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It is the intent of every wildlife rehabilitator to return animals to the wild. The most difficult thing that we confront when an animal cannot be released and cannot be helped is the question of euthanasia. Euthanasia is defined as a gentle death that is free of pain and distress.

Many rehabilitators do not have previous experience or training in all aspects of animal care, making this decision even more difficult. It can be an especially painful subject for new rehabilitators, yet death is an unavoidable reality, and often, an unavoidable necessity. There are times when the only release we can offer an animal is a release from suffering.

Government agencies and medical professionals have established guidelines to ensure animals do not suffer unduly, and these guidelines include methods and protocols to terminate life humanely. Today, professionals advocate that, when possible, an animal be rendered unconscious before the moment of death by first administering anesthetic agents.

In many countries, individuals who are not members of the medical profession and who are not trained and certified in euthanasia may not perform it. Whether there are conditions and/or legal issues or not, this is not a subject to be taken lightly, and every wildlife rehabilitator should work in cooperation with a veterinarian to establish a protocol that is legal, ethical and humane.

Training is an absolute necessity. All methods do not have the same results for all species or all age groups. For example, gaseous asphyxia is not appropriate for neonate mammals of any species because of their high tolerance for low O2 atmospheres. The same is true for amphibians and reptiles, for which some other methods are also not suitable. Do not subject an animal in your care (or yourself) to the trauma of an unsuccessful or inhumane attempt. Learn everything there is to know about methods, species and age group before making decisions. Contact your veterinarian, local animal shelter, a government agency responsible for wildlife, or other healthcare professionals to find training opportunities or assistance.

To learn more about euthanasia, choose one of the topics below.

The Humane Society of the United States Euthanasia Training Manual: by Rebecca H. Rhoades What is the most humane method of euthanasia? How should a wild or feral animal be euthanized? How should a pre-euthanasia anesthetic be used to facilitate euthanasia? How do animal shelter personnel deal with euthanasia-related stress? This step by step guide from The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, describes to all of those responsible for euthanasia the procedures, policies, and techniques necessary to perform this important task. Spiral-bound: 174 pages The Humane Society of the United States ISBN:0965894266 [see it at amazon.com]

Merck Veterinary Manual: by Susan E. Aiello, Asa Mays (Editor), Merck, Co, Merial The Merck Manual's new edition is a much needed update to previous editions. The book follows the same, easy to follow formal and includes sections on exotic animals that were not a part of previous editions. Hardcover: 2305 pages Merck & Co ISBN:0911910298 [see it at amazon.com]

Paws for Thought:A Look at the Conflicts, Questions and Challenges of Animal Euthanasia by B. J. Ellis Paperback: 144 pages Paw Print Pr ISBN:0963670808 [see it at amazon.com]