Pawsitive Peer Support: Helping Each Other Without the Heavy Load

Speaker: Janet Hoy-Gerlach, LISW-S, LCSW, PhD, Founder, OneHealth People-Animal Wellness (OHPAWS)

April 22, 2026

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Zoom

Animal welfare work is rewarding - and often emotionally intense!  In this 60-minute webinar, we’ll explore how to support each other in ways that strengthen connection without adding emotional strain.  

You’ll learn practical tools for peer debriefs that allow space for processing difficult experiences without “trauma dumping”, including strategies to listen with care, respond with empathy, and keep both the speaker and the listener/supporter resilient.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Explain the difference between healthy peer support and trauma dumping. 

• Use low-impact debrief techniques to process challenging situations with colleagues. 

• Apply active listening skills that reduce emotional overload for both parties. 

• Understand how to compassionately set boundaries around support provision. 

REGISTRATION FEE

• $0 for Ohio Fed Webinar Bundle participants with code
• $25 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 1-5 program participants 

• $35 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 6-10 program participants 

• $45 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 11+ program participants 

• $50 per organization for non-members 

Ohio Animal Welfare Federation is an approved provider of content which enhances professional competence and aligns with the 5 domains of the CAWA Exam specifications. Every hour of training equals 1 CE towards CAWA Recertification.

This webinar has also been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located here.