Instructions for the registered owner after death

In advance of a planned euthanasia or at the time of your pet’s death you should telephone Bristol Anatomy as soon as possible. If you are informing us of a planned euthanasia then alternatively you can email us at anat-ssadmin@bristol.ac.uk.

• If the death occurs at your veterinary practice we will arrange with them a time to collect your pet’s body.

• If the death occurs at home, we will endeavour to collect your pet’s body that same day. If this is not possible then your pet’s body should be taken to your veterinary practice and held while we make arrangements for collection.

• If the death occurs at home overnight, at the weekend or on a bank holiday, again your pet’s body should be taken to your veterinary practice as soon as possible, until the School has reopened, and arrangements can be made. Owners should please ring Bristol Anatomy and leave your name and telephone number as a recorded message so that we can deal with it promptly on return.

• If the death occurs during the major public holidays at Christmas, New Year and Easter, we will be unable to collect your pet's body due to Bristol Anatomy being closed. During these times, owners are advised to discuss with their Veterinary Surgeon the possibility of their pet’s body being looked after at their veterinary practice until we are able to collect.

After the initial phone call, we will arrange with yourself and /or your veterinary practice, collection of your pet’s body, at no cost to yourself or the veterinary practice. Bristol Anatomy will then be responsible for the safe keeping of your pet’s body until such time cremation is required. During this time your pet’s body will be treated with respect all times by students and staff.

Circumstances where we cannot accept a donation

Regrettably, in some circumstances, due to the nature of an animal’s death, the donation may not be suitable for anatomy teaching. In these circumstances we cannot guarantee acceptance. If we are unable to accept your pet’s body please speak to your veterinary practice to make alternative arrangements. We hope you will understand that this does not mean any ingratitude on our part.