Cremation

TVMDL does not provide cremation services, but we are happy to facilitate transfer of bodily remains to professional crematoriums following necropsy. On the TVMDL Submission Form, clients may request an animal is held for cremation following a necropsy examination. Arrangements for cremation, including payment and transfer, must be made by the submitting client with their preferred cremation service provider.

TVMDL cannot discharge an animal to a crematorium unless the following information is provided on a pre-completed release form at the time of pick up:

TVMDL accession number
Animal owner’s name
Name/species of animal
Name of crematorium

In accordance with the agency’s client confidentiality policy, TVMDL cannot release case-specific information to anyone other than the submitting client. The submitting client is responsible for relaying case-specific information to the crematorium to schedule a pick up from TVMDL.

TVMDL strongly encourages the submitting client or animal owner to provide case-specific information to crematoriums prior to an animal’s pick up to ensure quick and efficient service.

TVMDL Storage and Release Policies

Due to storage limitations, TVMDL can only hold bodies for cremation for seven days following a necropsy examination. Unless a client requested a body to be held for cremation on the submission form, bodies are disposed of following necropsy. To adhere to biosafety protocols, TVMDL cannot release any remains or body parts, such as fur clippings or feathers, other than to professional crematoriums and cannot ship remains. For horses, only the heart, head, and hooves can be released for cremation.

For more information on how to schedule a pick up from TVMDL for cremation, call the College Station laboratory at 979.845.3414 or the Canyon laboratory at 806.651.7478.