Lessons and Recommendations from a Pentobarbital Shortage: US and Canada 2021

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Pentobarbital sodium is a common animal euthanasia drug in the United States and Canada, as well as in other countries with access to it. A shortage of the drug in 2021 created a dilemma for those needing to perform the euthanasia procedure in animals facing negative welfare conditions. The reason for the shortage was attributed to chemical production issues. The veterinary community worked together to conserve what euthanasia drug was available, and to identify alternative methods that could be quickly implemented, while still adhering to safety and efficacy requirements. Through collaborative efforts, useful guidelines were created and shared with a variety of animal industries to ensure euthanasia procedures could still be facilitated when necessary. While pentobarbital sodium has increased in availability in 2022, lessons have been learned to support animal care should the shortage occur again. ABSTRACT: In 2021, a shortage in the supply of the euthanasia drug pentobarbital sodium affected animal care professionals around the world, including in the United States and Canada. Pentobarbital sodium is the drug of choice for companion animal euthanasia in both countries. The decreased availability of pentobarbital sodium affected a number of animal care industries, forcing conservation of the drug and the use of alternative methods and other agents to facilitate humane death for all manner of animal species. Veterinary medical groups, laboratory research institutions, and the animal sheltering industry worked together to identify the best path forward to maintain routine euthanasia practices and to protect the welfare of animals. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the shortage and to highlight the necessary responses and adjustments made in order to continue providing euthanasia services in North America. Recommendations for handling future pentobarbital shortages are included.