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.
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Euthanization as a Public Service
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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
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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
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Overcrowding in shelters often leads to euthanization. Increased adoption efforts, public education and fund-raising can decrease overcrowding.
Restricted No-kill Shelters
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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
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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.
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