Let's Talk About Euthanasia

Euthanasia is one of the most difficult conversations for any animal lover. It’s emotionally draining, incredibly challenging, and never something we approach lightly. Yet, it’s a necessary part of sheltering—especially in today’s climate—and one that Sammie’s Friends, like many shelters nationwide, must address with honesty and compassion.

Over the past few years, Sammie’s Friends has experienced a significant increase in animal intake. Many of the animals we welcome have complex behavioral needs, particularly dogs. Our staff works tirelessly—going above and beyond—to give every animal the best chance at rehabilitation and a loving home.

Unfortunately, we’re not alone in this struggle. Shelters across the country are seeing similar patterns, with rising behavioral cases and longer stays affecting adoptability. This has led to a national increase in shelter euthanasia numbers—not due to a lack of effort, but due to the very real limitations we all face.

A Shift Toward Transparency

Historically, the topic of euthanasia has been spoken about quietly at Sammie’s Friends. But the reality is, euthanasia is sometimes part of sheltering. While our mission is to love, protect, and care for the animals in our community, we also hold a deep responsibility to ensure public safety.

We’re working to become more intentional and transparent about these decisions—especially for dogs with significant behavioral concerns. We are committed to doing better, not just for the animals, but for the people in our community who trust us.

Our Behavior Program and Process

Sammie’s Friends works with animals at all behavioral levels. Some have minor issues, while others come in with more serious challenges. To support this, we’ve contracted with Leeron Liftik, a certified behaviorist (CPDT-KA, CBCC, PDT), who has over 15 years of experience in municipal shelter systems. Leeron has been working with us for over a year and brings an invaluable level of expertise.

When a dog shows signs of behavioral decline or poses a risk, we follow a detailed behavior plan. Dogs are assessed multiple times by Leeron, placed on individualized plans, and—when possible—moved into foster homes for further support. Euthanasia is never a first response. Every dog receives a fair opportunity to improve and thrive.

Making the Hard Decisions

As Shelter Director, I (Emily) along with Leeron our behaviorist, Fran Sammie’s Executive Director and Natalie our Kennel Supervisor make the final euthanasia decisions, but not without deep reflection and consultation. Every case is reviewed in detail with Leeron. Typically, we opt to move forward with a treatment plan and reassess after a defined period.

However, in some cases, the behavior is too severe—sometimes involving unprovoked bites or aggression that cannot be safely managed. For insurance and liability reasons, and for the safety of our community, we cannot adopt out potentially dangerous animals. Rehoming such dogs can put lives at risk and could ultimately jeopardize the future of Sammie’s Friends itself.

We also believe it is neither ethical nor humane to keep an animal indefinitely in a shelter environment when they cannot be safely placed in a home. Shelter life is hard, and some animals deteriorate quickly. We do everything in our power to prevent that, but when an animal’s quality of life has diminished and there are no viable options, we must make the most compassionate choice we can.

Our Rescue Outreach and Euthanasia Board

Before any euthanasia decision is finalized, we reach out to rescue partners across Nevada and Placer Counties to find placement. These organizations must carry liability insurance and bite coverage to take legal responsibility for the animal. This ensures that Sammie’s Friends is released from liability and the dog has a chance for rehabilitation outside of our facility. The animals must go to a rescue or sanctuary, private adoptions or fosters are not viable options.

We place each animal, when it arises, on a Euthanasia Board for 10 business days. This gives rescues and potential partners time to step forward and help, if they are able.

When Does Sammie Euthanize?

Sammie’s Friends does not euthanize for space. Ever. Though we are often over capacity and actively seek fosters, our euthanasia decisions are solely based on medical or behavioral reasons.

Understanding "No-Kill"

There is a common misconception that “no-kill” means no animal is ever euthanized. In fact, shelters are considered no-kill if they have a live release rate of 90% or more. This allows for the humane euthanasia of animals who are suffering medically or pose serious behavioral risks.

Sammie’s Friends currently maintains a live release rate of 99.01%—well above the national standard.

A Case to Reflect On: Galway

You may have heard concerns or discussions about Galway, a young dog who was recently on our Euthanasia Board. Galway and his two brothers came to us around 10 months old—scared, shy, and uncertain. We don’t know what they went through before arriving, but their behavior suggested a tough start in life.

While our staff gave Galway love, structure, and enrichment, he continued to struggle with fear, anxiety, and escalating behavior. Despite multiple assessments, behavior plans, and a supportive team, Galway reached a point where he was no longer safe to place or to be kept in a shelter after an incident with a dog walker that resulted in 9 bites to three different body parts— He was suffering, and the risk to others was too high.

Euthanasia was not taken lightly, nor was it something anyone wanted. But we had to ask: Is it more humane to send him into a home where he could harm someone? Or to confine him indefinitely in a stressful environment he couldn’t tolerate? Neither is acceptable. And while it breaks our hearts, we believe in doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.

Sammie’s Friends reached out and sent his notice to local rescues as well as rescues in surrounding counties, explaining the reasons why the decision was made, and pleading for help if any of the had the space or resources to pull him and save his life.

Scooters Pals and Rescue for Pets Sake were able to take Galway and give him the help we could no longer provide. Thank you to them!

The Role of a County Shelter

A common misconception is what Sammie’s Friends is a rescue. We are not a private rescue. We are the Nevada County Animal Shelter. That means we cannot pick and choose the animals we take in. We are required to accept all animals within our jurisdiction, regardless of age, breed, health, or behavior. Some come to us sweet and adoptable; others come in with severe needs or challenges.

That’s the reality—and the responsibility—of being a county shelter.

The Bigger Picture

From January of last year to now, 2,307 animals have come through our doors. All but 2% were reunited with families, adopted into new homes, or placed in foster care.

That is a testament to the incredible, dedicated work of our staff, volunteers, and partners. We are proud of what we do—and you should be too.

The reality is, euthanasia is a part of what we do, and not the fun part. But our responsibility is to our animals and our community.

On Sunday May 25th, 2025 our Wonderful behaviorist will be holding a Seminar called ‘Peaceful Transitions’ at Grass Valley Courtyard Suites in Grass Valley to discuss when euthanasia is the best option.

Thank You for Standing With Us

We implore the volunteers and public to please come and talk to us, ask us questions, especially if you have concerns. Our doors are always open and we want to be transparent and offer our support and educate.

Thank you all again for all that you do!