Animal Euthanasia Activities

This program is designed for incorporated societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA) and municipal animal control facilities who do not have the services of a NYS licensed veterinarian to perform timely and humane euthanasia of animals. Incorporated societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals and municipal animal control facilities may apply to the department for registration to purchase, possess and dispense sodium pentobarbital to euthanize animals and ketamine hydrochloride to anesthetize animals prior to euthanasia. An agent is assigned by the society or facility and must also apply for registration with the department. A certified euthanasia technician, a person other than the agent, must also apply to the department for certification as summarized below. All requirements, certification, registration, and the utilization of controlled substances in animal control facilities are stated in Section 80.134 of Title 10 regulations. Registrations and certifications are valid for three-year period. No fees are required. All controlled substance activities under the facility’s registration from the department must be kept totally separate from any other licensed practitioner’s controlled substance activities at the same location. This includes NYS licensed veterinarians who may provide their own euthanasia services on a part time basis.

Certification of Euthanasia Technicians

To obtain a certification from the department to administer a solution to euthanize animals, the applicant must:

  • Be 21 years of age or older;
  • Hold a bachelor or associate degree in animal health sciences or related field; and
  • Obtain written certification from two licensed veterinarians (or one licensed veterinarian and one licensed technician) that they have observed the proficient use, by the applicant, of injections for the euthanasia of animals.

An applicant that does not possess the educational requirements may obtain certification from the department if such person has two years’ experience in animal care that included euthanasia of animals.

Renewal of Euthanasia Technician Certification

Certification shall be issued upon receipt of a completed application that includes proof of attendance at a department-approved course in the safe and effective use of a solution in the euthanasia of animals.

Euthanasia Technicians Application Forms

In addition to the application, each applicant must submit a completed Statement of Employer for Euthanasia Technicians form.