Animal Shelter Workers perform an essential role in society. Dealing with abandoned or unwanted animals can be difficult. This difficulty exposes Shelter Workers subject to unique levels of emotional stress. If this emotional stress gives rise to an emotional injury, a the Worker can file a Workers’ Compensation Claim to obtain necessary treatment and benefits. Hoy-Gerlach J, Ojha M, Arkow P. Social Workers in Animal Shelters: A Strategy Toward Reducing Occupational Stress Among Animal Shelter Workers. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Nov 10;8:734396. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.734396. PMID: 34859083; PMCID: PMC8631323.
This article will discuss the particular stressors and the psychiatric medical condition that they are at risk of developing.
What Are Stressors Unique for Animal Shelter Workers?
Exposure to Animal Suffering: Animals turned into shelter may be ill or abused.
Exposure to Animal Death: Animals may either be euthanized or die naturally.
Caring: Workers are emotionally invested in both the animals’ care and welfare
Burnout: Workers are required to continuously engage in the activities listed above
What Emotional Problems Can Develop?
It has been found that Animal Shelter Workers are at “five times greater risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as compared to the national average.” Their level of PTSD is along the lines of safety officers. Hoy-Gerlach J, Ojha M, Arkow P. Social Workers in Animal Shelters: A Strategy Toward Reducing Occupational Stress Among Animal Shelter Workers. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Nov 10;8:734396. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.734396. PMID: 34859083; PMCID: PMC8631323.
What If I Need Legal Advice?
If you would like a free consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information.