Saving Remains for Private Cremation Process

If an animal is being submitted for necropsy and the owner wishes to have a private cremation performed, arrangements with the cremation service must be made prior to submitting the animal to KAHDL. Additionally, the animal must be accompanied by a completed KAHDL Waiver and Release of Remains for Cremation form. This form provides the laboratory with permission to release the remains to the private cremation service specified on the waiver form. If an owner decides to change the cremation service originally listed on the waiver form, an updated Waiver and Release of Remains for Cremation form is required.

Process Overview

  1. After Necropsy Completion: Once the necropsy has been completed and all necessary samples have been collected, KAHDL staff will contact the private cremation service listed on the waiver form to arrange for pick-up of the remains. Remains will only be released to the crematory specified on the form.
  2. Additional Fee: Holding remains for a private cremation incurs an additional fee of $25 to KAHDL.
  3. Transfer of Custody: When the private cremation service arrives at KAHDL, the service must verify with KAHDL the animal they are picking up and sign the same waiver and release form initially completed by the owner. This signature confirms the cremation service has taken possession of the animal’s remains. The private cremation service will coordinate directly with the referring clinic or owner to arrange the return of cremated remains. Cremated remains are not returned to KAHDL.

Important Considerations

  • No returns to Owners or Others: Due to biosafety concerns, after entering the laboratory, an animal’s remains and any items on the animal cannot be returned by KAHDL to the owner or anyone other than the chosen private cremation service listed on the form. This includes release of animals to animal clinics. If the animal is confirmed positive for a select agent (a biological agent or toxin deemed a severe threat to public health, animal health, or agriculture), the remains will be disposed of following KAHDL’s protocols for handling select agents. This ensures the safety of all individuals and complies with all federal and state biosecurity regulations.
  • Biosecurity measures: KAHDL handles all remains with the utmost care to mitigate potential health risks. Owners and clinics should understand that exceptions to these policies cannot be made, as they prioritize human and animal safety and public health.
  • Memorial items: If an owner wishes to preserve hair clippings, paw prints, or similar mementos, those must be collected before the animal arrives at the laboratory. KAHDL does not offer these services.
  • Unretrieved Remains: If arrangements have not been made for remains to be retrieved by a specified private cremation service within 15 calendar days of the date KAHDL receives the animal, KAHDL reserves the right to dispose of the remains in accordance with KAHDL policies and practices. In such cases, the additional $25 fee for holding the remains at KAHDL will not be returned.

Please note that KAHDL makes every reasonable effort to avoid this scenario. For questions regarding the process of saving the remains of a pet for private cremation or assistance with the Waiver and Release of Remains for Cremation form, please contact us at 615-837-5125.