General Necropsy Submissions

  • Necropsy Submission Guidelines document outlines all submission requirements for necropsy samples.
  • We prefer that necropsy submission requests come through a veterinarian; however, owners who live within a 35-mile radius of the veterinary college may submit carcasses or bodies for necropsy without a veterinarian's request.
  • Pre-payment of necropsy and other support services provided by necropsy may be required at time of submission.
  • Payments for necropsy and private cremations are handled by the VTH Business Office.
Necropsy Submission Form

Contact the Necropsy Department

540-231-4619
vitalsnecropsy@vt.edu

Private Cremations

ViTALS partners with Agape Pet Services to provide private cremation services for pets. Cremated remains are returned in a carved wooden urn personalized with the pet’s name. Additional urn options may be selected through the “Paws-e-TRACK+” link sent to the pet owner’s email. If you experience any issues accessing the link, please contact the ViTALS Necropsy Department for assistance. Ashes are shipped directly to the pet owner’s address via UPS.

Agape Pet Services 
540-213-8734
Verona, VA 24482

Necropsy FAQ

  • Final Necropsy Reports are distributed typically within 10 business days or less. For timeframes for other result reports, please contact ViTALS for more information.

  • Reports will be distributed to the veterinarian listed on the submission form via fax, email, or mail, depending on the clinic’s report-delivery preferences.

  • Upon submission, please indicate this requirement to the necropsy technician, veterinary student, pathology resident, or pathologist so that your request can be accommodated accordingly.

  • Field necropsies should be submitted as a histology sample. Please refer to Necropsy Submission Guidelines for more information or contact the ViTALS Histology department at 540-231-5276.

After the necropsy, pets cannot be returned for home burial due to biosafety regulations. Private cremation services are available for an additional fee. If private cremation is not selected, communal cremation will be used as our standard aftercare option.