Animals have a way of weaving us into each other’s lives. A veterinarian pauses, offering a quiet moment as a client processes a tough diagnosis. A shelter worker cradles a scared rescue, whispering hope. A family smiles as their horse nudges them for a carrot. These moments—of care, hope, and joy—tie us together across species, furred, feathered, or scaled. At the American Association of Veterinary Chaplains (AAVChap), we see those threads and are building a community to cradle all who share them. We’re the foundation where compassion takes hold, growing stronger every day.

Veterinary chaplaincy is a bud bursting into bloom, and AAVChap is the steady earth beneath it. As we shared in September, this field lifts up everyone touched by the human-animal bond—clients wrestling with grief, veterinary teams facing long days, and animal companions who speak without words. Since 2021, we’ve nurtured this vision, watching it spread wide as more folks see the need for emotional and spiritual care in animal caregiving. Like we said in January, this work matters—it’s about wholeness, and as I often say, “Wholeness is wellness.” Now, it’s unfolding into a movement, drawing not just chaplains but social workers, counselors, and others who feel this passion. Together, we’re shaping a space where care rises like spring growth.

This community welcomes the whole veterinary world—not just veterinarians, but techs/nurses, assistants, and support staff who keep clinics humming, alongside rescue workers, shelter staff, other caregivers, clients, and human families. It’s for those who cherish and uplift the human-animal bond too. Imagine a tech finding a moment to decompress with a chaplain’s ear, a family finding steady support during a ferret’s illness, or a social worker swapping insights with chaplains to deepen their work. Whether you bandage paws, soothe worried owners, or simply love animals, there’s a place for you right here. “How You Can Join Us,” as we promised in our first post, is blossoming—we’re nearly ready to fling our doors wide, inviting everyone drawn to this bond into a hub where we can connect and grow. Look for more in our monthly posts ahead, plus a newsletter diving deeper into this journey.

This is the start of something full of heart. AAVChap is committed to a future where compassion runs deep—supporting every veterinary team, honoring every companion, and holding space for every heart, no matter the species. The energy hums as this community takes shape, rooted in care and alive with possibility. Join us as we grow—the future’s bright, and we’re just getting started!!