Veterinary Bequest Program
A lasting legacy: Honour your pet's life by donating their body to veterinary education and science
Importance of bequests
One way of letting the spirit of your beloved pet live on is through the education of future veterinarians, who are being trained to heal other animals. By participating in the Veterinary Bequest Program you will also be supporting a humane approach to obtaining resources for this training.
Donating your pet after death will benefit those following the Veterinary Science program within the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at James Cook University (JCU).
Anatomy is a complex three-dimensional subject, yet a thorough understanding of the inter-relationship and functions of its constituent parts is fundamental to the practice of modern veterinary medicine and surgery. There is no substitute for a sound understanding of the organisation of the animal body.
Those considering donating their pet to JCU should know that the need is great, consequently your gift would be significant and your generosity valued. Your donation will play an important role in training the veterinarians of tomorrow, as well as providing scientists, clinicians and surgeons with the requisite knowledge and tools to further advance modern veterinary surgery and treatment programs.
Purpose of the JCU Veterinary Bequest Program
JCU has a Veterinary Bequest Program to assist in the teaching of the veterinary sciences to North Queensland 's future veterinarians. Most donations are primarily used for teaching and will be subject to dissection and examination within the discipline of Veterinary Anatomy. However, some donations are used specifically for surgical and veterinary research.
The use of animals for teaching and research is conducted under the authority of the JCU Ethics Review Committee.
Who can donate their animal?
Donations are accepted from owners within a 200km radius of the Twin Cities; however, donations from further afield are considered on an individual basis. The following conditions will restrict acceptance:
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post mortem examination
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the presence of a transmittable disease
Procedure after death
At the termination of life the attending veterinarian or animal owner should notify the veterinary bequest coordinator by telephone as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
The appropriate form must be completed and signed by both the owner and veterinarian. If the bequest is acceptable arrangements will be made to have the animal transported to the university where it will be preserved prior to use. If, for whatever reason, a bequest cannot be accepted the owner is advised to make private arrangements for the disposal of the body.
Once the initial formalities have been concluded there is usually no further communication with the owner.
Respect for the animal
Respect for the animals donated to the Veterinary Bequest Program is maintained at all times.
The contribution that owners and their animals have made to education and science is fully acknowledged. The teaching facilities are situated within a restricted area, with access limited to authorised staff and students.
Cost
The university will cover the costs of the transport and disposal of the bequest; however, any donation towards these costs would be gratefully received and acknowledged.
Conclusion of the program
At the end of the period of examination selected parts may be retained indefinitely for continuing teaching or research purposes.
Applying
A range of species are accepted by the Veterinary Bequest Program, from companion animals to production animals.
Owners who are interested in bequeathing their pet to veterinary education and science can contact the Veterinary Bequest Coordinator or download the relevant form below. The completed from must accompany the animal to the university.
Further information
For further details contact:
The Veterinary Bequest Coordinator
Discipline of Anatomy
School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
James Cook University
Townsville
QLD 4811
Tel: (07) 4781 6147. [An answering service will be available outside of business hours]
Email: vetbequest.coordinator@jcu.edu.au
To download a copy of the Veterinary Bequest consent form click here