When families contact us about preserving their pets, one of the first questions is cost. You deserve clear numbers and clear expectations, including what affects price, typical timelines, and how shipping works across the United States. Price alone should not be the only factor. Experience, quality, turnaround time, and how your pet is handled throughout the process matter just as much. We also encourage families to review ethical and professional standards like those published by IAOPCC. Nationwide: We work with families in all 50 states.
What drives cost?
Weight + species + pose + add-ons are the biggest factors.
Typical timelines
Most preservation takes months. VIP can shorten eligible cases to 6–8 weeks.
Nationwide shipping
We routinely serve families across the U.S. Call first so we can guide you step-by-step.
How Our Pet Preservation Pricing Works
Our prices are based primarily on your pet’s weight, species, pose, and the services you choose. Whether you are considering dog taxidermy, cat preservation, reptile preservation, or other pets, this page gives you an honest pricing overview.
- Size and weight: Larger pets require more time, materials, and structural support.
- Species complexity: Some species take more detailed prep and finishing.
- Pose details: Open mouth, tongue out, extended wings, and special positioning can add cost.
- Additional services: Articulation, pelts/tanning, keepsakes, and VIP service.
- Shipping: Depends on size, distance, and packing needs.
Freeze-Dry Preservation Pricing
These prices cover full freeze-dry preservation for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, iguanas, and similar pets. If you are unsure where your pet fits, call us for a fast classification and quote.
Dogs/Cats/Rabbits/Birds (Iguana add base $200, add habitat $100; Chickens by weight)
| Size | Cost | Notes | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| <1 lb | $650 | Paid in full upon arrival (includes shipping; very small birds 4–6 months turnaround time) | |
| 1–2 lbs | $1,250 | 50% deposit upon arrival, 25% second payment, 25% final payment | |
| 2.05–6 lbs | $2,095 | Payment plan above | |
| 6–19 lbs | $2,095 + $49/lb | Payment plan above | |
| >20 lbs | $2,681 + $69/lb | Payment plan above | 6–8 |
Other Animals Pricing
Below are common species and typical pricing. If your pet is not listed, contact us for guidance.
| Animal | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon | 4–6 months | $850 (shipping included) |
| Chameleon | 2–4 months | $750 (you provide base, shipping included) |
| Gecko | 2–4 months | $650 (shipping included) |
| Hedgehog | 4–6 months | $950 (shipping included) |
| Rats/Ferrets, Guinea Pig/Chinchilla | 4–6 months | $950 (shipping included) |
| Snakes/Turtles | 4–6 months | $750 up to 1 lb; after 1 lb use cat/dog pricing above |
| Small Birds | 4–6 months | .5 lb $650, .55–1 lb $995, 1.05–2 lbs $1,350 (wings extended +50% / flying +100%); over 2 lbs use cat/dog pricing |
Skeletal Articulation Pricing
Skeletal articulation is a detailed, artistic service that requires specialized expertise. Pricing reflects the complexity of full and disarticulated mounts.
| Animal | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cats – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6–8 months | $3,500 |
| Cats – Disarticulated | 6–8 months | $1,550 |
| Dogs under 20 lbs – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6–8 months | $4,000 |
| Dogs 20–50 lbs – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6–8 months | $5,000 |
| Dogs over 50 lbs – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6–8 months | $5,500 |
| Dogs under 20 lbs – Disarticulated | 6–8 months | $1,550 |
| Dogs 20–50 lbs – Disarticulated | 6–8 months | $1,595 |
| Dogs over 50 lbs – Disarticulated | 6–8 months | $1,950 |
| Skull (Cat) (Add-on) | 4–6 months | $500 |
| Skull (Dog) (Add-on) | 4–6 months | $500 |
Pelts (Tanning) Pricing
A tanned pelt can preserve markings and fur without a full mount. Learn more about this option here: Pet Pelts Service.
| Animal | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pets up to 6 lbs | 8–10 months | $500 |
| Pets more than 6 lbs | 8–10 months | $500 + $5 per lb over 6 lbs |
| Pads / Claws on Tan (Add-on) | $100 |
Cremation
| Item | Up to 10 lbs | 11-30lbs | 31-75lbs | 75lbs+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Cremation | $175 | $225 | $275 | $325 |
Add-Ons & Service Enhancements
Customize your preservation with keepsakes, pose enhancements, and VIP options where applicable.
