Educational Memorial Programs (EMPs)—also known as "Willed Body Programs," "Client Donation Programs," and "Body Donation Programs"—are becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medical education. These programs draw their inspiration from human medical schools where, for more than a century, students have learned anatomy by using donated cadavers.

Only in recent years did veterinary faculty and companion animal owners alike wonder if the human model might work in their area: Would it be possible to donate a pet's body for medical knowledge? The question has arisen out of ethical concerns and out of legislative developments. Some states have barred the use of animals from shelters.

Currently, aside from animal shelters, most North American veterinary colleges obtain their cat and dog cadavers from animal dealers (including biological supply companies), breeders (specifically those who breed animals for research or teaching), and the greyhound industry (retired dogs).

But now they're trying to turn their attention to donated animals. These animals are, by definition, those who: 1) have been euthanized due to medically untreatable illness; 2) have been euthanized due to clients' inability to pay for expensive treatments; or 3) have died of natural causes. EMPs offer veterinary colleges an alternative source of cadavers for teaching purposes, and offer animal owners a special opportunity to support the training of future veterinarians.

The aim of the Educational Memorial Programs web site is to provide helpful information about EMPs to interested veterinary students and faculty. Learn more by clicking the link below.