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The article presents the analysis of various experts concerning euthanasia practices in animal shelters in Canada in 2011. The study reveals that among the 196 Canadian animal shelters that were sent questionnaires on methods of euthanasia used, only 67 of them responded. It also discloses that 61% of the respondent establishments use sodium pentobarbital injection for euthanizing dogs and 53% of them use it for euthanizing cats.

Questionnaires on methods of euthanasia used in Canadian animal shelters were sent to 196 Canadian animal shelters yielding 67 responses. Sodium pentobarbital injection was the only method of euthanasia used by 61% of establishments that euthanized dogs and 53% of the establishments that euthanized cats. Many of these establishments used pre-medication. Sodium pentobarbital was mostly administered intravenously but some establishments also used intracardiac and intraperitoneal routes, and some only used intracardiac administration for cats. T-61 injection was the only method of euthanasia used by 23% of the establishments that euthanized dogs and 35% of the establishments that euthanized cats. All of these establishments used pre-medication, but the percentages of establishments that only used the intravenous route for administration of T-61 in dogs and cats were 45% and 7%, respectively. Further studies on the use of T-61, and the training and provision of counselling services for staff are recommended.