We are very sorry for your loss and understand this is a difficult time. The information below will help you prepare for bringing an animal to the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) for a post-mortem examination (necropsy) or cremation services. If you have any questions before your visit, please call us at 517.353.1683 for assistance.
Before You Arrive
Please review the following information prior to coming to the laboratory:
Location
4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, Michigan 48910
Hours of Operation for Animal Intake
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Please plan to arrive by 4:30 p.m. to allow our teams adequate time to assist you
Animal Care Prior to Arrival
If requesting a necropsy, keep the animal cool, but do not freeze.
Necropsy Submissions
Companion and Exotics Animals or Horses
A veterinarian must submit the required paperwork.
Paperwork may be:
Emailed or faxed in advance, or
Brought at the time of drop-off
All results and billing will be managed through your veterinarian.
Livestock and Production Animals
Submission through a veterinarian is strongly encouraged but not required.
Cremation Services
We offer the following options:
Private cremation – for companion animals and other animals under 200 pounds
Private memorial cremation – for horses and other large animals over 200 pounds
Communal cremation – most economical option; cremated remains are not returned to you
Payment is required at the time of drop-off for:
Private cremation, or
Communal cremation without a necropsy
Important Policies
For safety reasons, animals cannot be returned to owners after entering the laboratory.
We cannot provide memorial items (paw or nose prints, hair clippings) or return belongings (collars, leashes, halters) after the animal is submitted to the Laboratory. Please collect memorial items and belongings before your animal is received by MSU VDL personnel.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Keep the animal in your vehicle upon arrival.
Enter through the main entrance and proceed to the front desk.
Front desk staff will direct you to the client service area to complete paperwork.
After paperwork is complete, you will be directed to the drop-off area for transfer of the animal.
A map of the facility is provided for reference
Staff will grant access at the gate
Proceed to Dock 16
Laboratory staff will meet you to complete the intake process
Map of MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for Animal Drop-off
