A necropsy (pronounced “NEE-crop-see” or “NECK-ruhp-see”) is the animal equivalent of a human autopsy. It is a detailed medical examination of a deceased animal, performed by a veterinary pathologist to determine the likely cause of death. In veterinary medicine, “necropsy” is the traditional term, but “pet autopsy” is perfectly acceptable — and we use both terms interchangeably. People request necropsies for many reasons — to understand an unexpected death, rule out concerns such as trauma or medical error, confirm a suspected diagnosis, or simply to gain peace of mind.

The cost of a diagnostic necropsy typically starts at $1,600 for small pets such as cats and small-breed dogs, and may be $2,500 or more for large-breed dogs. This fee includes both the gross examination and microscopic analysis performed by a board-certified veterinary pathologist. Additional charges typically apply for other services, including courier transport (depending on location), private cremation (usually ranging from $300–$450), and toxicology testing (often around $350 per test). Pricing also depends on the condition of the body and specific circumstances of the case. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend calling us directly to discuss your needs.

There are several ways to get your pet to us, depending on your location and circumstances:

Courier transport: If you are located within approximately 200 miles of Davis, we may be able to arrange a courier to pick up your pet. This service has limitations and includes an additional fee. Availability depends on your location and the day of the week, so please call us to confirm.

In-person drop-off: We do allow in-person drop-off at our facility in Davis, but only by prior arrangement. We do not keep regular business hours, and unannounced drop-offs cannot be accommodated. If you wish to bring your pet in person, you must speak with us first to schedule a time. This option is reserved for clients with confirmed appointments only.

Shipping remains: We routinely accept cases shipped from outside the region. If you plan to ship your pet’s body to us, please read our Shipping Instructions carefully. Proper packing, labeling, and prior coordination are essential to ensure respectful handling and timely arrival. We cannot accept unannounced deliveries.

If your pet has recently passed away and you’re considering a necropsy, one of the most helpful things you can do is keep the body cold. Ideally, place the body in a heavy-duty plastic bag and refrigerate it as soon as possible — within a few hours if you can. Refrigeration (34–40°F) is best if the necropsy will occur within a few days. If refrigeration isn’t available — especially for larger dogs — freezing is a reasonable option and often preserves more detail than allowing the body to warm. Avoid leaving the body at room temperature, or in warm or hot conditions. Being left in the sun, in a backyard, or even in the back of a car can lead to rapid decomposition, which may limit what we’re able to learn or interpret during the necropsy. You may see online sources suggesting the necropsy must be done within 24–48 hours, but that’s not necessarily true. If the body is kept well refrigerated — or frozen — the examination can often be delayed by several days without significantly compromising the results. If you plan to ship the body to us, please refer to our Shipping Instructions for detailed packing and labeling guidance.

The pathologist performs a full external and internal examination of the body. Each organ system is examined, and representative tissue samples are collected for microscopic analysis (histopathology) and other tests if indicated. Gross and microscopic exams are included in the standard fee. If additional testing is recommended (such as toxicology or microbiology), we may collect samples at the time of necropsy, but no extra-cost testing will be performed without your prior approval.

We aim to perform the necropsy within 24–48 hours of receiving the body, depending on whether the animal is refrigerated or frozen. If the body is frozen, we will thaw it under controlled conditions, which may delay the exam.

A preliminary gross report is typically sent shortly after the procedure. If tissues are submitted for histopathology, the full case may take 3–6 weeks or longer to complete. Timing depends on factors like case backlog, histology lab processing, and whether additional steps are needed. We are a small team of board-certified pathologists offering a high-touch service, and some delay is expected.

Yes. You will receive a formal report prepared by a board-certified veterinary pathologist. It includes gross and microscopic findings (if applicable), a diagnostic interpretation, and a final conclusion or summary of the case. A PDF report is emailed to the address you provide.

Yes. One of the defining features of our service is that you can speak directly with the pathologist performing the necropsy. We believe in transparent communication and are happy to answer your specific questions, either by phone or email when possible.

Yes. Necropsies are performed by licensed, board-certified veterinary pathologists with professionalism and scientific care. However, the procedure is complete and not cosmetic. It is not an 'open-casket' procedure, and we do not offer cosmetic reconstruction. Please let us know if burial is planned so we can advise accordingly.