Policies

Sample retention policy

Diagnostic sample ownership policy

Submission of specimens for testing by the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in St. Paul and Willmar constitutes a contract for delivery of test results and associated interpretations to the submitter pursuant to which the submitted specimens, as well as products, isolates, and data derived from them become the property of the University of Minnesota. Submitted specimens may be returned to submitters if prior arrangements are made with the laboratory. In the case of carcasses submitted for necropsy, remains will only be released to registered pet cremation services. By submitting diagnostic specimens, submitters agree to the laboratory’s testing procedures and policies, including billing. If tests not offered or temporarily out of service are requested, specimens may be referred to another reputable laboratory and a shipping fee and test charges from the referral laboratory will be added to the submitter’s bill.

Donation of Remains policy 

The VDL does not accept donation of remains for teaching or research purposes.

Euthanasia policies

Euthanasia by the VDL is performed only for production animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats) intended for necropsy. The VDL will also perform euthanasia on wildlife species. The VDL does NOT euthanize companion animals including dogs, cats, camelids, or horses. In general, euthanasia of animals should be performed by the submitting veterinarian to ensure a proper clinical evaluation and appropriate history.  No animal will be euthanized during non-business hours.

Handling of animal remains

At present, the release of any animal remains to owners is prohibited. Our reasons for this policy include the possibility of disease transmission from the laboratory to either the owner or the owner's other animals, and misunderstandings by the owner about the condition of the returned remains. Cosmetic necropsies are not performed.

Animal remains will be disposed of by mass chemical cremation unless the animal owner or the animal owner's personal veterinarian makes arrangements for individual cremation. The VDL does not provide individual cremation services, but may release the remains to a private cremation service. Animals greater than 300 pounds will incur an additional handling fee for whole body individual cremation.

Animals testing negative for rabies may be released to a private cremation service once all testing results are known. Animals testing positive for rabies or where the status cannot be determined may be released to a private cremation service after VDL decontamination procedures if they weigh 22 pounds or less.  Animals testing positive for rabies or where the status cannot be determined and are larger than 22 pounds will be group cremated at no cost to the client, but cannot be released for individual cremation due to the limitations of the VDL decontamination procedures. 

Depending on the policies of the private cremation service, the following types of animals may be acceptable: small companion animals, horses (entire animal or just the head, heart and hooves) and small ruminants or camelids. If a decision regarding individual/mass cremation has not been made at the time of submission, the VDL will hold small animal remains (dog, cat and other small species) for 5 business days. Large companion animal remains will not be held unless specific arrangements are made with VDL personnel. If specific instructions for individual cremation are not provided within 5 business days, the animal remains will be disposed of using mass cremation, and ashes will not be returned to the owner/agent.

Subsidized Pricing for Academic Researchers

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UMN-VDL) is committed to supporting scientific research that advances animal health, public health, food safety, environmental health, and related fields. To encourage and facilitate research studies, UMN-VDL offers subsidized pricing for academic researchers from Minnesota and outside Minnesota.

This policy applies to:

  • Sponsored and non-sponsored research studies conducted at UMN-VDL (St. Paul and Willmar locations).
  • Research areas including (but not limited to):
    • Poultry, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife health
    • Human health and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance
    • Foreign animal diseases and economically significant diseases
    • Environmental health and other emerging research areas

Eligibility & Pricing Structure

  1. Minnesota-Based Academic Researchers

    • Eligible for a 15% subsidy to the standard list price posted on the UMN-VDL website.
    • Additional subsidies may be available based on research impact, funding constraints, and alignment with UMN-VDL priorities.
    • Approval required from the VDL Director’s Office based on:
      • Research timeline and urgency
      • Cost of testing and budget considerations
      • Laboratory workforce availability

  2. Non-Minnesota Academic Researchers

    • Eligible for a 10% subsidy to the standard list price posted on the UMN-VDL website.
    • Approval required from the VDL Director’s Office under the same criteria as Minnesota researchers.

Approval Process

  1. Request Submission: Researchers must submit a formal request to the VDL Director’s Office, including:

    • Research objectives and significance
    • Required tests and estimated volume
    • Funding source (grant, institutional support, etc.)
    • Timeline for testing
    • Please submit requests using this form.

  2. Review & Decision:

    • The VDL Director’s Office will evaluate requests based on:
      • Scientific merit and alignment with UMN-VDL priorities
      • Laboratory capacity and workforce availability
      • Budget feasibility

  3. Notification & Confirmation:

    • Approved researchers will receive a pricing agreement.
    • Denials will include justification and potential alternatives.

Terms & Conditions

  • Subsidies are non-transferable and apply only to approved research projects.
  • Pricing adjustments may occur due to changes in laboratory costs or capacity.
  • Researchers must acknowledge UMN-VDL in publications resulting from subsidized testing.
  • UMN-VDL reserves the right to modify or discontinue this policy based on institutional needs.

Contact Information

For inquiries and submissions, please contact:
UMN-VDL Director’s Office

Effective Date: 9/10/2025 (CEW)