Tissue Donation

VTB runs an ethical tissue donation scheme for pets in the UK. Raising the issue of tissue donation at the time of death is a difficult subject and not everyone is comfortable to do, especially the owner is distress as a result of the loss of his/her pet. For this reason we have introduced a tissue donor register where pet owners can register their pets to become tissue donors. We will issue a pet donor card and a dog tag to the owner. We will also inform the practice about the registration and information about the donation process. If you come across these pet owners they will expect to be asked about tissue donation and it will also be easier to discuss about tissue donation with them.

If the pet owner is not the one with registration please do not just ignore to raise the question about the donation. Pet owners are generally positive towards donation and the donation is an option which can help to alleviate the distress from the loss of the beloved pet. Pet owners may find some solace in knowing that their pet has helped other pets to live a full and happy life. By not asking the owner effectively means making the decision on behalf of them and it may not be the right decision.

Tissue donation cannot occur without the help and support from the owner and the veterinary professionals.

To allow for donation vaccination history must be present and certain medical criteria must be met. The dog or cat must have had vaccination in the last 3 years.

The required vaccination for dogs are:

  1. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
  2. Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2)
  3. Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)

The required vaccinations for cats are:

  1. Feline Parvovirus (FPV)
  2. Feline Calcivirus (FCV)
  3. Feline Herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1)

A blood sample is needed to test for FeLV and FIV.

The presence of any of the following will prevent the pet from donation.

  1. Presence or previous history of malignant disease
  2. Systemic infection which is not controlled at the time of donation
  3. History of chronic systemic autoimmune disease
  4. Recent (within 28 days) history of vaccination with a live, attenuated virus where a risk of transmission is considered to exist
VTB will issue a pet donor card and a dog tag to the owner

Steps to take for donation

1. Check medical eligibility
2. Ask the owner to sign Consent form (owner will also have a choice to request for individual cremation or joint cremation free of charge)
3. Inform veterinary tissue bank
4. Store the body for collection
5. A dedicated, Defra licensed courier will come and collect the body in the following day(s). If ashes are required, they will be sent to the owner or to the practice
6. Once the tissues are removed the body will be collected and cremated by a cremation company
7. Ashes returned in wooden box to the owner if requested

All the forms required for tissue donation including the consent form for the owner to sign can be downloaded below.

Download tissue donation forms