyBnB
When pet owners face a crisis, the lack of temporary housing for their beloved animals can mean the heartbreaking decision to surrender them to a shelter. This webinar will bring that reality to life through powerful storytelling, intake data from Human Animal Support Services (HASS) shelter partners, and insights into housing, short-term care, and other critical needs that could prevent surrenders before they happen.
You’ll see collaboration in action - how BestyBnB has worked hand-in-hand with communities to expand access to care, strengthen the human-animal bond, and create sustainable networks of crisis pet foster programs. We’ll share actionable steps to help you utilize HASS data in your own community, meeting the needs of pet owners, improving outcomes, boosting staff morale, and unlocking new funding opportunities.
Join us to discover how partnering with HASS and BestyBnB can transform your organization’s impact, keep pets and people together, and inspire lasting community engagement.
Who should attend?
Animal welfare program managers and staff
Social service providers working with pet owners
Mental health program managers and staff
Local, county, and state government employees supporting community services
Presented by:
Elkie Wills
elkie.wills@americanpetsalive.org
Director of Human Animal Support Services
Elkie Wills, formerly Sr. Director of Community Engagement at San Diego Humane Society, began her animal welfare career in 2004 with the Humane Society of Yuma. There, she honed her skills and understanding of shelter operations while cultivating community support, developing and leading volunteer, media, fundraising, education and partnership programs. Over her 15 years at San Diego Humane Society, her roles evolved from PR and marketing to community support services and most recently leading teams focusing on community outreach and learning and development.
Elkie resides in Michigan with her dog Jovie and spends time participating in 5Ks, volunteering at the local shelter, and enjoying quiet time in the woods!
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development, BestyBnB
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Bridging the Gap: Establishing Relationships Between Social Services and Animal Welfare
Bridging the Gap: Establishing Relationships Between Social Services and Animal Welfare
Pets can create a barrier to social services. Whether that is a survivor seeking help for domestic violence, people who are experiencing homelessness needing shelter, or those facing a mental health crisis. Pet owners will often delay seeking help because they have nowhere for their pets to go. When organizations are siloed, we may miss opportunities for interventions that can support those in need and potentially prevent further harm to both people and pets. This presentation will give an overview of the special bond trauma survivors share with their pets and the unique challenges they may face when seeking services, tips for pet advocacy that you can provide to your community, and how BestyBnB helps to bridge the gap between animal welfare and social services.
In this session, you will learn:
The important bond between trauma survivors and their pets and the unique challenges they face when seeking services.
Tips for implementing pet advocacy in your community.
How BestyBnB works to bridge the gap in services between social services and animal welfare.
Who should attend?
Animal welfare managers and staff
Mental health program managers and staff
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with survivors
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Navigating Barriers to Safety & Security: Survivors and Assistance Animals
Navigating Barriers to Safety & Security: Survivors and Assistance Animals
Survivors fleeing violence often face many challenges, including the heartbreaking decision to leave beloved pets behind in unsafe or unfamiliar environments. Nearly 50% of survivors delay leaving a dangerous situation out of fear for their pets' safety, yet less than 20% of domestic violence shelters can accommodate animals. This webinar will help advocates understand the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, the emotional impact of pet separation, and the healing role pets play for survivors. Attendees will also learn how to develop survivor-centered plans that align with ADA and HUD guidelines for Service and Emotional Support Animals. The training will highlight the importance of safe, confidential, and low-cost pet advocacy programs in reducing barriers to safety and healing.
In this session you will learn:
The connections between animal abuse and domestic violence, as well as the importance of bonds between survivors and their pets.
How pets positively impact trauma survivors during the healing process.
How to follow ADA and HUD guidelines for Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals while working with survivors.
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Animal welfare program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with pet owners
Mental health program managers and staff
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Pets and People: Safe, Together, Connected with BestyBnB
Pets and People: Safe, Together, Connected with BestyBnB
Up to 50% of survivors will delay leaving a dangerous situation because they fear what will happen to their pets. Yet only 10% of Domestic Violence Shelters have the means to house companion animals. This creates a barrier between survivors and safety. While most domestic violence agencies understand the need for pet placement, many are faced with barriers that prevent them from offering this service or are not sure where to start. BestyBnB allows an Agency with no prior pet experience (or pet program in place) the ability to easily locate and manage temporary housing for survivors' pets until they can be reunited. The same platform can also be used for agencies that have a pet program in place but are looking for ways to expand their services.
