CAVS services
Request and use of the Centre for Animal and Veterinary Sciences' services
Last updated 2 December 2025
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Use of CAVS’ Services
The request for and use of CAVS services considers that the submitter understands and accepts the terms and conditions stated in the CAVS service booklet and that the submitter is responsible for accurately conveying these terms and conditions to the relevant parties e.g. owner or authorized representative of the animal(s) sampled.
In addition, the submitter acknowledges that these terms and conditions may be subject to change. To ensure that samples are dealt with efficiently and that test results are not adversely affected by incorrect sampling, improper packaging of samples and / or poor transport conditions, submitter is advised to read the instructions in the CAVS service booklet carefully.
Please refer to the CAVS Service Booklet for our laboratory services and Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form.
Online application for our laboratory services is available on our e-Services platform.
Payment
Click here for modes of payment for our laboratory services.
Post-mortem examinations
Veterinarians are trained professionals who are in a better position to interpret post-mortem results, provide support and advice on any management changes or treatment of any remaining animals, where relevant. Therefore, with effect from 1 January 2025, all animal carcasses for post-mortem examination must be submitted by a referring veterinarian. CAVS will not accept submissions from the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions on post-mortem examinations
What is a post-mortem examination?
A post-mortem examination includes gross examination, microscopic analysis of selected organs and may include additional laboratory tests as deemed appropriate by the laboratory veterinarian. The information gathered is then presented in a report with an interpretation of what the findings likely represent. Please note that CAVS does not offer toxicology testing services.
The post-mortem examination is a comprehensive and invasive examination and not a cosmetic process.
How long will the post-mortem examination take?
The post-mortem examination may take up to five weeks depending on complexity, and the possibility of additional laboratory tests.
Can I discuss the results with the laboratory veterinarian at CAVS?
Due to the technical nature of the report, animal owners should discuss the report with their referring veterinarian. The post-mortem examination report will be issued to the referring veterinarian. All correspondence on the report with CAVS will be with the referring veterinarian only.
What is the process for submitting the animal carcass for post-mortem examination?
You may refer to the CAVS Service Booklet for guidelines on sample submission and Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form. The referring veterinarian must submit the animal carcass and this form to CAVS, along with any supportive documentation available (e.g. clinical history, epidemiologic information, pertinent laboratory results, images, etc.).
CAVS will contact the referring veterinarian for further clinical details to assist in the post-mortem examination, where necessary.
Can I pick up my animal carcass remains after the post-mortem examination?
For arrangements to return the carcass remains for cremation or burial, you will need to indicate the request in the Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form. Please note that the return of animal carcasses sent for post-mortem examination will be subject to the discretion of CAVS.
The animal carcass remains will only be released to the person listed in part B of the Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form. Submitters are to ensure that all information is correct before submitting the form.
Why must I submit my animal for post-mortem examination through a referring veterinarian?
The role of the referring veterinarian is to liaise with the animal owner and provide pertinent information about the animal and/or its management, environment, and health situation to both CAVS and the animal owners.
The results within the post-mortem examination report are technical in nature and hence, it would be most effective and beneficial for the referring veterinarian to receive and interpret the report for the animal owners. Should clarification on the report be needed, the animal owners should discuss the report with their referring veterinarian. Referring veterinarians can further approach CAVS for any technical discussion or clarification on the results, where required.
I wish to submit my animal for a post-mortem examination but my attending veterinarian is unable to/I do not want my attending veterinarian to submit my animal for post-mortem examination on my behalf. How should I proceed?
Animal owners may choose to seek a referral for a post-mortem examination from an alternative veterinarian / veterinary clinic. Animal owners who wish to lodge a complaint regarding veterinary medical treatment provided may refer to the guidelines and forms here.
I would like to submit aquatic animal(s) for a post-mortem examination and am unable to find a referring veterinarian. How should I proceed?
Please fill up the feedback form here, along with any supportive documentation available (e.g. clinical history, epidemiologic information, pertinent laboratory results, images, etc). The feedback form will log your case and it will be forwarded to the CAVS team to assess accordingly.