Dick Vet Educational Memorial Programme
Saying goodbye to our pets is never easy. The contribution they make in their lifetime is beyond measure.
Their final contribution can be an infinite and lasting one too. Donating your pet’s body to the Dick Vet Educational Memorial Programme (EMP) is a chance to find meaning in the loss of a beloved pet, and a way of honouring a wonderful life.
The vets of tomorrow
Throughout our pets’ lives we rely on a vet’s knowledge and expertise to keep our animals healthy and comfortable. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies endeavours to produce highly-skilled, compassionate professionals able to provide the best possible quality of care for generations of animals to come.
Taking part in the EMP is an important contribution to the animals and vets of the future, both through research and education – and a way of ensuring that our animals continue to receive high-quality veterinary care.
Just as medical schools use humans for teaching and research, veterinary schools rely on animal bodies to teach animal anatomy and pathology and to further research. Veterinary students and clinicians within the School are deeply grateful for, and respectful of, the invaluable learning and research opportunities provided by the EMP. They recognise the irreplaceable gift they are given, and treat the animals with respect and dignity at all times.
A lasting legacy
The act of giving something back to the pets and vets of the future can bestow a sense of purpose amidst the grief and loss.
What can I do?
Please consider the possibility of taking part in this immensely worthwhile program. Talk to your vet about the programme and how you can help.
What happens to my pet once I choose to donate its body?
When the time comes for you to say good bye to your pet, your pet will be euthanased by the attending veterinary surgeon as normal. Your vet will contact the veterinary school on your behalf and their staff will collect your pet’s body from the practice and transport it to the veterinary school. If you and your vet have agreed a planned euthanasia, your vet may contact us and make suitable arrangements in advance if you feel this is appropriate and right for you.
If your pet dies at home, please contact your veterinary practice for advice.
Once the teaching or research procedures on your pet’s body are complete, the remains will be cremated. When making your decision, please be aware that the University will not be able to provide any information to you or your vet about your pet with regards to teaching and/or research work nor the results of any post mortem examination. You will also be unable to collect your pet’s remains, including the ashes.
Health history of your pet
Your vet will ask you whether he or she can provide your pet’s health history to the vet school in order to enhance student learning or research. Any information that would identify you is removed before the student sees the health history and your vet will not provide the vet school with any of your confidential information.
How do I proceed?
Should you decide to donate your pet’s body please complete and sign the donation consent form.
A copy of this form is available from your vet and we recommend that you review it prior to making any decisions. If you have further queries please do not hesitate to contact one of the Dick Vet EMP coordinators at DickVetEMP@ed.ac.uk
Thank you for your consideration, which is greatly appreciated.
What happens afterwards?
At R(D)SVS, we are hugely appreciative that this is not a decision taken lightly. Your pet will be remembered in our Memorial Book. You are also invited to send us a photograph of your pet which can be added to their entry.
Saying goodbye to your pet is never easy. The contribution your pet makes in its lifetime is beyond measure. Through the Dick Vet Educational Memorial Programme you can make their final contribution a meaningful and lasting one.
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