DSW Candidate – Patricia Luko
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Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2026 Event!
Beyond the Human Client: Integrating Pet-Inclusive Social Work into Clinical Practice.
DSW Candidate – Patricia Luko
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:!5 AM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Description
Beyond the Human Client: Integrating Pet-Inclusive Social Work into Clinical Practice.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
1. Articulate the dynamic relationship between humans and animals, recognizing animals as family members.
2. Examining the scientific data on the impact that animals have on human interaction ( reducing loneliness and depression).
3. Design procedure to eliminate barriers to care, such as advocating for pet-inclusive housing and domestic violence shelters.
Presenter Bio
Patricia Luko, LMSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky. Ms. Luko is currently employed at a community organization where she assists children with developmental challenges, often using support animals in her role. Ms. Luko’s capstone project focuses on veterinary social work and
the importance of the human-animal bond.
With over 10 years of experience in clinical social work and animal advocacy, Ms. Luko’s work is driven by her passion for animals and a commitment to social inclusion for pets and their owners. Her expertise lies in her compassion and empathy for social justice, strong advocacy, and her belief that pets are an integral part of the family system.
Professionally, Patricia aims to develop an innovative program that supports the inclusion of pet friendly services, advocates for change, and acknowledges that pets are an irreplaceable part of our community. In her free time, Ms. Luko enjoys working closely with animal shelters and rescue groups, volunteering at adoption events and serving as a foster parent for animals in need. Ms. Luko currently lives in New Jersey with her 46 rescued animals.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
