{"id":5676,"date":"2022-04-18T06:32:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T06:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/"},"modified":"2022-04-19T11:02:36","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T11:02:36","slug":"how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/","title":{"rendered":"How long before a shelter is euthanized?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_before_a_shelter_is_euthanized\" title=\"How long before a shelter is euthanized?\">How long before a shelter is euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_are_dog_kept_in_pound_before_put_to_sleep\" title=\"How long are dog kept in pound before put to sleep?\">How long are dog kept in pound before put to sleep?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_does_the_SPCA_keep_animals\" title=\"How long does the SPCA keep animals?\">How long does the SPCA keep animals?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#When_should_an_animal_be_euthanized\" title=\"When should an animal be euthanized?\">When should an animal be euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_do_they_keep_animals_before_they_euthanize_them\" title=\"How long do they keep animals before they euthanize them?\">How long do they keep animals before they euthanize them?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Why_do_shelters_euthanize\" title=\"Why do shelters euthanize?\">Why do shelters euthanize?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_does_a_dog_stay_in_a_pound_before_put_to_sleep\" title=\"How long does a dog stay in a pound before put to sleep?\">How long does a dog stay in a pound before put to sleep?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#What_happens_to_dogs_in_a_pound\" title=\"What happens to dogs in a pound?\">What happens to dogs in a pound?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Does_SPCA_put_animals_down\" title=\"Does SPCA put animals down?\">Does SPCA put animals down?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_before_animals_are_euthanized\" title=\"How long before animals are euthanized?\">How long before animals are euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#When_should_pet_be_euthanized\" title=\"When should pet be euthanized?\">When should pet be euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Is_it_too_soon_to_euthanize_my_dog\" title=\"Is it too soon to euthanize my dog?\">Is it too soon to euthanize my dog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Why_should_animals_be_euthanized\" title=\"Why should animals be euthanized?\">Why should animals be euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#What_are_the_signs_of_a_dog_dying\" title=\"What are the signs of a dog dying?\">What are the signs of a dog dying?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_until_an_animal_is_euthanized\" title=\"How long until an animal is euthanized?\">How long until an animal is euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_do_dogs_stay_in_the_pound_before_they_are_put_to_sleep\" title=\"How long do dogs stay in the pound before they are put to sleep?\">How long do dogs stay in the pound before they are put to sleep?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_often_do_vets_have_to_euthanize_animals\" title=\"How often do vets have to euthanize animals?\">How often do vets have to euthanize animals?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Why_do_kill_shelters_exist\" title=\"Why do kill shelters exist?\">Why do kill shelters exist?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Why_are_so_many_dogs_euthanized\" title=\"Why are so many dogs euthanized?\">Why are so many dogs euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Do_animals_feel_pain_when_euthanized\" title=\"Do animals feel pain when euthanized?\">Do animals feel pain when euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Do_animals_feel_anything_when_they_are_euthanized\" title=\"Do animals feel anything when they are euthanized?\">Do animals feel anything when they are euthanized?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_long_is_a_dog_kept_in_the_pound\" title=\"How long is a dog kept in the pound?\">How long is a dog kept in the pound?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#What_happens_when_dogs_go_to_the_pound\" title=\"What happens when dogs go to the pound?\">What happens when dogs go to the pound?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#Do_dogs_die_in_the_pound\" title=\"Do dogs die in the pound?\">Do dogs die in the pound?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-long-before-a-shelter-is-euthanized\/#How_Long_Can_dogs_stay_in_the_pound\" title=\"How Long Can dogs stay in the pound?\">How Long Can dogs stay in the pound?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_before_a_shelter_is_euthanized\"><\/span>How long before a shelter is euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>five to seven days<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_are_dog_kept_in_pound_before_put_to_sleep\"><\/span>How long are dog kept in pound before put to sleep?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The length of time a dog is in the pound <b>There is no set length of time a dog is in the pound for before it can be at risk of euthanasia. As long as there are free kennels at the pound every dog is safe. This can range from 1 month to over 3 months in some cases.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_the_SPCA_keep_animals\"><\/span>How long does the SPCA keep animals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>THERE IS NO SET TIME FOR KEEPING AN ANIMAL<\/b> When a stray\/lost animal is taken to the SPCA, the local by-laws prescribe how long the animal must be kept before it can be put up for adoption if not claimed by its original owner. When the pound period expires, it does not mean that the animal is euthanased.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_an_animal_be_euthanized\"><\/span>When should an animal be euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A veterinarian may recommend euthanasia, which is a humane death, when other options to reduce pain and distress are no longer helpful. Euthanasia may be recommended when you least expect it, such as <b>if your pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness or if they&#8217;ve been in a debilitating accident<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_they_keep_animals_before_they_euthanize_them\"><\/span>How long do they keep animals before they euthanize them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>five to seven days<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_shelters_euthanize\"><\/span>Why do shelters euthanize?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The length of time a dog is in the pound <b>There is no set length of time a dog is in the pound for before it can be at risk of euthanasia. As long as there are free kennels at the pound every dog is safe. This can range from 1 month to over 3 months in some cases.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_dog_stay_in_a_pound_before_put_to_sleep\"><\/span>How long does a dog stay in a pound before put to sleep?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>five to seven days<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_to_dogs_in_a_pound\"><\/span>What happens to dogs in a pound?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The pound might <b>run out of room and dogs that have been there longest have to either be taken in by another rescue, or they will be put to sleep to make room for more unwanted dogs. That means they are given an injection that makes them feel calm, fall asleep and then die painlessly in their sleep.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_SPCA_put_animals_down\"><\/span>Does SPCA put animals down?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SPCA also said that <b>euthanasia is only given as a last-resort measure for animals that are very badly injured or sick, and whose quality of life would be poor despite medical intervention. However, as much as the three dogs had received what was required, there is a growing awareness of SPCA&#8217;s finite resources.