This session takes a practical look at how opioids are being used in everyday settings, which ones work best for specific conditions, and how to balance efficacy, safety, and regulatory considerations. We’ll cover injectable, oral, and transdermal options, explore species differences, and discuss multimodal combinations that maximize pain control while minimizing side effects. Attendees will walk away with a clear, evidence-based framework for choosing the right opioid at the right time. Participants will be able to describe the pharmacology, onset, duration, and clinical applications of commonly used opioids in general practice, including full agonists, partial agonists, and agonist-antagonists Participants will be able to identify which opioid and route of administration is most appropriate for perioperative pain, acute trauma, or chronic conditions — and adjust dosing for species-specific needs Participants will be able to incorporate opioids into multimodal analgesic protocols, recognizing potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and strategies for reducing reliance on opioids where appropriate