At Animal Family Pet Preservation, we help families memorialize cherished companions with pet preservation and pet taxidermy services that are ethical, respectful, and designed to look lifelike for years to come.
Pet Preservation, Pet Taxidermy, and Cremation Support for Families
We understand that your pet is family. Our mission is to make this process as simple, transparent, and compassionate as possible, without pressure. Whether you are looking for pet preservation, pet taxidermy, or pet cremation, our team will guide you through the options with clarity and care.
Lifetime Guarantee
No leaks and no bugs. If accidental damage happens, we will repair it at no charge; you cover shipping.
Nationwide Clients
Clients ship to us from across the U.S. We will explain packing and shipping step-by-step so you feel confident.
Realistic Results
We focus on lifelike outcomes and careful finishing. Many visitors think our showroom pets are real.
What We Do
Families come to us for a lasting memorial that preserves a pet’s natural look and personality. We can help with dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and many other companions. Explore our main services:
- Dog taxidermy
- Cat taxidermy
- Small bird taxidermy
- Reptile taxidermy services
- Small and large mammal taxidermy
Pricing and logistics vary by size and project type. For details, visit pricing and shipping.
Our Approach
Our preservation process includes freeze-drying, a method commonly referred to as lyophilization. This involves extremely low temperatures in a vacuum over an extended period to remove moisture while preserving form and structure. Because each pet and each family is different, we take an individual approach to every project.
Typical Timeline
- Most pet preservations: about 6 months
- Smaller pets may take less time depending on complexity
- Larger projects may take longer due to size and finishing details
VIP Service
- Priority placement in our queue
- Significantly reduced turnaround time in many cases
- Best option for time-sensitive memorial needs
We never want you to feel rushed. If you are not sure what to do next, we can explain your options and help you make a decision based on facts, not pressure.
For general support around pet loss, many families find veterinary guidance helpful, including the American Veterinary Medical Association: AVMA pet loss resources.
Meet the Team
Mark Maier, Owner
Mark Maier is the owner and founder of Animal Family Pet Preservation. His connection to animal preservation has been a lifelong endeavor. He taught himself through mail-in curriculum in the 1970s, went full time into taxidermy in 1990, and purchased his first freeze dryer to improve results and consistency.
Mark personally finishes each pet before it leaves the studio. He has won multiple awards at all levels of taxidermy and freeze-dry work, and now focuses on pets only because, as he says, helping families through loss is uniquely rewarding.
Mark and his wife Lorraine have been married since 1982. They enjoy teaching in their church and spending time with family, and Mark enjoys birdwatching and gardening.
Lorraine Maier, Coordinator
Lorraine fills in wherever she is needed across the studio, from production support to keeping the workspace organized. She has worked alongside Mark from the beginning and helped build the business through the demanding early years of a first-generation family company.
Lorraine enjoys movies, the beach, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
Sam Maier, Head Taxidermist and Manager
Sam grew up in taxidermy and has over 25 years of experience in the field. He has won multiple awards for his work, including at the Masters level. Sam oversees the production floor and spends the most time on each pet, ensuring details are handled with consistency and care.
Sam and his wife Kate and their children enjoy outdoor activities together, and Sam is known for a perfectionist approach, which is exactly what families want when trusting a beloved pet to our care.
Kate Maier, Pet Specialist
Kate joined the studio in 2006 and has grown into an award-winning full-time pet preservationist. She is often the first voice you hear when you contact our company and helps families move from grief and uncertainty to clarity and confidence about next steps.
Kate manages customer relations and planning for each project and works closely with Sam to confirm pose and expectations using reference photos.
Testimonials
Our work is personal and the best measure of success is the experience families have with us. See our testimonials here.
Leave Feedback
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect to pay to have my pet preserved?
Pets 6 pounds and under are $1,495. For VIP pricing and larger pets, see pricing and shipping.
How long does it take until my pet is returned?
About 6 months for most pet preservations. VIP service is available and can significantly reduce turnaround time.
How do I get my pet to you?
We are an eight-hour drive or less for many families, and clients also ship pets from across America. See shipping information for details and packaging guidance.
How long will my pet last?
We offer a no-cost lifetime guarantee with no leaks and no bugs. If accidental damage happens, we will repair it at no charge; you cover shipping.
Why do you offer pet cremation?
There may be remains after preservation. We offer options to return them; see our pet cremation page. Not every pet will have remains suitable for cremation.
Will my pet look realistic?
Yes. Our work has received top competition praise and we focus on lifelike results with careful finishing and natural presentation.
Do you preserve other pets besides dogs and cats?
Yes. Families have trusted us with many companion animals, including birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, and more. If you have questions about a specific pet, contact us and we will confirm options.
I just lost my pet. What should I do right now?
Place your pet in a plastic bag and put it into a freezer. This buys you time to decide next steps. Then contact us so we can help you understand options.
How will you pose or position my pet?
You can send reference photos and we will choose the pose together within 10 days of arrival. We confirm before starting. Once approved, the pose cannot be changed.
How should I prepare for shipping or drop-off?
- Place your pet in a clean plastic bag, then a second bag, and remove excess air.
- Freeze as soon as possible to preserve features.
- For shipping, use rigid insulation and cold packs, and follow our shipping guide.
Talk With Our Team
If you have questions, we are ready to help. Call (740) 703-3937 or use our contact page to request a quote.