In this session, you will learn:
The connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
The important bond survivors of domestic violence share with their pets.
How pets positively impact trauma survivors’ healing process.
Steps towards offering pet programming and temporary pet care through BestyBnB.
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with survivors
Animal welfare managers and staff
Mental health program managers and staff
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Positive Impact: Pets and Mental Health
Positive Impact: Pets and Mental Health
Pets play an important role in many people’s lives but for those who struggle with mental health pets’ positive impact can be life-changing, or even lifesaving. Research has shown pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy can improve the quality of life for those working through a variety of mental health challenges. This webinar will highlight the lifesaving support pets can offer to those struggling from the impact of mental health and how the first pet advocacy program was created at a mental health and substance use treatment facility through the partnership between Johnson County Mental Health Center and BestyBnB.
In this session, you will learn:
The life-saving bond between humans and animals
The positive impact pets have on mental health through pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy
How BestyBnB partnered with Johnson County Mental Health Center to create the first pet advocacy program at a mental health and substance use treatment facility
Who should attend?
Mental health program managers and staff
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers
Animal welfare managers and staff
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Safety Planning with Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Pets
Safety Planning with Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Pets
Pets are often used as tools to maintain power and control in abusive relationships and can create specific barriers between the survivor and safety. This presentation will give an overview of the special bond survivors share with their pets, the unique challenges survivors face when bringing their pets while leaving an abusive relationship, and safety planning tips for those working with survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This presentation is interactive and will provide activities for those attending to practice their newly learned safety planning skills. After this presentation, those working with survivors of domestic violence will have tools to help keep the survivor and their pet safe while either leaving or staying in the relationship.
In this session, you will learn:
The important bond survivors of domestic violence share with their pet.
The unique challenges survivors face when leaving abusive relationships while keeping their pets.
How to safety plan with a survivor who owns pets.
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with survivors
Animal welfare managers and staff
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Hosted by IAVSW: Building Supports for People with Companion Animals
Building Supports for People with Companion Animals
Hosted by the International Association of Veterinary Social Work in collaboration with Open Door Veterinary Collective
Approximately 66% of United States households report having at least one companion animal, and the majority indicate they consider their animal to be a family member. While veterinary social workers specifically attend to human needs that arise in such relationships, unfortunately recognizing and responding to clients’ companion animal relationships – as both strengths and stressors –- are not yet routine considerations in general social work practice. Moreover, social workers and their clients often face both system and resource barriers in addressing human-animal relationship needs.
In this session, you will learn:
1) Attendees will be able to describe at least one of each type of human benefit associated with non-human animal companionship: biological, psychological, social, and emotional.
2) Attendees will be able to identify at least three client risks related to omitting consideration of client companion animal concerns in social work practice.
3) Attendees will be able to state at least two strategies for increasing consideration of clients’ companion animal concerns in micro practice.
4) Attendees will be able to describe at least two community-level strategies for addressing clients’ companion animal-related resource needs.
Who should attend?
Mental health program managers and staff
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers
Animal welfare managers and staff
Presented by:
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development, BestyBnB
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge of the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
&
Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach
socialwork@opendoorconsults.org
Director of Veterinary Social Work, Open Door Veterinary Collective
Dr. Hoy-Gerlach is a licensed clinical social worker, author, researcher, and human-animal interaction researcher. She is currently the Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary Collective, a national non-profit that works to improve access to veterinary care and related supports. She lead-authored of the peer-reviewed book Human-Animal Interaction: A Social Work Guide (2017) published by the National Association of Social Work, is an adjunct faculty member at Case Western Reserve University, and has a social work consulting practice called OneHealth People-Animal Wellness Services (OHPAWS). Through OHPAWS, Dr. Hoy-Gerlach helps to advance practices, programs and policies that support human-animal relationships for mutual well-being. Her research on mental health benefits of animal companionship has been featured in media outlets such as Discover Magazine, Business Insider, Medscape, and Psychology Today. She serves as an expert witness on human-animal bond mental health benefits for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared towards professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes*
If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.