Valerie Bogie, MSSW, Veterinary Social Worker

Director of Human Support Services & Behavior Consultant

What is Veterinary Social Work?  It is a specialty within Social Work that focuses on understanding and supporting the needs of all humans anywhere humans and animals interact.  This includes pet owners, veterinary professionals, dog trainers, animal shelter workers, zoo and aquarium workers and more.

With over 20 years of animal care and training experience in a variety of settings, Valerie recognized the profound impact Veterinary Social Work could have and knew she had to be a part of this growing and expansive field.  In 2022, she completed the Veterinary Human Support Certificate and in 2025, she completed her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with the Veterinary Social Work Certificate, both from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.  She is honored to bring much needed Human Support Services to Insight clients and people around the world!

Valerie is the Director of Partnerships for the International Association of Veterinary Social Work (IAVSW), an Emotional CPR Trainer, and a Fear Free Certified Professional.  She has been featured on several podcasts including the Bitey End of the Dog and Enrichment for the Real World.  She is honored to be invited to speak for the ACVB’s Veterinary Behavior Symposium, Karen Pryor Academy’s ClickerExpo, the Tennessee Animal Care & Control Conference, Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection hosted by Maddie’s Fund, and more.

Valerie enjoys traveling with her husband, Zach, spoiling their four dogs (Wylie-pictured, Mona, Noodles & Kūlolo), and finding the best vegan dessert spots everywhere they go.