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_before_animals_are_euthanized\"><\/span>How long before animals are euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Over thirty states have what are termed holding period laws. These laws provide the minimum required period that an animal (usually a dog or cat) must be kept at a pound or public animal shelter before it is sold, adopted out, or euthanized. Typically, the holding period runs from <b>five to seven days<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_pet_be_euthanized\"><\/span>When should pet be euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A veterinarian may recommend euthanasia, which is a humane death, when other options to reduce pain and distress are no longer helpful. Euthanasia may be recommended when you least expect it, such as <b>if your pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness or if they&#8217;ve been in a debilitating accident<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_too_soon_to_euthanize_my_dog\"><\/span>Is it too soon to euthanize my dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most vets will tell you that <b>a day or a week early is so much better than a day or a week too late. Don&#8217;t wait and make them suffer unnecessarily if it is inevitable that they will suffer and be in pain very soon. They do not understand why they are in pain or why you won&#8217;t help them out if their pain.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_animals_be_euthanized\"><\/span>Why should animals be euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For animal shelters, the main reason to euthanize animals is <b>overcrowding of the shelters due to an overpopulation of unwanted and abandoned animals. If the owner does not claim the animal in a certain period of time, which can last up to about fifteen days depending on the state, the shelter may euthanize the animal.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_signs_of_a_dog_dying\"><\/span>What are the signs of a dog dying?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>6 Signs a Dog May Be Dying<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Dog is in Pain and Discomfort.<\/li>\n<li>The Dog Has a Loss of Appetite.<\/li>\n<li>The Dog is Showing Lack of Interest in Favorite Activities.<\/li>\n<li>Incontinence and Decreased Grooming.<\/li>\n<li>The Dog Has a Loss of Mobility.<\/li>\n<li>There are More Bad Days Than Good Days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_until_an_animal_is_euthanized\"><\/span>How long until an animal is euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The euthanasia medication most vets use is pentobarbital, a seizure medication. In large doses, it quickly renders the pet unconscious. It shuts down their heart and brain functions usually within <b>one or two minutes<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_dogs_stay_in_the_pound_before_they_are_put_to_sleep\"><\/span>How long do dogs stay in the pound before they are put to sleep?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>five to seven days<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_do_vets_have_to_euthanize_animals\"><\/span>How often do vets have to euthanize animals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It varies depending on a lot of factors, especially size of practice. Maybe <b>once or twice a week on average. We either go to the pet&#8217;s home, or do the procedure in the clinic. I have worked at a clinic where one room is dedicated to this and people can sit with their pet on a couch.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_kill_shelters_exist\"><\/span>Why do kill shelters exist?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These shelters are often forced to euthanize animals <b>based on their duration of stay so they will have enough cage space available to accept all animals. So just because a dog or cat is in good health and has a good temperament does not mean he will not be euthanized.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_are_so_many_dogs_euthanized\"><\/span>Why are so many dogs euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For animal shelters, the main reason to euthanize animals is <b>overcrowding of the shelters due to an overpopulation of unwanted and abandoned animals. If the owner does not claim the animal in a certain period of time, which can last up to about fifteen days depending on the state, the shelter may euthanize the animal.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_animals_feel_pain_when_euthanized\"><\/span>Do animals feel pain when euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>The euthanasia process itself does not hurt, but is similar to going under anesthesia, so your pet may feel odd as they lose consciousness, leading to odd noises or movements. With prior sedation, we can often minimize unusual mannerisms caused by the unconsciousness-inducing effect of the euthanasia solution.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_animals_feel_anything_when_they_are_euthanized\"><\/span>Do animals feel anything when they are euthanized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since the pet is not conscious, <b>they do not feel anything. Most times, the animal passes away so smoothly, that it is difficult to tell until the veterinarian listens for absence of a heartbeat. The eyes remain open in most cases.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_is_a_dog_kept_in_the_pound\"><\/span>How long is a dog kept in the pound?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The length of time a dog is in the pound <b>There is no set length of time a dog is in the pound for before it can be at risk of euthanasia. As long as there are free kennels at the pound every dog is safe. This can range from 1 month to over 3 months in some cases.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_when_dogs_go_to_the_pound\"><\/span>What happens when dogs go to the pound?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Over thirty states have what are termed holding period laws. These laws provide the minimum required period that an animal (usually a dog or cat) must be kept at a pound or public animal shelter before it is sold, adopted out, or euthanized. Typically, the holding period runs from <b>five to seven days<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_dogs_die_in_the_pound\"><\/span>Do dogs die in the pound?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A dog who is voluntarily surrendered to a dog pound faces the fate of all dogs taken to the pound. <b>If not sold or adopted, a dog will generally be humanely euthanized after a short period of time.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Can_dogs_stay_in_the_pound\"><\/span>How Long Can dogs stay in the pound?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Over thirty states have what are termed holding period laws. These laws provide the minimum required period that an animal (usually a dog or cat) must be kept at a pound or public animal shelter before it is sold, adopted out, or euthanized. Typically, the holding period runs from <b>five to seven days<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents How long before a shelter is euthanized?How long are dog kept in pound before put to sleep?How long does the SPCA keep animals?When should an animal be euthanized?How long do they keep animals before they euthanize them?Why do shelters euthanize?How long does a dog stay in a pound before put to sleep?What&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[619],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5676"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5676"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5676\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67196,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5676\/revisions\/67196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}