You may have heard of animal chaplains.

They are spiritual caregivers who provide support and comfort to individuals who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal or who are facing difficult decisions related to their pets' health and wellbeing.

And then there's Scott Campbell, veterinary chaplain.

Veterinary chaplains are rare in the United States. Scott is one of just a handful of these trained professionals who provide emotional and spiritual support to veterinary staff, in addition to pet guardians and the animals in veterinary settings.

There are even fewer of them affiliated with a university, and Scott practices his craft at Washington State University, just down the road from me in Pullman, Washington.

A veterinary chaplain's role may seem similar to that of a chaplain in human healthcare but individuals like Scott focus specifically on the unique challenges and emotional experiences within the veterinary medicine realm.

Scott joins me on the podcast today to share his journey into veterinary chaplaincy and his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of pets, pet guardians and the world-class team at WSU, affectionately known in these parts as WAZZU.

We talk about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession, including its high suicide rates, and how his own experiences are motivating him to establish the American Association for Veterinary Chaplains.

Have a listen as Scott shares how he aims to alleviate the emotional burdens of the veterinary community and foster healing for those of us who suffer as our companion animals need care.

What to listen for

• How Scott ensures WSU clients feel comfortable and heard


• Why a veterinary chaplain must be prepared to address a variety of belief structures


• The evolution of companion animals as family members in society


• What Scott finds more rewarding about veterinary chaplaincy

Scott hosts a series of events called Celebration of Life and Remembrance for our Animal Companions for pet guardians to grieve and honor the lives of their precious babes. The event will feature a Remembrance Garland Ceremony, during which participants write messages on ribbons and attach them to a garland that's hung outside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU in Pullman.

The next one is set for Saturday, April 13, at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It starts at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m. and Scott suggests it's a good idea to arrive early to prepare a ribbon for the garland.

A social hour follows from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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