After Life Options

Effective March 29, 2018

The Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has been informed by our rendering company that due to FDA regulations they will no longer be accepting horses and will also not accept any species if they are euthanized with chemical drugs, such as pentobarbital. The renderer will accept pigs, cattle, chickens, llamas, and alpacas that die of natural causes or are euthanized by captive bolt, firearm, or IV administration of KCl following anesthesia. Disposal charges can be found by searching for “remains” on our Tests & Fees catalog .

The Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not accept donations of animals for necropsy. All animals presented to KSVDL for after-life care will be assessed a fee based on the weight, species, and/or method of euthanasia of the animal. The KSVDL is unable to release an animal after necropsy examination or storage of that animal in the necropsy area to the owner. Animals submitted on “hold” status (undecided remains handling) will be subject to general disposal if wishes aren’t communicated in 5 business days. If a method of remains handling is not denoted on the submission form, remains will be submitted for general disposal as the default. Third party cremation services may be arranged by KSVDL. If you have a specific crematorium you wish to work with please have them contact KSVDL directly about pick-up of the animal.

Cremation options: A third party crematory service is available for the following additional costs.

• Group cremation: $6.00 + $0.80/lb; maximum charge of $80.00; no ashes returned
• Individual cremation*: $95.00 + $1.00/lb; maximum charge of $195.00; ashes returned in a cedar box with a shipping charge of $5.00-$10.00
  • *animals <5lbs flat fee of $70.00
  • * whole horses not accepted