INFORMATION

Maddie’s® Shelter* Lab provides registered 501(c)3 sheltering organizations with subsidized diagnostic testing for shelter and rescue-owned animals at a rate of 50% off testing fees and supplies using free shipping labels via UPS Ground.  Additionally, phone and email consultation services are available to provide counseling on test submission, result interpretation, and outbreak management through veterinarians in Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell and the AHDC’s Veterinary Support Services.

Shelters and rescues in the following states are now eligible for Maddie’s® Shelter Lab’s subsidized diagnostic services: New York, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

To participate, each organization must register with the program and have

•           501(c)3 status or equivalent non-profit status, and provide relevant proof;

•           a licensed vet of record to whom results will be transmitted.

Once your registration is verified and approved, you will be contacted with an account number and pre-populated submission form that you must use when submitting samples for discounted samples.  If you have any questions, please visit our website at www.sheltermedicine.vet.cornell.edu or email our Program Coordinator, Suzette Moschetti, at sm2639@cornell.edu .

See FAQS below for more details.

*Funding for this program is made possible by a grant from Maddie’s Fund®. Maddie’s Fund® is the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog, investing its resources to create a no-kill nation where every dog and cat is guaranteed a healthy home or habitat. #ThanksToMaddie.

How do I register?

You may register online through our website at https://sheltermedicine.vet.cornell.edu. Click on the Maddie’s® Shelter Lab tab on the main menu bar and then click on the “Register” button. Follow the directions as indicated.

Who is eligible?

Nonprofit brick and mortar humane organizations from the following states are eligible to apply:

New York, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Why do we need to have a veterinarian of record?

A veterinarian of record is necessary for release of diagnostic results and for communication purposes with our diagnostic consultants.

Where do I get instructions for how to submit samples?

https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/samples/ Please note: you will need a special shelter-specific form with your given Maddie’s® Shelter Lab account number in order to receive the subsidized fee.

Can I get advice on what tests to run? 

Yes, we provide consultation as part of our service. Please call 607-253-3900.

To find out the specific tests available through Maddie’s® Shelter Lab, please go to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) website at https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu.

Can my veterinarian get advice on how to interpret test results? 

Yes. Please call 607-253-3900. They will connect you with either a Veterinary Support Services (VSS) consultant, or a faculty member from the Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program depending on the nature of your question.

What are the specific discounts offered to shelters?

Shelters receive 50% off testing fees and supplies as well as free shipping labels via USPS Ground.

Which type of shipping should I choose?

Most zip codes qualify for UPS Ground next day delivery service. Please call to confirm the zip code or visit https://wwwapps.ups.com/ctc to calculate the time and transit from your zip code to: 

Shipping Services

College of Veterinary Medicine

Cornell University  

240 Farrier Rd.    

Ithaca, NY 14853

If you are shipping from the New York City area, you may need to use UPS Next Day Air for next day delivery. Click on the link below to order shipping labels online. https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/news/elabels.cfm

How do I appropriately categorize and label patient specimens?

See this link for specific labeling instructions: https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/docs/Shipping_Patient_Specimens_to_the_AHDC.pdf

How long will it be before we can request service from?

Expect it to be 1-2 weeks before you receive your shelter-specific account number and service request pdf by email. Once you receive this information, your registration will be confirmed and you can begin submitting requests to our diagnostic service.