Instructions for the veterinary practice

During the pets life

Please place a notification of your client’s intentions on your records along with a signed copy of the Bequest Consent Form. We ask that the client’s Veterinary Surgeon witnesses and also signs the consent form.

At the time of death

At the time of death or in advance of a planned euthanasia, please discuss with your client the procedure described in the section ‘Instructions for the registered owner after death’.

Either yourselves or the registered owner can contact us at this time, arrangements will then made between the veterinary practice and Bristol Anatomy to collect the body as soon as possible. If not already received, we will need to attain a copy of the Bequest Consent Form on collection.

In some circumstances, over weekends and bank holidays it may be necessary for the body to be held by the veterinary practice for a few days until Bristol Anatomy is open and collection can be arranged. In these cases, we are thankful for your cooperation. As stated previously above, Bristol Anatomy will collect at no cost to the practice and will be responsible for the care and storage of the body until the time of cremation.

A brief medical history of the animal may be asked for by Bristol Anatomy, this information will enhance the students learning and any research projects being undertaken. All identifiers of the pet, owner and veterinary practice will be removed before being shared with students.

Circumstances where we cannot accept a donation

Please be aware that in some circumstances due to the nature of the animal’s death we may not be able to guarantee acceptance of the body. Due to Health and Safety reasons Bristol Anatomy is unable to accept any animal that has undergone Chemotherapy within a week of their death. If Bristol Anatomy cannot accept the body, then please discuss alternative arrangements with your client.