Required Documents
Documents Required prior to accepting submission
Initial Required Documents
We strongly recommend calling ahead at (352) 294-4726 to schedule an appointment before dropping off a pet.
Necropsy Request Form & Medical History
All submitters (veterinarians and/or owners) must complete a Necropsy Request Form by clicking the link below. Along with the completed form, a summary of the pet’s medical history leading up to the necropsy must be provided by your veterinarian. Please email both documents immediately to diagnosticlabs@ufl.edu before shipping the specimens.
Veterinarian Information
The Necropsy Request Form must include the full name and complete contact information of a veterinarian of your choice.
Signature
All forms must be signed by the submitter, the identified veterinarian, or an authorized representative.
Documents Required prior to accepting submission
Additional Required Documents
After the initial request form is received by the Necropsy or Forensic Necropsy Department, the following documents will be sent via DocuSign or emailed as PDFs for signature:
Care of Remains Form
Indicates your final wishes for the disposition of remains. A selection must be made and the form must be signed before the necropsy can be performed.
Financial Authorization Form
Must be signed prior to the necropsy.
One-Time Credit Card Authorization Form
Required when payment is made by phone. This form must be signed by the cardholder.
Client Rights & Responsibilities
Must be signed before the necropsy is performed.
Drop-off and Shipping Instructions
Local Delivery Instructions
Drop-off Locations
Contact us at (352) 294-4726 to make an appointment.
Small Animals Only
Park your vehicle in the EMERGENCY ENTRANCE parking lot (see map below). Check in at the Emergency Department reception desk. DO NOT bring deceased pets into the hospital.
Large Animals Only
A necropsy staff member will assist with parking your vehicle/trailer in the proper area (see map below). DO NOT leave your vehicle unattended as this area is also a main delivery area for our vendors.
Shipping instructions
Specimen Shipping Instructions
Shipping Whole Animals
Refrigeration is generally preferred over freezing because freezing can create tissue artifacts. However, we understand that circumstances may require freezing to preserve the body.
Frozen Animals
Shipping frozen animals requires additional thawing time, which may delay result turnaround. When freezing a pet for shipment, freeze the body in a position that will easily fit into the chosen shipping container or cooler to minimize container size.
Shipping Guidelines
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
• Seal all paperwork in a zip-lock bag and include it inside the container with the body.
• Paperwork may also be submitted via email at diagnosticlabs@ufl.edu.
Labeling
The outside of the shipping container must be labeled appropriately (you may print, cut out, and tape the label onto the package using clear packing tape). We recommend describing the contents as “Animal Diagnostic Specimens” on the shipping label.
Maps to Drop-off Areas
Examples of Suitable Shipping Containers
Fees
All applicable necropsy fees and 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.
The services below will incur additional charges.
- 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.
- Additional Laboratory Testing Fees: Additional charges will be incurred and the cost differs depending on the test that is requested . For example, bacterial cultures, toxicology testing, etc. This list is not all inclusive for additional service fees.
Results
In most cases, your veterinarian can expect the final report within 4–6 weeks, though this timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the necropsy. Our hospital reporting system does not send reports directly to owners. If you would like a personal copy of the final report, please call (352) 294-4726.
- A diagnostic necropsy involves a thorough examination of a pet to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death, or to assess any diseases or injuries that may be present.
- A forensic necropsy is performed for legal purposes. Click the button below to learn more about Forensic Necropsy Submissions and to contact the department directly.
Hours of Operation & Questions
UF veterinary Diagnostic Labs – necropsy Laboratory
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Drop off arrangements MUST be made with the Necropsy Department prior to bringing an animal in for a necropsy by calling (352) 294-4726.
UF veterinary Diagnostic Labs – necropsy Laboratory
After-Hours, Holidays and Weekends
SMALL OR COMPANION ANIMALS: To avoid a after-hours drop off fee, it is best to wait until the following business day between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.
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.
UF veterinary Diagnostic Labs – necropsy Laboratory
Questions
Contact the Necropsy Lab: (352) 294-4531
Please leave a voicemail with your contact information, including your email address. You may also include a brief summary of the reason for your call.
We make every effort to return calls the same day during normal business hours (Monday–Friday). However, please allow up to 24 hours for a returned call or email.
If you call after hours, on weekends, or on holidays, your call will be returned on the next business day.
