Sample Collection and Storage

Please note that we only accept certain sample types, and that proper sample storage is crucial.

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What We Require With Your Samples

1) An electronic spreadsheet containing unique sample identifiers (one per row) for each sample envelope submitted. It may be useful to include additional columns of field data, such as collection time and place; this information will be carried through to the results file that you receive from us. See example spreadsheet

2) A letter of direction, clearly stating the work to be done (e.g. species ID, gender analysis or individual ID), and formally requesting us to do that work. This letter will supercede e-mail or phone discussions, so any previous discussions of subjects like pricing, turnaround time, or strategy (e.g. subselection) should be referenced, as well as any previous related projects. The letter of direction must also make clear that funding is in place, and how the invoice should be addressed and referenced. Feel free to use your letterhead or our project submission form.

Please note that turnaround time is referenced to the date of receipt of the last materials that we need in order to start the project (including the samples, letter of direction and spreadsheet).

International Shipping

These three issues regularly cause snags in international shipping. Please do not overlook them.

1) Declare a nominal commercial value of $1 on the Customs form. We are charged tax, duty and processing fees on any higher value, and these charges will be included on your invoice. Your samples are not a commercial product that we are ordering from you, which is why the nominal value is correct. Most couriers will require this information to be declared on a commercial invoice. These are normally simple forms that can be downloaded from the courier's website.

2) Obtain permits well in advance. The projects that most commonly require permits involve species listed on CITES Appendix I or Appendix II, which will require an export permit from the relevant agency (e.g. USFWS for exports from the US). Appendix I species will also require an import permit, which we apply for after you receive your export permit.

Commercial invoices and CITES permits must be taped to the outside of the box so that they are accessible for inspection at the border. Fees will be assessed by the courier if the forms are not accessible.

3) Import restrictions on avian samples from outside Canada are evolving with the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Check the CFIA recommendations for your location before preparing a shipment.

Shipping Addresses

We do not normally accept perishable samples (see sample types). If your samples are irreplaceable use a major courier (FedEx has struggled with CITES shipments in recent years; Purolator is excellent within Canada).

Pricing and Turnaround

There is considerable variation between wildlife projects, so we do not have a standard price list. The main variables that enter the pricing equation are the number of samples to which a given procedure is applied, the number and type of markers required for that procedure, and the currency exchange rate. Our lowest prices are reserved for customers with a track record of well organized projects and good quality samples. Turnaround time for a typical midsized project is five months, but under exceptional circumstances we can provide results for one or two samples in less than 24 hours.