Euthanizing an animal when the owner is present is a difficult choice. In most cases it is the owner, and sometimes the insurance company that holds the policy for the animal, that has to make the decision to euthanize an animal. The owner is responsible for gathering the appropriate information to make that decision.

If the animal’s owner is not at the scene, someone else will have to make that decision. Under these circumstances, Good Samaritan laws may apply.

Good Samaritan laws protect people rendering aid or assistance to accident or disaster victims against liability. Good Samaritan laws, however, are quite complex and vary among States. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the laws in your own State as well as neighboring States, in case of a multi-State disaster, or if you are transporting animals across State lines.

Click on this link for examples on the scope of variation that occurs between Good Samaritan laws of different States.