Rabies
Contact us
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
University of Minnesota
1333 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108-1098
Phone: (612) 625-8787
Toll Free: (800) 605-8787
Fax: (612) 624-8707
Permission form for euthanasia, necropsy and disposal of remains
We provide rabies testing services in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health. Please see their website for rabies case management and reporting, as well as a FAQ.
The VDL does not provide individual cremation services. Animal remains will be processed using mass chemical cremation, unless arrangements for private cremation are made by the client or the client's veterinarian. Animals testing negative for rabies may be released to a private cremation service once all test 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.
Effective January 1, 2018
Note: A $10.00 accession fee will be applied to all cases. An additional 10% out of state surcharge will also be applied where animals or owners are from outside the state of Minnesota. All fees are in US $.
Services & Fees
head or whole brain
sealed, leakproof container
See the Rabies home page for more information on submitting for this test. After the brain samples are collected at the VDL, staff at the Minnesota Department of Health perform the fluorescent antibody test.