Closing the “PAWS” gap through pet-inclusive social work training and practice: Professional responses that incorporate human–animal relationships

INTRODUCTION: Despite a majority of households having at least one companion animal that they consider family members, human–animal relationships are largely ignored in social work training and practice. METHODS: This article identifies a “People and Animals’ Wellness and Safety (PAWS) gap” in social work practice, six reasons why social workers should be cognizant of clients’ relationships with their animal companions, and a process of “3-Rs”: recognition, response and referral. Nine opportunities whereby social workers can address human–animal relationships across pet-inclusive social work practice settings and populations are identified, along with action steps and emergent career opportunities. FINDINGS: The PAWS gap can be closed by social work educators and practitioners by routinely and proactively assessing clients for their relationships with their animals. Such relationships may be strengths or stressors that impact clients’ wellbeing, decision-making, and potential risk of violence. IMPLICATIONS: The failure to consistently address human–animal relationships and support clients’ animal-related concerns misses opportunities to identify clients’ risk and resiliency factors, to enhance social and environmental justice, and to provide services to all vulnerable members of families and communities.