Necropsy Services Group – Shipping Instructions for Pet Remains

If you are planning to ship your pet’s body to Necropsy Services Group, please read this section carefully. Proper packaging helps preserve the condition of the remains and ensures safe, respectful handling during transit.

Important:
Do not ship a body without first speaking to us directly.
Our home office does not have staff on-site to receive unannounced deliveries, and unattended packages may be lost, delayed, or returned.

Before shipping:

·        Call us first at the number listed on our website.

·        We will confirm that we are available to receive the case and provide the correct shipping address.

·        Never ship to our general business address or without confirmation.

Once you've spoken with us and have the go-ahead, please follow the packaging and labeling instructions below.

1. Keep the Body Cold

- If the body is already frozen, leave it frozen. We will thaw it under controlled conditions.
- If not frozen, the body should be fully refrigerated (not just cool) prior to shipping — especially for small animals that can chill quickly.
- Large dogs (e.g., over 80 lbs) may be difficult to cool completely using standard clinic refrigeration. In these cases, freezing is recommended unless a morgue-grade cooler is available.
- If freezing is necessary, try to position the body in a compact posture before freezing so it will fit more easily into a standard-sized insulated shipping container.

2. Use Appropriate Packaging Materials

- Use heavy-duty plastic bags to contain the body. Secure them tightly to prevent leaks.
- Place the bagged body inside a sturdy hard-sided cooler or foam-insulated shipping box with a secure lid.
- Add several gel freezer packs to maintain cold temperature during transit.
- Do not use:
  • Ice (it melts and may leak during transit)
  • Dry ice (regulated as hazardous material and may cause package rejection)
  • Cardboard boxes alone (these are often insufficient, especially if the body is not fully frozen or there are delays in transit)

3. Label Clearly

- Include at minimum your name and contact information and your pet’s name inside the cooler. If the veterinary record is available, that is also useful.
- Label the outside of the container as “Exempt Animal Specimen” or “Veterinary Sample – Keep Refrigerated.”
- If you are a veterinary clinic and familiar with UN3373 (Category B, Biological Substance) labeling that format is acceptable as well.
- Avoid writing terms like “dead pet” or “deceased animal” on the outside of the box unless required by the shipper.

4. Shipping Me

Necropsy Services Group – Shipping Instructions for Pet Remains

If you are planning to ship your pet’s body to Necropsy Services Group, please read this section carefully. Proper packaging helps preserve the condition of the remains and ensures safe, respectful handling during transit.

Important:
Do not ship a body without first speaking to us directly.
Our home office does not have staff on-site to receive unannounced deliveries, and unattended packages may be lost, delayed, or returned.

Before shipping:

·        Call us first at the number listed on our website.

·        We will confirm that we are available to receive the case and provide the correct shipping address.

·        Never ship to our general business address or without confirmation.

Once you've spoken with us and have the go-ahead, please follow the packaging and labeling instructions below.

1. Keep the Body Cold

- If the body is already frozen, leave it frozen. We will thaw it under controlled conditions.
- If not frozen, the body should be fully refrigerated (not just cool) prior to shipping — especially for small animals that can chill quickly.
- Large dogs (e.g., over 80 lbs) may be difficult to cool completely using standard clinic refrigeration. In these cases, freezing is recommended unless a morgue-grade cooler is available.
- If freezing is necessary, try to position the body in a compact posture before freezing so it will fit more easily into a standard-sized insulated shipping container.

2. Use Appropriate Packaging Materials

- Use heavy-duty plastic bags to contain the body. Secure them tightly to prevent leaks.
- Place the bagged body inside a sturdy hard-sided cooler or foam-insulated shipping box with a secure lid.
- Add several gel freezer packs to maintain cold temperature during transit.
- Do not use:
  • Ice (it melts and may leak during transit)
  • Dry ice (regulated as hazardous material and may cause package rejection)
  • Cardboard boxes alone (these are often insufficient, especially if the body is not fully frozen or there are delays in transit)

3. Label Clearly

- Include at minimum your name and contact information and your pet’s name inside the cooler. If the veterinary record is available, that is also useful.
- Label the outside of the container as “Exempt Animal Specimen” or “Veterinary Sample – Keep Refrigerated.”
- If you are a veterinary clinic and familiar with UN3373 (Category B, Biological Substance) labeling that format is acceptable as well.
- Avoid writing terms like “dead pet” or “deceased animal” on the outside of the box unless required by the shipper.

4. Shipping Method

- Use overnight shipping with delivery Tuesday through Friday only.
- We accept shipments from major carriers such as FedEx and UPS. However, policies vary by location. Some staff may not ask about contents; others may refuse certain packages. We recommend calling ahead to confirm.
- Be sure to verify the cutoff time for overnight drop-off at your location.

5. Legal and Service Notes

- The remains are being shipped for veterinary diagnostic purposes, not for final disposition (e.g., burial). This distinction avoids regulatory concerns that can arise when shipping deceased animals across state lines.
- After the diagnostic evaluation, we can assist with private or communal cremation, or return of ashes if requested. Please indicate your preference on the intake form.

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- Use overnight shipping with delivery Tuesday through Friday only.
- We accept shipments from major carriers such as FedEx and UPS. However, policies vary by location. Some staff may not ask about contents; others may refuse certain packages. We recommend calling ahead to confirm.
- Be sure to verify the cutoff time for overnight drop-off at your location.

5. Legal and Service Notes

- The remains are being shipped for veterinary diagnostic purposes, not for final disposition (e.g., burial). This distinction avoids regulatory concerns that can arise when shipping deceased animals across state lines.
- After the diagnostic evaluation, we can assist with private or communal cremation, or return of ashes if requested. Please indicate your preference on the intake form.