Euthanasia of Shelter Animals
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) recognizes that there are thousands of animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, sanctuaries and other groups that hold and shelter homeless animals in the United States . These shelters all have different philosophies, resources, missions and goals. Regardless of their purpose, at some point it will be necessary to euthanize an animal. When these circumstances arise, the ASV believes that euthanasia should be performed with an intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital or an equivalent euthanasia solution. Intracardiac injections may only be performed on anesthetized or unconscious animals. For exotic and large domestic species, staff should familiarize themselves with the appropriate methods of euthanasia and verification of death. It is imperative that each animal be provided with a humane and dignified death by personnel who have received appropriate training from a veterinarian or through a duly authorized or state approved program. The use of sedatives to calm frightened or dangerous animals is strongly recommended. Verification of death by at least two methods is imperative. Staff should be periodically reevaluated for their proficiency, and provided with grief and compassion fatigue counseling. Appropriate record keeping and safeguarding of the drugs and equipment should be undertaken in accordance with all DEA, Federal, and local regulations. While the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2000 Panel on Euthanasia deems the use of carbon monoxide as an acceptable method of euthanasia, shelters that are utilizing this and other methods are strongly encouraged to convert to intravenous injections of approved euthanasia solutions.