Which necropsy do I need? When Do I Receive My Results?
Diagnostic or Forensic Necropsy
We offer both Diagnostic Necropsy & Forensic Necropsy Services (see link below).
RECEIVING FINAL RESULTS REPORT: Generally you can expect the final report in 4-6 weeks, however this will depend on the complexity of the necropsy.
A Diagnostic necropsy consists of a thorough examination of a pet by to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death; or the exam may be performed to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present.
A Forensic necropsy is generally used for legal purposes, for example if you feel this is a case that may be taken to court. Follow the link below to learn more regarding Forensic Necropsy Submissions.
Legal Documents Required prior to accepting submission
Documents Required
Necropsy or Forensic Request Forms:
All submitters (no exceptions) are required to complete either a Necropsy Request or Forensic Necropsy Request form. These forms must be filled out in its entirety & to the best of their ability.
All submitters MUST provide the name & full contact information of a veterinarian (of their choosing) on the Request Submission Form
Signature Required: Forms MUST be SIGNED by submitter whether it is the owner of the pet, the veterinarian, animal services representative, law enforcement, etc.
ADDITIONAL LEGAL Forms:
The following forms will be sent by DocuSign or Emailed to the submitter once the initial request form has been received by the Necropsy or Forensic Necropsy Department.
DocuSign allows submitter to sign electronic signature from most any device.
Emailed forms will be sent as PDFs for signature.
Care of Remains Form: Provides us with your final wishes for the disposition of remains. A selection must be made prior to the necropsy being performed; forms must also be signed.
Financial Authorization Form: Must be signed prior to the necropsy being performed
One Time Authorization Form: When providing a credit card over the phone a One Time Authorization Form must be signed by the person whose name is on the credit card
Client Rights & Responsibilities: Form must be signed prior to the necropsy being performed
Necropsy Department Hours
Monday thru Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Drop off arrangements MUST be made with the Necropsy Department prior to bringing an animal in for necropsy
AFTER HOURS/HOLIDAYS/WEEKENDS:
Submitters MUST contact the UF Small Animal Hospital by calling (352) 392-2235 to coordinate drop off arrangements.
An after-hours drop-off fee will be charged.
FEES: All applicable necropsy fees & any call-in fees will be collected at time of drop off or prior to bringing animal for drop off. Payment by Credit Card is preferred, however cash is accepted.
LARGE ANIMALS: Necropsy On-Call personnel will meet the client.
SMALL OR COMPANION ANIMALS: It is best to wait until the following day between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm Monday – Friday.
Specimen Shipping Instructions
SHIPPING WHOLE ANIMALS
Refrigeration is generally better than freezing due to tissue artifacts that may occur when animal is frozen. However we understand that depending on varying situations, freezing must be method of choice to preserve body.
Frozen carcasses take additional time to thaw and could increase turn-around time. When freezing a pet for shipping, in order to reduce the size of the shipping container, freeze the pet in a position that can easily be placed into a shipping container/cooler.
Ship OVERNIGHT in an insulated and well sealed/leakproof container
• Example: Use of an oversized plastic garbage bag then
placed into a hard-sided cooler. ** See cooler examples below
Ship on ICE PACKS – NOT ice cubes. Ice cubes/bags of ice will melt. Leaking packages are often returned to sender
•Do not place ice packs directly on animals body. Instead pack around the plastic
bag containing animal.
Paperwork
•All paperwork is to be sealed in a Zip-lock bag and included with the body
•Paperwork is also accepted by email. See email address on submission form
The outside of the shipping container must be labeled with a label (this may be printed, cut out, and taped onto the package with clear packing tape).
We suggest the description “Animal Diagnostic Specimens” be used on the shipping label to describe contents of package.
Additional Fees
Some services that may incur additional charges. This list may not be all inclusive of the services:
Cremation or Disposal Charges: Specimens/animals sent for necropsy will not be returned after the examination. Remains will only be released to registered pet cremation services to prevent accidental transmission of pathogens. This fee will vary based generally on the patient’s weight, and type of service selected. This will be discussed at the time of submission.
Ancillary Laboratory Testing: For example, bacterial cultures, toxicology testing, etc.
Cosmetic Necropsy Requests: Prior to accepting a cosmetic necropsy case, permission from the pathologist is required
Drop Off/Delivery Locations
SMALL ANIMALS ONLY: Park your vehicle in the EMERGENCY ENTRANCE parking lot. A necropsy tech will meet you. DO NOT bring deceased pet into the hospital.
LARGE ANIMALS ONLY: A necropsy tech will assist with parking your vehicle/trailer in the proper area. DO NOT leave your vehicle unattended as this is a main loading dock area for our vendors.
See Maps below for Small or Large Animal Drop off Locations
Questions
Contact the Necropsy Lab at (352) 294-4531.
Please leave a voice message with your contact information and a brief summary of the case in question. We do our best to return your call within the same day during normal business hours Mon-Fri.
If calling after-hours/holidays/weekends, we will return your call on the next business day.
Examples of Suitable Shipping Containers:
