Equine Emergency Procedure: What to do if your horse needs euthanasia

There are few situations more difficult for a horse owner than facing the decision to put their horse to sleep. While it is something none of us want to think about, knowing what to do in an emergency, and understanding the process if euthanasia is planned rather than immediately necessary, can help you feel more prepared should the situation arise.

Following updated guidance from the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), the approach to euthanasia of insured horses has changed. Most importantly, where a horse is suffering and immediate euthanasia is necessary on welfare grounds, insurance authorisation should not delay the veterinary surgeon from making the decision that is right for the horse.

So, what should you do if you are faced with this situation?

If your horse is in an emergency

An emergency is a situation where your horse is experiencing incurable and excessive pain and immediate euthanasia is necessary to protect their welfare.

In these circumstances, your horse’s welfare comes first. Your veterinary surgeon will assess your horse’s condition and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

If emergency euthanasia is necessary, you should:

1. Arrange emergency euthanasia with your vet

Follow your veterinary surgeon’s advice and arrange for your horse to be euthanised without delay where they consider this necessary to relieve suffering. You do not need to wait for SEIB or the insurer to provide prior authorisation before emergency euthanasia is carried out. This is important because insurance considerations should never result in a horse experiencing unnecessary suffering.

2. Contact SEIB when you feel ready

Once you have dealt with the immediate situation and feel ready to contact us, please let us know what has happened so we can discuss any potential claim with you. Call 0345 873 4922 during our opening hours or email equineinfo@seib.co.uk.

We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time. There is no need to contact us before your vet has dealt with the emergency. Your horse’s welfare must come first.

If your horse is not in an emergency

Not every situation where euthanasia is being considered is an immediate emergency. For example, your horse may have a long-term or progressive condition where euthanasia is being considered because their quality of life has deteriorated, but your vet does not believe immediate euthanasia is necessary to prevent suffering. In these circumstances, you should contact SEIB before euthanasia takes place. This gives us the opportunity to discuss the circumstances with you and a veterinary surgeon, and advise you on the steps needed to obtain the insurer’s prior authorisation.

1. Contact SEIB before euthanasia

Call 0345 873 4922 during our opening hours to discuss your horse’s circumstances and the proposed euthanasia. Depending on the circumstances and the insurer involved, a second veterinary opinion may be requested before euthanasia is authorised. It is important to speak to us before proceeding, as the terms and conditions of your policy will determine whether a claim can be considered.

2. If authorised, arrange euthanasia with your vet

Once the insurer has provided the necessary authorisation, you can arrange euthanasia with your veterinary surgeon. Your vet will continue to make the clinical decision about your horse’s welfare and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

3. Ask your vet to provide the relevant information

Following euthanasia, ask your veterinary practice to send the relevant invoice and associated veterinary notes or report to: equineinfo@seib.co.uk

We will assess the information as a priority as part of the claims process.

Why has the process changed?

The updated BEVA guidance provides clearer counsel for veterinary surgeons dealing with euthanasia in insured horses and places the horse’s welfare at the centre of the decision-making process. Previously, horse owners may have been advised to contact their insurer before euthanasia so that consent could be obtained. However, where an immediate emergency means euthanasia is necessary to prevent further suffering, waiting for insurance approval is not appropriate.

For non-emergency situations, contacting your insurer beforehand remains important. Some insurance policies require prior authorisation for euthanasia, and insurers may need further veterinary evidence to establish whether the circumstances meet the terms of the policy.

What if I’m unsure whether it is an emergency?

If you are unsure, speak to your vet. They are best placed to assess your horse’s condition, level of pain and welfare, and advise you on whether immediate euthanasia is necessary. If the situation is not an immediate emergency, contact SEIB before euthanasia takes place so that we can explain the insurance process and any requirements that may apply to your policy. Remember, insurance procedures should never delay necessary emergency veterinary care or euthanasia where your vet considers it necessary on welfare grounds.

Be prepared before an emergency happens

Nobody wants to imagine being faced with an emergency involving their horse, but having a plan in place can make a difficult situation a little easier. We recommend keeping an emergency care plan that includes important contact details, your horse’s health information, insurance details and your wishes regarding euthanasia. It can also be helpful to nominate someone who can act on your behalf if you are unavailable.

Consider keeping the following information somewhere easily accessible:

• Your vet’s contact details and out-of-hours arrangements
• Your horse’s insurance policy details
• SEIB’s contact details (0345 873 4922 or equineinfo@seib.co.uk, contactable 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
• Your wishes regarding emergency treatment and euthanasia
• Contact details for someone who can make decisions on your behalf if you cannot be reached

Having these details readily available can save valuable time and help those caring for your horse understand what you would want to happen.

We’re here to help

We know that dealing with the loss of a horse is incredibly difficult. Our role is to help you understand the insurance process and support you with any potential claim, while your veterinary surgeon remains responsible for advising on your horse’s welfare and clinical care.

If your horse has sadly been euthanised following an emergency, contact us when you feel ready.

For non-emergency euthanasia, please contact us beforehand so we can discuss your circumstances and explain the next steps.

Call us on 0345 873 4922 during our opening hours or email equineinfo@seib.co.uk

Please remember that the terms, conditions, exclusions and requirements of your individual insurance policy will apply. This information is intended as general guidance and does not replace advice from your veterinary surgeon or the terms of your policy.