Euthanasia in Animal Shelters: Management's Perspective on Staff Reactions and Support Programs

Abstract

Performing euthanasia services in animal shelters is a necessary function, yet one that can take a heavy toll on shelter staff. The aims of this exploratory study were to understand animal shelter management's perspective on staff reactions to euthanasia, to identify support programs and policies, and to understand the challenges and barriers to offering such services. A convenience sample of 54 shelter managers in the United States was surveyed using structured questionnaires. As expected, euthanasia was a common practice in shelters, averaging 869 dogs and cats annually per shelter. In response to performing euthanasia, sadness (83.3%), crying (68.5%), anger (57.4%), and depression (57.4%) were the most commonly reported staff reactions. Most shelter managers (74.0%) agreed that euthanasia contributed to burnout in staff, yet far fewer (26.0%) felt that euthanasia led to turnover. Shelter managers indicated that support programs were important for staff who perform euthanasia services. The most commonly offered support programs were training and education (offered in 48.1% of shelters), staff rotation (38.9%), informal peer support (38.9%), and breaks after euthanasia (35.1%). The vast majority of managers (74.0%) identified funding as the primary barrier to offering support programs. These findings confirm that performing euthanasia can have serious and problematic ramifications for shelter staff and shelter operations. While support programs are offered, they do not appear to be widespread or universal, primarily due to funding issues.