What is the proper technique for euthanasia? How do you deal with the toll that it takes on staff? From training to how to cope, we've got the info you need here.
Resources and Articles
From the Magazine
-
July 1, 2011
Q & A: Battling Shelter Overpopulation—by the Numbers
Author Peter Marsh says it's time for animal shelters to work smarter in the battle against overpopulation and unnecessary euthanasia by using a data-driven approach to effectively target their programs.
-
January 1, 2010
Better Options for Horses
The HSUS has developed a list of resources for those looking for humane end-of-life options for their equine companions.
-
January 1, 2010
Dealing with Death
A survey of animal shelter employees from 62 shelters in the United States identified coping strategies that euthanasia technicians recommend for dealing with euthanasia-related strain.
-
November 1, 2009
People Care Starts with You
Shelter staff experience a stressor that those in other helping professions do not: Some are asked to end the lives of the very creatures they have saved and nurtured. It's little wonder that the stress can reach a boiling point'but there are ways to cope.
-
July 1, 2009
Saving Lives in the Gulf Coast
A groundbreaking spay/neuter initiative spells hope for homeless animals nationwide.
Policies
-
Instructions for Sharing Sodium Pentobarbital
If it is legal in your state, it is essential that you follow this protocol for sharing sodium pentobarbital during a shortage to be in compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations.
-
The HSUS Statement on Euthanasia Methods for Animals in Shelters
One of the most critical responsibilities of those in the animal care and sheltering field is to provide the most humane death possible for dogs and cats when euthanasia is necessary. To be humane, every euthanasia technique must result in painless unconsciousness, followed by respiratory, then cardiac arrest, and ultimately death.
-
Appropriate Use of Carbon Monoxide for Animal Euthanasia
For those states where shelters cannot legally obtain, use, and administer sodium pentobarbital, The HSUS considers the use of CO a conditionally acceptable method of euthanasia for some animals when delivered by a commercially manufactured and properly equipped chamber. However, the many limitations of CO make the method less practical, considerably slower, and more expensive than lethal injection.
-
Virginia Shelters Making Carbon Monoxide Euthanasia a Thing of the Past
Surprisingly, more than half of the states in the United States still allow the use of carbon monoxide for the euthanasia of dogs and cats. Soon, however, there will be one less state. By the end of 2007, carbon monoxide will be completely eliminated as a form of euthanasia in Virginia animal shelters.
-
The HSUS Statement on Euthanasia Methods for Animals in Shelters
One of the most critical responsibilities of those in the animal care and sheltering field is to provide the most humane death possible for dogs and cats when euthanasia is necessary. To be humane, every euthanasia technique must result in painless unconsciousness, followed by respiratory, then cardiac arrest, and ultimately death.