Add-Ons
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cremation Inside Pet | $100 |
| FD Heart | $150 |
| FD Tail | $250 |
| FD Paw | $150 (with keychains $175) |
| Whiskers | $50 (mailed immediately) |
Service Enhancements
| Enhancement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Preservation of Heart (Add-on) | $150 |
| Very Important Pet (VIP) Service | +50% cost, 75% deposit due upon arrival, 6–8 weeks estimated completion |
| VIP Plus Service | $500 |
Pose Add-Ons
| Pose Add-On | Up to 10 lbs | Up to 30 lbs | Up to 75 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Mouth | $250 | $350 | $450 |
| Tongue Out | $100 | $150 | $200 |
** Keep your pet separate from the rest with a personal freezer and dryer.
Shipping Costs (Return Shipping Guide)
We serve families across the United States. Below is a general guide to return shipping costs for completed pets.
| Shipping | Price |
|---|---|
| Over 25 lbs | TBD |
| Eastern US | $50 |
| Western US | $60 |
| CA | $70 |
| AK | $80 |
VIP Pet Preservation Service
Waiting can be one of the hardest parts. VIP service moves your pet to the front of the line, reducing turnaround time to an estimated 6–8 weeks instead of 6–8 months for eligible cases. VIP is limited and not all pets qualify. The cost is an additional 50% of the standard preservation price, and a 75% deposit is due upon arrival.
Payment, Deposits & Policies
We want every client to understand policies clearly before work begins. Return shipping (if applicable) is an additional charge. Any pet sitting up adds 50%; walking poses add 100%. Prices are subject to change without notice. A 3% fee applies to credit card payments.
Deposit Policy: No pet will be accepted without a non-refundable 50% deposit. No Deposit Policy: If no deposit is received within 3 days, your pet will lose its spot in the queue. A 100% deposit will then be required to start work.
Changed Mind Policy: If you decide not to proceed and no deposit has been received, your pet can be returned at your expense. There will be a handling fee of $500, plus return shipping charges where applicable. No pet will be released under the changed mind policy until the $500 handling fee is paid in cash.
Poor Condition Policy: When your pet arrives, we will assess its condition. If we determine that your pet is at risk of further deterioration, we reserve the right to expedite through VIP to protect the body. In this situation, there will be an additional handling fee of 50%.
-Mark Maier, Owner
How Do I Get My Pet to You?
Shipping is often the most stressful part. We’ve helped families from all over the country and keep it straightforward with three options:
1) Drive your pet to our Ohio studio
We are located just south of Columbus, Ohio. Many families drive in from nearby states and beyond. We also serve nationwide and frequently help families in major areas like New York and Chicago.
2) Let us send you a “pet box”
We can send a prepared shipping kit with instructions and return labels. Cost is $150, plus shipping both ways.
3) Ship your pet yourself
Call us first so we can advise you on how to prepare and pack your pet correctly. We will walk you through each step.
Payment Plans Are Available
Most clients pay 50% up front, 25% halfway through, and the final 25% upon completion. Ask about payment options when you call.
Pet Preservation Pricing FAQ
Quick answers about pricing, timelines, and shipping. Need help fast? Contact us or call (740) 703-3937.
How much does pet preservation cost?
Cost depends on weight, species, pose, and add-ons like articulation, pelts, or VIP service. Use the tables above as a guide and call for a customized quote.
How long does pet preservation take?
Standard turnaround is typically several months depending on size and complexity. VIP service can reduce eligible cases to about 6–8 weeks.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. In most cases, 50% is due to begin (non-refundable), 25% is due halfway through, and 25% is due upon completion. Credit card payments include a 3% processing fee.
Is shipping my pet safe?
Yes, when instructions are followed and the pet is cooled properly. We strongly recommend calling first so we can guide you through handling and packing.
What types of pets can you preserve?
We preserve dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and many exotic pets. If your pet is not listed, contact us and we will walk through options.