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Here at Mission Animal Hospital, we know how much your pets mean to you, and how scary it can be when something is wrong with your beloved furry family member. To help with the stress, fear, and uncertainty that can accompany a trip to the veterinarian, Mission Animal Hospital is proud to have an amazing client support specialist on our staff! Learn more about Kelsey, and how she can help Mission clients!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi, I’m Kelsey! I’m a social worker by profession, and of course a life-long animal lover. In the past I’ve worked with youth and families in non-profit and county settings. Finding a job that allowed me to use my social work skill set while working with pets was a dream come true! I’ve seen time and time again how impactful, rewarding, and healing human relationships with companion animals can be. I’m excited to have joined the team here at Mission where I can support families in caring for their beloved pets.
Do you have any pets?
I have a sweet little tuxedo cat, Eloise, and an elderly miniature pinscher, Benny. Eloise has been with me since the day after college graduation, as I knew I couldn’t face real adulthood without a furry friend! She loves people and is a total snuggler. I adopted Benny when he was about 10, and despite being older he keeps me on my toes! He’s always seemed to think the world revolves around him, and I haven’t done much to convince him otherwise.
What do you do here at Mission?
As Client Support, I am the “people person” that can attend to owners’ needs while veterinary staff focus on their pets’ needs. My goal is to help owners navigate the practical and emotional challenges that come with having a sick or injured pet.
What are some ways that you can help Mission clients?
I work with some pet owners on finding resources that can help them afford veterinary care, or meet other needs their family may have. When a client is facing a difficult choice about their animal’s care, I act as a sounding board for their decision-making process. I coordinate with the veterinary team to make sure the owner thoroughly understands their options, has their questions answered, and feels confident that the veterinary team understands their priorities for their pet. When someone is faced with the devastating prospect of saying goodbye to their pet, I am available before, during, and after a euthanasia to provide emotional support. I can even talk with folks in the days, weeks, and months after a loss to help them move through the toughest parts of their grieving process.
What makes your work meaningful to you?
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to need urgent veterinary care, or to receive a life-altering diagnosis for a companion animal. Working with owners to get through these stressful moments and find treatment plans that work for their families is incredibly rewarding to me. I meet so many pet parents who will do anything they can for their animals, but unfortunately accessing veterinary care is not without its challenges. Anytime I can help someone overcome a barrier to get their pet the help they need, it’s a good day!