Necropsy Service

Purpose and Scope

The goal of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Veterinary Necropsy Service is to provide a high‑quality diagnostic service to veterinarians and the broader community for large, small, and exotic animals. As part of our veterinary training program, all necropsies also serve as educational opportunities for our students.

The following policies are designed to ensure a transparent, reliable, and efficient necropsy service while maintaining diagnostic quality and educational value. We greatly appreciate your partnership and cooperation.

Necropsies vs. Donations

Donations
> Small and large animal donations are accepted on an as‑needed basis.
> Donation cases should be suitable educational opportunities for veterinary students.
> Donations do not receive a necropsy report or diagnostic results.

Diagnostic Necropsies
For official diagnostic necropsies:
> All small animal necropsies are accepted. Acceptance of large animal necropsies determined on an individual case basis due to space limitations.
> Necropsy is typically performed within 3 days of submission.
> A gross necropsy report is generally issued within 1 week of submission.
> A final report, including histopathology when performed, will follow.

Availability and Scheduling

> Necropsy drop‑off and pick‑up are coordinated during regular business hours (M-F 9am-5pm).
> Necropsies and donations are not accepted on weekends or holidays, except in cases of significant public health or herd health concern.
> Clinics will be notified by email when the pathologist is unavailable during business hours.

Submission Requirements

> Small animals: All submissions must be made through a veterinarian.
> Large animals: Submission through a veterinarian is preferred; however, submissions by producers are permitted.
> A completed submission form is required for all necropsies and donations.

 > Please include a hard copy of the submission form with the body. When possible, also fax or email a copy to uaf-vet-necropsy@alaska.edu

Fees and Billing

Necropsy fees include the gross necropsy, histopathology as indicated, and group cremation. Additional testing or private cremation services are the responsibility of the owner.

Fee Schedule:
> Animals less than 5 lbs: $75
> Small animals over 5 lbs: $150
> Large animals: $300 and up (dependent on size; please inquire)

Payment and Invoicing - Veterinary clinics will be invoiced directly for necropsy services. For producer‑submitted necropsies, cash or check are accepted forms of payment.

Cremation Options

Group Cremation
> Group cremation is included in the cost of diagnostic necropsies and is used for all donations.
> Ashes are not returned to owners.

Private Cremation
> Private cremation is available through Golden Heart Veterinary Services and must be prepaid to them directly.
> Remains are transported to Golden Heart Veterinary Services on a weekly basis.
> Paw prints are not available through UAF.
> Private cremation is not generally available for large animals.

Meet the Pathologist

Dr. Jayne Ellis, DVM, DACVP
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine
University of Alaska Fairbanks
uaf-vet-necropsy@alaska.edu