When it comes to companion animals such as dogs and cats, their quality of life is a key factor in making the decision. Euthanasia is often a very difficult decision and one that is based on your capacity to provide care as well as recognizing that your pet has their own limitations on what they can manage.

Since the decisions related to quality of life are so nuanced, these are some signs indicating that it might be time to discuss quality of life with your veterinarian. 

• Chronic conditions. Despite treatment, your pet is in constant pain or distress. This can be seen through behaviours such as whining, limping, reluctance to move, or other chronic factors related to their diagnosis.
• Loss of mobility. Your pet can no longer move around comfortably or at all. This includes difficulty in standing up, walking or climbing stairs.
• Inability to eat or drink. Your pet refuses food and water, leading to severe weight loss and dehydration. This can be a sign of underlying health issues that are not improving.
• Breathing problems. Persistent difficulty in breathing, which can cause significant distress and discomfort.
• Behavioural changes. Severe anxiety, aggression or depression that cannot be managed. These changes can indicate that your pet is suffering and not enjoying life.
• Toileting changes. Issues related to being able to urinate or defecate properly where they are experiencing pain and/or difficulty that cannot be managed.

It's important to have open and honest conversations with your veterinarian about your pet's condition. They can provide guidance and help you assess your pet's quality of life.

The Ohio State University "Quality of life decision-making survey" (below) can help guide your conversations with your veterinarian.

• Quality of life monitoring calendar

Horses, due to their size and nature, present unique challenges when it comes to end-of-life decisions. In Saskatchewan where we have extreme heat and cold as well as substantial snow and periods of drought, there are many other pieces that we need to explore when we are considering a horse's quality of life. 

• Severe lameness. Chronic, untreatable lameness that causes constant pain. This can severely affect a horse's ability to move and interact with its environment.
• Inability to stand. A horse that cannot stand up or lies down for extended periods. These mobility issues can lead to further health complications and suffering.
• Chronic illness. Diseases such as colic or laminitis that do not respond to treatment. These conditions can cause significant pain and distress.
• Behavioural changes. Signs of distress, such as not eating, drinking or interacting with other horses. These changes can indicate that the horse is no longer enjoying life.

Discussing your horse's condition with your veterinarian can help you understand the severity of the situation and the best course of action.

Asking the following questions that come from the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines (2013 edition) may be helpful when considering your quality of life decision-making. 

• What is the likelihood of recovery or return to an acceptable quality of life?
• How long should the animal be given to recover?
• Has the horse become depressed or lethargic?
• What kind of special care will the animal require and are you able to meet those needs in terms of your skill level, time and available facilities?
• Do you have the financial resources to continue providing for the animal?
• Have the chances of recovery improved or declined over the course of treatment?

For farmed animals, the decision to euthanize often involves considerations of herd health and disease management. 

• Herd disease. If an animal is suffering from a contagious disease that threatens the health of the herd, euthanasia may be necessary to protect the lives of the other animals.
• Severe injury or illness. Conditions that are untreatable and cause significant suffering. This includes injuries that prevent the animal from moving or eating properly.
• Economic considerations. Sometimes, the cost of treatment may be prohibitive, and in these cases, euthanasia is the most humane option.

It's important to seek support during this time. Making decisions about farmed animals can be particularly challenging due to the economic and emotional factors involved.

For this reason, it is important to have a close working relationship with your veterinarian to help guide the decision making.

We know that farm stress is a challenge for many of our clients. We want you to know that Erin Wasson, our veterinary social worker, is versed in the issues related to farming. She can provide you with practical support as needed.

Pet loss support

• Download PDF

Mobile crisis units across Saskatchewan

• Visit HealthLine website

General emergency preparedness

• "Prepare for an emergency" website, Saskatchewan Public Service Agency
• "Get prepared" website, Government of Canada
• Download the WCVM environmental disasters and mental health fact sheet

Pet emergency checklist: emergencies can happen at any time. Plan ahead and prepare an emergency kit for your pets. 

• Download pet emergency kit checklist (saskspca.ca)
• Download pet project: five ways to prep your pet for emergencies, Centers for Disease Control 
• Download pet emergency information sheet (saskspca.ca): in an emergency, the pet emergency sheet provides an easy-to-follow guide with information that you can share with someone who may need to look after your pet(s). Post this information sheet inside your home in a highly visible location such as your refrigerator door.  

Equine emergency checklist: emergencies can happen at any time. Plan ahead to protect your horses. 

• Download the horse identification form 
• Download the equine evacuation emergency contacts
• "Are you and your horse ready for an emergency evacuation?" (interactive) 

Herd animal check list: the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project provides a summary of action plans and emergency phases for producers so that you can take action to better prepare and protect your herd. 

• Download the Saskatchewan producer handbook for beef cattle
• Download "Emergency response procedures for non-disease related emergencies"
• Download the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) producer workbook that provides an array of customizable tools and templates that can help you better prepare for an emergency event
• Download the fact sheet, "Suspicion of a serious animal disease: the first 48 hours for producers"
• Download a brochure about animal diseases emergency management 
• Download a poster, "Detecting foot and mouth disease in cattle"
• Download the Livestock Evacuation Documentation form
• Download the Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard

Farm Stress Line

• Visit website

Intimate partner/domestic violence safety planning for pets
Created by Community Veterinary Outreach

A checklist for individuals leaving a domestic violence relationship and for professionals helping clients planning to exit violent relationships to safely plan for pets.

Click here to download safety guidelines.

ViolenceLink.ca

ViolenceLink.ca provides information about the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. The website includes resources for survivors, professionals and more. 

Click here to visit the ViolenceLink.ca website.

Pet food banks

The positive impact of animals on human lives is well documented. Improved mental and physical health, along with unconditional love and companionship are key factors of the bond between people and our pets. They’re family.

Proper nutrition is a vital component in the health and well-being of all animals. By providing pet food, we hope to alleviate one of the many pressures faced by families that may be experiencing food insecurity. Together, we can prevent families from being forced to decide whether they keep their pet or surrender their loved one to a shelter or rescue.

Click here to visit the Saskatchewan SPCA site (Pet Food Bank).

• Visit website

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Housing, Public Spaces, Employment and Education — Saskatchewan Human Rights Legislation

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code requires the accommodation of persons with disabilities.

Under this legislation, “disability means: (a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement, including: (i) epilepsy; (ii) any degree of paralysis; (iii) amputation; (iv) lack of physical coordination; (v) blindness or visual impediment; (vi) deafness or hearing impediment; (vii) muteness or speech impediment; or (viii) physical reliance on a service animal, wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device; or (b) any of the following disabilities: (i) an intellectual disability or impairment; (ii) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in the comprehension or use of symbols or spoken language; (iii) a mental disorder.”

Click on the following resources to access information on the rights of service animals and emotional support animals in housing, public spaces, employment and education.

Service animals:

• View the SHRC Policy on Service Animals (saskatchewanhumanrights.ca)

Emotional support animals:

• View the SHRC Policy on Emotional Support Animals (saskatchewanhumanrights.ca)