The History of AAVChap

The American Association of Veterinary Chaplains (AAVChap) was founded on the belief that veterinary care extends beyond medical treatment. The emotional and spiritual connections between humans and their animal companions, alongside the well-being of veterinary healthcare teams, reveal a deep need for support in these areas. AAVChap was established to address this need, aiming to create a supportive community for all involved in the care of animals.

The journey toward the creation of AAVChap began in 2017, when Scott Campbell pursued chaplaincy training, drawing from his background as a hypnotherapist. Throughout this process, the emotional and spiritual aspects of care became more apparent, particularly in interactions with veterinary professionals, clients, and animal companions. Recognizing the unique stresses on veterinary teams, AAVChap was designed to broaden the scope of veterinary chaplaincy, addressing not only client grief and loss but also the needs of patients (animal companions) and the healthcare teams who care for them.

With a focus on these three core communities—clients, patients, and healthcare teams—AAVChap continues to evolve. The organization is committed to supporting not only those within traditional veterinary settings but also other animal care professionals, such as shelter and rescue workers, whose roles are vital to the broader animal care network. As the field of veterinary chaplaincy grows, AAVChap seeks to explore and expand its reach to meet the diverse emotional and spiritual needs of all those who work with animals.

AAVChap’s mission is to bridge the gap between emotional, spiritual, and veterinary care. Whether offering support to those grieving the loss of an animal, navigating difficult medical decisions, or seeking emotional care as caregivers, AAVChap is dedicated to providing compassionate support for all. The road to this point has been one of discovery, growth, and dedication, and the organization stands committed to addressing the heart and spirit in veterinary care.