This webinar brought together animal lovers, people with pet loss experiences, bereavement counsellors, and researchers to explore the emotional and psychological impact of pet bereavement across Chinese societies. Highlighting ongoing research from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, we examined the relationship between pet loss and post-bereavement growth, focusing on key mediators such as resilience, social support, and professional interventions. Participants engaged in discussions about cross-regional research findings, the role of cultural factors, and how evidence can inform practices to support individuals through the grieving process that leads to growth and better appreciation of human-animal bond.
Keynote Speaker – Miss Winnie Yiu
Winnie Yiu is a counsellor and researcher specializing in community and clinical mental health. With a BSc in Psychology from Newcastle University and a Master of Social Sciences in Counselling from The University of Hong Kong, her research and counselling practice focus on areas such as juvenile delinquency, families with incarcerated individuals and human-animal interactions. In her current work, she explores the emotional impact of pet bereavement and post-bereavement growth, aiming to make mental health support more accessible, particularly for under-recognized and marginalized communities.
Moderator – Prof. Paul Wong
Professor Wong an accredited register clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong. His recent research projects encompass various areas, including youth social withdrawal behavior, the utilization of animals in educational and psychological interventions, positive youth development among local and non-Chinese young individuals, and family caregiving for individuals with psychological issues and people incarceration. He serves as the Programme Director of the Master of Social Science (Counselling) and has received the Faculty of Social Science’s Research Output and Knowledge Exchange Awards in 2015 and 2020 and 2024, respectively.
Discussant -1 – Mr. Chen Huai-Enn (founder of Animal Social Work, Taiwan)
Mr. Chen is a social worker (LSW) from Taiwan, dedicated to integrating the fields of animal welfare and social work, focusing on groups that interact with animals, such as veterinarians and pet owners, addressing issues related to mental health, welfare, and violence within these communities. The hope is that social workers can bring animals into the horizon of knowledge and practice.
Discussant -2 – Dr. Camille Chan
Dr. Chan is a dedicated researcher specialising in veterinarians’ mental health, particularly the emotional impacts associated with their occupation. Dr. Chan is a guest lecturer at the City University of Hong Kong, teaching a mental health module to veterinary medical students. Dr. Chan also works as a research officer at HKU, focusing on a project that relating to caregivers of children with autism. Their research portfolio also encompasses the burnout and mental health of social workers, as well as the experiences of individuals coping with bereavement from suicide.