Overview

The Humane Society of Baltimore County is committed to the preservation of life and to the objective use of approved methods of euthanasia, when appropriate, guided by medical standards and a reasonable interpretation of the definition of the purpose behind euthanasia. Factors contributing to the euthanasia of any animal include quality of life, and risk to the health and safety of other animals, including people. The Humane Society resolutely affirms that it will not euthanize for reasons amounting to insufficient operational capacity such as space, manpower, and the like.

Given the sensitivity of the practice of euthanasia and the organization’s requirement to maintain transparency and objectivity, the euthanasia of any animal for reasons other than owner requested euthanasia must be approved via signature by:

1. The Medical Director
2. The Animal Center Director
3. An Animal Center Manager or approved behaviorist¹

The only time that Euthanasia will occur at the Baltimore Humane Society (BHS) are as follows:

1. Petowner authorized euthanasia. However, the BHS staff has the right to decline this service if the BHS staff determines that the animal still has quality life remaining and that the animal can live comfortably. In regard to behavior issues, the BHS Staff will coordinate with professional animal trainers or behaviorist to determine if the animal can be properly trained to reverse its behavior that is deemed unsafe being around other pets and people.
2. Deteriorating Medical Condition that is untreatable and causing suffering to an animal. If the BHS Staff determines that a pet is suffering from medical conditions that are not able to be medically treated to maintain a comfortable and quality life. Should outside opinions of the medical state of a pet be needed, the BHS Veterinary Medical Director will consult with other Veterinarians to make a final determination on the pets state of health. If the pet is treatable, BHS will do everything possible to properly medically treat the pet to reverse it's medical condition to live a comfortable and safe life.
3. Behaviors that are beyond correction that are deemed unsafe to other pets, people and to itself. Any pet that is in this category will be closely monitored and will work with at least two professional trainers to attempt to reverse the pets unsafe behaviors to other pets, people and itself.