Advancing One Health Systems for Pet Families and Communities
The Center for Pet Family Well-Being (CPFW) connects people, pets, and communities by aligning veterinary care, social services, public health, and animal welfare to expand access for pet families.
Who We Are
The Center for Pet Family Well-Being (formerly the Program for Pet Health Equity) is an interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Tennessee dedicated to strengthening the bond between people and their pets. We work to transform fragmented veterinary, social service, and community systems into integrated, community-driven One Health Systems that improve access to care and support for pet families.
We envision a future in which communities collaborate to ensure every pet family—regardless of circumstance—has equitable access to the services, resources, and care they need to thrive.
Key Initiatives
One Health Community
A public forum in collaboration with Maddie’s Fund®, promoting collaboration across care for people, their pets, and their communities.
Journal of One Health Systems (JOHS)
Recognizing pets as essential family members, JOHS aligns veterinary, human health, public health, and social services systems—supported by policy and infrastructure—to advance pet family well-being.
One Health Systems Summit
The One Health Systems Summit convenes leaders to advance health equity for people and pets through collaboration, policy, and research—driving sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions.
Research
Conducting interdisciplinary research to understand and strengthen the relationships between people, pets, and communities.
Education
Equipping professionals across disciplines with the knowledge and skills to advance One Health Systems.
Collaboration
Catalyzing interprofessional partnerships to develop and sustain integrated One Health Systems that expand access to care.
