Veterinary Technicians in Euthanasia Work; Encouragement

Could our profession be utilizing highly skilled, empathetic veterinary technicians/nurses to perform companion animal euthanasia, rather than always relying on veterinarians?  It turns out around 50% of US states already allow vet techs to perform euthanasia with direct veterinary supervision, meaning the veterinarian is overseeing the procedure, or with indirect supervision, meaning the veterinarian is off site. This is an important step to show that technicians are capable of the work after the veterinarian has determined that euthanasia is necessary. Through proper training with groups like the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA), veterinary technicians will be prepared to deliver a gentle death whenever it’s needed, in the states and countries where its allowed.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has put together a document titled State Animal Euthanasia Laws (updated May 2023). The document lists who is allowed to perform the euthanasia procedure on animals by state. Veterinarians remain the primary director of care, regardless of who is performing the procedure. In animal shelters, euthanasia technicians who’ve taken advanced training may perform euthanasia for shelter animals only.  For non-shelter employed veterinary technicians, the document indicates if and how they may assist.  

Currently around 13 states allow vet techs to perform euthanasia with (direct) or without (indirect) the veterinarian present. Ten US states indicate the technician may perform it as long as the veterinarian is on site and able to assist should the need arise, however some states are unclear on what “direct supervision” actually means. Either situation requires the veterinarian to prescribe euthanasia as the best medical procedure for the patient given its physical and mental health. The vet tech cannot decide to perform it without veterinarian consent. The majority, some 27 states, do not allow veterinary technicians to perform euthanasia outside of shelters. I think it’s great that the remaining 23 states have identified the ability of veterinary technicians to perform the procedure, especially after taking 2-4 years of veterinary-centric education compared to those in the shelter industry.

Here is a breakdown of the state rules. Note that these change based on Veterinary State Practice Act renewal periods, and that by the time you are reading this, adjustments have been made to some states.

Both Indirect and Direct Supervision Allowed
Alabama
Alaska
California
Colorado (for emergencies)
Delaware
Florida
New Hampshire (reads a bit unclear)
New Jersey (reads a bit unclear)
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Washington

Not allowed to perform
Utah
Wyoming
Wisconsin
West Virginia
Vermont
Virginia
Illinois
South Dakota
Tennessee
Oregon
Indiana
Massachusettes
New Mexico
North Dakota
North Carolina
Iowa
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Louisiana
Maine
Kansas
Hawaii
Idaho
Arizona
Arkansas

Euthanasia is considered one of the most common procedures in veterinary medicine. It is rich with emotional and ethical complexity requiring deep reflection before deciding to carry it out. With its regularity comes the need to ensure trained medical personnel are at the ready. If technicians are to perform euthanasia, step one will be to ensure they understand these complexities and are prepared to deliver a gentle death. Step two will be to affect change in state legislation to open the door for them.  

And veterinarians could use the help. Colleagues routinely tell me their end-of-life services are vastly understaffed, especially with euthanasia support.  I feel the use of these skilled, empathetic veterinary technicians increases the number of animals helped in a given day around the US (and around the world). In fact, as of 2020, many veterinary technician schools would benefit from additional euthanasia education to help prepare them for the work. It adds more work to drug management/storage, but when following DEA and state-mandated regulations, vet techs can be a welcomed support line.