AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (2020 Edition)

The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals are created by the American Veterinary Medical Association and are a widely recognized set of standards designed to provide “guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.” ULAM veterinarians interpret this guidance in order to provide recommendations regarding humane euthanasia to animals involved in research. These recommendations are endorsed by the IACUC.

The Guidelines undergo a comprehensive review at least every 10 years, although “more frequent major revisions are possible based on substantive information gleaned from new research and experience with practical implementation.”