Abstract: A method and apparatus for the humane euthanasia of small animals involves the use of a programmable controller and animal holding chamber. The apparatus includes a Mass Flow Controller (“MFC”) having a closed-loop interface with a Programmable Logic Controller (“PLC”) to provide a predetermined flow rate of gas under specified pressures for specified time periods. The PLC is preprogrammed to provide various cycles that are designed to provide the proper flow rate for various animal species. The program may allow for a two-stage flow rate cycle so that in the first stage the animal is anesthetized and in the second stage the animals are euthanatized.

Abstract: A system for safely and humanely anesthetizing and/or euthanizing animals is provided. The system provides both manual and automated operation and may be scaled up to accommodate a large number of animals during a single procedure. The system includes a chamber 20 for receiving an animal to be anesthetized or euthanized and a supply of gas is provided for the chamber, and a fluid controller (65, 165, 265, 365) controls the flow of gas to the chamber. In one embodiment, a valve (75) controls the flow of exhaust air to the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anesthetizing one or more laboratory animals is provided. An anesthetic component is introduced into a pressurized gas stream for delivery to laboratory animals. In one embodiment of the invention, a solo apparatus is used to administer anesthetic component to a single animal. The apparatus may also contain a host cage providing a group apparatus connected to the pressurized gas stream that permits administration of anesthesia to one or a group of animals simultaneously. One or more solo and/or group apparatuses may be used to administer anesthetic components to different animals at various dosages. The apparatus may also include a thermoregulatory system that transfers heat to animals as they receive anesthesia to control the animals' body temperature. In addition, the apparatus may include an exhaust system to remove contaminants from exhaust gases and to withdraw exhaust gases from the apparatus or apparatuses.