We will review quality of life concepts and discuss methods for the assessment of subjective states, including pain.  The goal of the session is to encourage attendees to develop assessment tools for their own facilities and to consider the perspective of individual animals in making outcome decisions.  Finally, attendees will consider how quality of life assessment can be used to consider animal welfare dilemmas. This session is designed for veterinarians, shelter staff, and shelter leadership.  Attendees will be able to:

• Define quality of life and describe how quality of life may be measured in companion animals
• Recognize signs of pain and distress in cats and dogs
• List two assessment tools that can be used to assess pain in cats and dogs
• Give at least one example of a situation at their organization or facility where considering quality of life could help make care or outcome decisions. 

This session is part of the Shelter Medicine series, a collaboration between the Association of Shelter Veterinarians and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

This program (both live and recorded) has been approved for:

• 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE - approval valid through February 11, 2022
• 1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit
• 1 CE  by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for Texas Animal Control Officers