400.27 guidelines for euthanasia of animals that have not met retention

1. Number: 400.27
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals That have Not Met Retention Page: 1
Date: 9/24/15
Approved: Jennifer Hawkins, D.V.M., Director Revised:
I. PURPOSE
In an effort to be in compliance with the ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal
Shelters (ASV GSCAS) the following Policy & Procedure has been written and will be adhered
to by all staff of OC Animal Care, Shelter Services. The Five Freedoms – Freedom from
Hunger and Thirst, Freedom from Discomfort, Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease, Freedom
to Express Normal Behavior, and Freedom from Fear and Distress will be at the root of every
Policy and Procedure and the core of the works done at OC Animal Care.
The Guidelines are setup with categories of “Must”, “Should” and “Ideal”. OC Animal Care
will strive to maintain or achieve the “Must “category in all aspects of the Shelter by adhering
to the Policy and Procedures written to follow the Guidelines.
To establish a procedure regarding the euthanasia of stray animals that have not met retention.
II. POLICY
Per the ASV GSCAS topic Management and Record Keeping, Establishment of Policies and
Procedures, every Shelter Must:
• Develop and document protocols in sufficient detail to achieve and maintain the
standards described in this document, and update them as needed to ensure that they
reflect current information and pertinent legislation.
Per the ASV GSCAS topic Management and Record Keeping, Animal Identification and
Recordkeeping every Shelter Must:
• A unique identifier (e.g. name and/or number) and record is established for each animal
upon intake.
Per the ASV GSCAS topic Management and Record Keeping, Animal Identification and
Recordkeeping every Shelter Should:
• Basic elements of a record include: the identifier (name and/or number), the results of
microchip scan, microchip number (if present), source of animal, dates of entry and
departure, outcome, species, age, gender, physical description (breed and colors) and
available medical and behavioral information.

2. Number: 400.27
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals That have Not Met Retention Page: 2
Date: 9/24/15
Approved: Jennifer Hawkins, D.V.M., Director Revised:
The euthanasia of stray animals will only be performed for the circumstances listed.
III. SCOPE
This applies to all OC Animal Care employees responsible for euthanasia.
IV. FORMS/ SCREENS
Chameleon Kennel Window
Chameleon Treatment Window
Chameleon Activity Window
V. REFERENCES
ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters (ASV GSCAS)
California Food and Agriculture Code 17006
OC Animal Care Policy and Procedure 400.08
VI. PROCEDURE
A. Authorized employees of OC Animal Care, ONLY under the following circumstances,
may euthanize stray animals or animals that have not met legal retention:
1. When the animal is irremediably suffering from a serious illness or severe
injury, when the animal is a newborn animal that needs maternal care and has
been impounded without its mother, or when the animal is an owner
relinquished dog that has a documented history of vicious or dangerous
behavior.
2. After all screens have been checked for owner information, scanned for
microchip and all possible avenues have been exhausted to find owner or
guardian.
3. OC Animal Care Policy & Procedure 400.08 will be adhered to with all animals
being euthanized.
B. The Veterinarian will update the treatment screen to reflect the seriousness of the
injury/illness.

3. Number: 400.27
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals That have Not Met Retention Page: 3
Date: 9/24/15
Approved: Jennifer Hawkins, D.V.M., Director Revised: