U.S. flag An official website of the United States government
  1. Home
  2. Regulatory Information
  3. Search for FDA Guidance Documents
  4. CPG Sec. 650.100 Animal Drugs for Euthanasia
  1. Search for FDA Guidance Documents

COMPLIANCE POLICY GUIDE (CPG)

CPG Sec. 650.100 Animal Drugs for Euthanasia March 1995

Final
Docket Number:
FDA-2021-D-0631
Issued by:
Guidance Issuing Office
Center for Veterinary Medicine
Office of Regulatory Affairs

BACKGROUND:

Euthanasia, or painless killing, is widely practiced by veterinarians to destroy unwanted pets and other animals. It is accomplished by a variety of methods one of which involves drug injection. Pest control is not considered euthanasia, and the substances used in this practice are usually regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

POLICY:

*CVM* considers products intended for animal euthanasia to conform to the definition of a drug under section 201(g) of the Act since they are clearly intended to affect the function of the body by inducing death. Moreover, with one exception, namely sodium pentabarbital, *CVM* considers all such products to be new animal drugs, within the meaning of section 201(w) which may be legally marketed only after approval of an NADA. The data must establish that the product results in a humane and painless death when used as directed. Euthanasia drugs may be distributed only under the veterinary prescription legend.

*Material between asterisks is new or revised*

Issued: 10/1/80
Revised: 3/95


Submit Comments

You can submit online or written comments on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5))

If unable to submit comments online, please mail written comments to:

Dockets Management
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

All written comments should be identified with this document's docket number: FDA-2021-D-0631.

Questions?

Contact Point
CVM
Center for Veterinary Medicine
Food and Drug Administration
7500 Standish Pl, HFV-1
Rockville, MD 20855
AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov
(240) 402-7002
 
Back to Top