The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) has long been a leader in the genetic analysis of domesticated mammalian species. At the urging of law enforcement agencies, the VGL began performing veterinary forensic DNA testing in 1996. Demand for this service continued to increase until a separate Forensic unit was created in 1999. As one of the largest animal DNA typing laboratories in the world, the VGL provides forensic DNA testing services to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as well as to the general public.

Animals can be the Victim

• Animal cruelty
• Identifying the remains of a lost pet
• Theft of an animal

 Animals can be the Perpetrator

• Identification of an animal involved in an attack on a person or other animal
• Identification of an unrestrained animal causing an accident
• Identification of an animal responsible for property damage

 Animals can be the Witness

• Animal DNA can link a suspect with a crime scene or victim. Transfer of DNA from hair, saliva, blood, urine, or feces can occur during the commission of a crime—from the victim's animal to the suspect or crime scene, and from the suspect's animal to the victim or crime scene.