Requirements for Animal Euthanasia
According to Health & Safety Code Chapter 821:
1) Only two forms of euthanasia may be used on dogs and cats in animal shelters:
injectable sodium pentobarbital or
commercially compressed carbon monoxide.
2) Anyone (except a veterinarian) who euthanizes animals in an animal shelter must be trained in proper procedures. The Texas Department of State Health Services has developed a Policy Pertaining to Mandatory Euthanasia Training (Chapter 821) (PDF) to help clarify who needs to take this training.
If you would like more information on these legal requirements, contact your Regional DSHS Zoonosis Control office
The Texas Department of State Health Services has developed a process for approval of euthanasia training courses (PDF). Please note that sponsors who would like to receive retroactive approval for training courses may also apply; however, all course requirements listed in the approval process document must have been met. If a previously presented course is only lacking in two or less of the seven required topics, the sponsor may request approval for the previously presented course accompanied by a proposal for a supplemental course to cover the missing topic(s). It will be the sponsor's responsibility to inform former students about the supplemental course.
Click here for a schedule of animal control continuing education courses, including DSHS-approved euthanasia training courses.