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Compassionate Care Service

A Comprehensive Client Resource

Many individuals share a profound bond with their pets and consider them to be beloved members of the family. Metropolitan Veterinary Associates acknowledges the remarkable relationship people share with their furry loved-ones and offers a complimentary compassionate care service for clients who are faced with challenging circumstances regarding their pets. If you are interested in gaining further insight and would find it meaningful to connect with our compassionate care coordinator, please call 610-666-1050 or email.

SOME BENEFITS OF THE COMPASSIONATE CARE SERVICE INCLUDE:

  • Offer an objective listening ear during moments of stress, concern, and uncertainty.
  • Assist clients with processing and making difficult treatment and care decisions.
  • Support clients as they navigate end-of-life decisions.
  • Serve as a liaison between the client and veterinary team.
  • Recommend self-care strategies for caregivers of pets with chronic health conditions.
  • Facilitate constructive and heartfelt parent-child discussions.
  • Provide a calming presence during testing, treatment, and euthanasia.
  • Lend support following the passing of a cherished pet.
  • Guide individuals on their journey of moving forward after a significant loss.
  • Connect clients to community resources, when necessary.

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Jennifer Durn, MSW, LSW – Compassionate Care Coordinator

Ten years after obtaining her  master’s degree in social work from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Jennifer Durn continues her dedication as a veterinary social worker. Deeply impacted by losing her own cat, Sunset to cancer, Jennifer was inspired to make a difference for other individuals. While pursuing her graduate studies, she participated in internships within the fields of hospice and oncology and studied international social work in South Korea. During her second year of graduate school, Jennifer took the initiative to establish her own internship within a small animal hospital providing vital support to both clients and staff.  Following graduate school, she received a postgraduate Veterinary Social Work Certificate from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Jennifer’s undergraduate degree is in mass communication from Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA.

Before joining Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, Jennifer devoted over five years to creating and leading a program within a veterinary specialty hospital, offering guidance and support to families during a pet illness, crisis, and loss. Throughout her career in veterinary social work, Jennifer has presented workshops on Pet Loss and Bereavement, Caregiver Stress, Supporting Children through Pet Loss, Compassion Fatigue, Resilience, De-Escalation, and Suicide Awareness and Prevention. Jennifer holds a certification as a Level One Mindful Outdoor Guide through Kripalu.  She feels fortunate to share her home with two dynamic cats named Bridger and Gannett who bring immense joy to her life.