April is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week—a time to reflect on the powerful ways donation can help improve lives. While much of the conversation focuses on human medicine, this week also offers an opportunity to gently explore a lesser-known but meaningful act of giving in the world of animal care.
For some families, choosing to donate their pet’s body after passing can be a way to give back and support future veterinary care. These donations are used by many veterinary colleges and Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) training programs across Canada to teach anatomy, surgical technique, and compassionate care to the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Each pet is treated with dignity and respect, and their contribution helps ensure other animals receive better, more informed treatment in the future.
“Donated animals are used to promote veterinary excellence and to educate the next generation of veterinarians, ultimately helping animals across Canada.” — University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
While this path isn’t right for everyone, it may bring comfort to some families to know their pet’s legacy can help advance veterinary science and care.
If you’re interested in learning more, we encourage you to speak with your veterinarian or reach out to a local veterinary college or RVT training institution for guidance.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we honor the bond between people and their pets—and all the meaningful ways families choose to remember them.