Evidence-based recovery protocols for sporting dogs ensure safe return to activity after injury while protecting welfare through objective assessment of readiness rather than time-based criteria.
Evidence-based return-to-sport protocols protect sporting dog welfare by replacing subjective clinical impression with objective functional assessment that confirms the animal is genuinely ready for the physical demands of competition. The welfare case for objective assessment is strong: dogs that return to sport before adequate recovery re-injure at high rates, creating a cycle of injury, incomplete recovery, re-injury, and cumulative welfare harm. Handler and competitive pressure that overrides objective clinical assessment is a significant welfare risk factor that veterinary professionals must be empowered to resist. Return-to-sport certification by veterinary sports medicine specialists, analogous to medical clearance for human athletes, is an emerging practice that formalizes the welfare protection provided by objective assessment.