Discuss circumstances under which euthanasia of an animal may be considered and documentation requirements when a euthanasia procedure is carried out

This option is for the owner to consider when the quality of the animal's life is determined to be minimal and/or when the financial obligation outweighs the potential outcome of continued care. Documentation of the consent for euthanasia is best made in writing to verify the relationship of the signer to the animal. It is also important at the time of consent for euthanasia to determine whether the animal has bitten another animal or a human being, because of the potential for rabies exposure. During the discussion between the veterinary health care provider and the owner and subsequent signing of the consent for euthanasia, arrangements can be made for payment of the final bill. The actual procedure of euthanasia should then be documented with the time, date, product used, and signature of the veterinary health care provider performing the procedure. This documentation fully verifies that the owner's wishes were carried out and that the animal was not transferred to a new owner or a research project.?