Animal Owners: Owners may drop off deceased animals for necropsy; however, a necropsy will not be performed without a history and submission form from a licensed veterinarian. It is recommended to contact your veterinarian prior to traveling to the Diagnostic Laboratory.
Both the Athens and Tifton Labs offer comprehensive necropsy services for all animal species. Our goal is to provide you with gross findings and a preliminary report on the day the necropsy is performed. Final reports may take up to two weeks or longer depending on additional testing required or requested.
Whole Animal Submissions
Whole animals submitted for necropsy should not be frozen. Ship overnight on ice in an insulated container. Frozen carcasses take a long time to thaw and greatly increase turnaround time. Freezing kills many bacteria which can prevent accurate bacterial culture and creates serious tissue artifacts on histopathology.
By submitting whole animals as diagnostic specimens, clients understand that specimens will not be returned to them. Remains will only be released to registered pet cremation services to prevent accidental transmission of any potential pathogens from the laboratory. Animal remains designated as “hold for cremation service” will be held for a maximum of two (2) weeks, after which the laboratory will dispose of them.
After-hours or Emergency Submissions (Athens Only)
Normal hours for necropsy drop-off cases are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. After-hours drop-off hours are 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. Please call 706-207-3948 during those hours.
Formalin Fixed and Fresh Tissue (Mail-in Necropsy)
Clients can also submit samples for mail-in necropsy services.
