Investigating the Use of Companion Animal Donor Tissue Banks

Research and education continue to be highly reliant on the use of animal cadavers and tissues. However, due to the damaging impact on animal life, contribution to animal suffering, and lack of translatability of laboratory animal research to humans, alternatives must be investigated. An ethically sourced alternative is the use of non-human animal donor tissue banks, which involves the donation of companion animal cadavers and tissues. A scoping review of current research on the opinions pertaining to companion animal donor tissue banks was conducted using the Queen’s University Omni database. 62 articles were screened and three met the scoping review inclusion criteria. Collectively, these publications displayed positive attitudes among pet owners and veterinarian students towards companion animal cadaver and tissue donation. A common concern raised amongst participants of the studies was the inability to bury or cremate their pets if they were to donate them to tissue banks for research. In conclusion, this scoping review examined trends in the opinions of participants from several studies regarding the use of non-human animal donor tissue banks. Overall, companion animal tissue banks offer an ethical alternative to laboratory animal use and a more reliable model for translatability to humans. The gaps in knowledge outlined in this scoping review direct future research involving the collection of professional perspectives, including veterinarians and researchers.