The Facts About Euthanization in Animal Shelters

Euthanization is a necessary function of an animal shelter. Because shelter reporting is not uniformly required or practiced, annual estimates of euthanization in the United States varies widely depending on the source.

  1. Euthanization as a Public Service

    • There will always be a need for shelter euthanization, for very old or terminally ill animals, as well as those that are extremely and incurably aggressive.

    Euthanization as Population Control

    • Some shelters and organizations euthanize animals as a means of population control. This is a controversial area because often healthy and adoptable dogs and cats are killed.

    Euthanization for Space

    • Overcrowding in shelters often leads to euthanization. Increased adoption efforts, public education and fund-raising can decrease overcrowding.

    Restricted No-kill Shelters

    • Some shelters use the term ̶0;no-kill̶1; to restrict their intakes to only healthy, adoptable animals; others use it as a justification to keep an animal in the shelter environment for life.

    Open Door No-kill Shelters

    • Another type of no-kill shelter is one that takes in any animal and only euthanizes those that are incurably ill or aggressive. These shelters are very involved with the local community.