Cohen, Susan, DSW - Cohort 2003

Animal Medical Center

Dr. Susan P. Cohen joined The Animal Medical Center (AMC) as Director of Counseling in 1982. In 1983 she developed the first-ever Pet Loss Support Group and began an animal assisted activity program, Pet Outreach. In 2004 she originated a support group for caregivers of sick pets.

In addition AMC serves as a field placement for graduate schools of social work and other mental health and animal health programs. Veterinarians and students have done precepteeships and other training to learn how to counsel clients. Dr. Cohen also consults with animal health companies, which, thanks to the internet and toll-free telephone numbers, find themselves dealing directly with upset clients.

Dr. Cohen has written many articles and lectured widely to veterinary colleges, veterinary conferences, veterinary technician programs, and human health groups on pet loss, human-animal interaction, client relations, stress management, compassion fatigue, and career development. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine. In addition, she has made numerous television and radio addresses, including "The Today Show", "20-20" and "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Her most recent academic article is "Can Pets Serve as Family Members?" in The Western Journal of Nursing Research.