Millions of working animals including horses, donkeys, mules, and working dogs complete their service careers each year, requiring appropriate retirement planning to maintain welfare.
Working animal retirement welfare requires recognition that animals who have spent years in active service have physical, social, and psychological needs shaped by that experience. Abrupt changes in routine, social environment, and level of activity can cause distress. Police horses that have worked with humans daily may struggle with less human contact in retirement. Working dogs may show anxiety without work to do. Thoughtful transition management - gradual reduction in workload, maintenance of familiar routines, and provision of meaningful activity - protects welfare at a vulnerable life stage.