Euthanasia in exotic species: A guide to a “good death” in small mammals, birds and reptiles

Presented by Madonna Livingstone
The word ‘euthanasia’ is derived from Greek, 'Eu' meaning 'good' and 'thanatos' meaning 'death', put together it means 'good death'. As veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, we are able to save our patients from suffering by performing euthanasia. The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct says: ‘8.1 Euthanasia may be defined as ‘painless killing to relieve suffering’…. It is recommended that all practice staff involved in euthanasia are fully trained and a planned, rehearsed and coordinated approach is taken.’While most of the profession are confident in their approach to euthanasia in more familiar species such as dogs and cats, we also have a legal, moral, and ethical responsibility to provide owners of exotics (Non-Traditional Companion Animals) with the same high level of care in these cases. In many situations it would not be appropriate to refer the animal for euthanasia and may indeed cause an extended period of suffering of the animal.As an exotics vet, I often get asked how to administer euthanasia in these species as many vets panic when asked to see less familiar species. This session aims to provide practical advice to equip veterinary professionals with the knowledge (you already have the skills!) to give a ‘good death’ to small mammals, reptiles and birds.
Presented at BVA Live 2026 in Clinical Theatre 3 on 11 June 2026, from 16:50 to 17:40.