Pet preservation pricing depends on your pet’s size, species, pose, and the services you choose. Families often want to know how much pet taxidermy, freeze-dry preservation, shipping, and add-ons will cost before they move forward. This page gives you a clear breakdown of pricing, timelines, payment structure, and transport options so you can make an informed decision with confidence. For a broader look at our work, you can also visit our homepage, explore our pet preservation services, or contact us directly for a personalized quote.
Every pet is different, and pricing can shift based on condition, weight, species, pose complexity, and optional keepsakes. If you are comparing options such as pet taxidermy, dog taxidermy, cat preservation, bird preservation, reptile preservation, or pet cremation services, this guide will help you understand the most common price ranges and what influences them.
How Pet Preservation Pricing Works
Our pricing is based primarily on your pet’s weight, species, pose, physical condition, and the services you choose. Larger pets require more time, materials, and structural work. Smaller pets can sometimes be completed more quickly, but species-specific handling and detailed finishing still affect cost. Whether you are considering dog taxidermy, cat preservation, reptile preservation, pelts and tanning, or skeletal articulation, the best estimate always starts with a conversation about your pet and the result you want.
- Size and weight: Larger pets require more time, materials, support, and drying or finishing work.
- Species complexity: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and exotic pets all require different preparation methods.
- Pose details: Open mouth, tongue out, flying wings, special bases, and advanced positioning may increase cost.
- Condition on arrival: The sooner your pet is properly cooled and prepared, the more options are typically available.
- Additional services: Articulation, pelts, keepsakes, cremation add-ons, and VIP service can change the total.
- Shipping: Final shipping depends on destination, finished size, and how the pet needs to be packed for safe return.
What drives cost?
Weight, species, pose, condition, and add-ons are the biggest factors in final pricing.
Typical timelines
Most preservation projects take months. Eligible VIP cases can be completed in roughly 6 to 8 weeks.
Nationwide service
We work with families across the U.S. and can help you arrange delivery, a shipping kit, or self-shipping instructions.
Pet Preservation Pricing by Size, Service, and Complexity
Pet preservation cost can range from a few hundred dollars for very small pets to several thousand dollars for larger pets, advanced poses, or specialty work. Most families are not just asking what the base price is. They want to know what affects the final number, how shipping is handled, and whether a simpler or more detailed memorial option makes more sense for their situation.
For example, a small bird or reptile may fall into a lower base range, while a larger dog with custom positioning, add-ons, and return shipping will land at a much higher final investment. Families comparing long-term memorial options often review both pet preservation and pet cremation before choosing the service that feels right for them.
Pet Preservation Pricing Basics
- Very small pets under 1 lb may begin around $650
- Small pets from 1 to 2 lbs may begin around $1,250
- Mid-size pets often move into the $2,000+ range
- Larger pets are priced using a base rate plus added cost per pound
- Custom work, specialty bases, and add-ons raise the final investment
Questions That Affect Price
- What does your pet weigh?
- What species is your pet?
- Do you want a natural resting pose or a more custom presentation?
- Would you like a pelt, articulation, heart, paw, or other keepsake add-on?
- Will you deliver your pet yourself or use shipping?
If you want a more specialized breakdown, we also cover related topics on our site, including how much pet preservation costs, dog taxidermy cost, and skeleton preservation costs.
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. Families comparing options often move between this section and our full pet taxidermy services page to better understand what type of memorial best fits their goals.
Pet Preservation Pricing for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, and Birds
| Size | Cost | Notes | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| <1 lb | $650 | Paid in full upon arrival (includes shipping; very small birds 4 to 6 months turnaround time) | |
| 1 to 2 lbs | $1,250 | 50% deposit upon arrival, 25% second payment, 25% final payment | |
| 2.05 to 6 lbs | $2,095 | Payment plan above | |
| 6 to 19 lbs | $2,095 + $49/lb | Payment plan above | |
| 20+ lbs | $2,681 + $69/lb | Payment plan above | 6 to 8 |
Other Animals Pricing
Below are common species and typical pricing. If your pet is not listed, contact us for guidance. This section is especially helpful for families looking into other taxidermy services or unique preservation options that fall outside standard dog and cat pricing.
| Animal | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon | 4 to 6 months | $850 (shipping included) |
| Chameleon | 2 to 4 months | $750 (you provide base, shipping included) |
| Gecko | 2 to 4 months | $650 (shipping included) |
| Hedgehog | 4 to 6 months | $950 (shipping included) |
| Rats/Ferrets, Guinea Pig/Chinchilla | 4 to 6 months | $950 (shipping included) |
| Snakes/Turtles | 4 to 6 months | $750 up to 1 lb; after 1 lb use cat/dog pricing above |
| Small Birds | 4 to 6 months | .5 lb $650, .55 to 1 lb $995, 1.05 to 2 lbs $1,350 (wings extended +50% / flying +100%); over 2 lbs use cat/dog pricing |
When Species Changes the Price
Some pets require more specialized finishing, more delicate handling, or different support structures. Birds, reptiles, and exotic pets can be more technique-sensitive than families expect, which is why species matters almost as much as weight when pricing is prepared.
Skeletal Articulation Pricing
Skeletal articulation is a detailed, artistic service that requires specialized expertise. Pricing reflects the complexity of full and disarticulated mounts. A 75% deposit is due upon arrival. If this is the direction you are considering, you may also want to review our pet skeleton preservation and articulation service page and our article on estimating skeleton preservation costs.
Pet Preservation Pricing for Skeletal Articulation
| Animal | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cats – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6 to 8 months | $3,500 |
| Cats – Disarticulated | 6 to 8 months | $1,550 |
| Dogs under 20 lbs – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6 to 8 months | $4,000 |
| Dogs 20 to 50 lbs – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6 to 8 months | $5,000 |
| Dogs over 50 lbs – Full Articulation (on a base) | 6 to 8 months | $5,500 |
| Dogs under 20 lbs – Disarticulated | 6 to 8 months | $1,550 |
| Dogs 20 to 50 lbs – Disarticulated | 6 to 8 months | $1,595 |
| Dogs over 50 lbs – Disarticulated | 6 to 8 months | $1,950 |
| Skull (Cat) (Add-on) | 4 to 6 months | $500 |
| Skull (Dog) (Add-on) | 4 to 6 months | $500 |
Pelts (Tanning) Pricing
A tanned pelt can preserve markings and fur without a full mount. This is a practical option for families who want a meaningful keepsake with a different look and price point than full preservation. Learn more here: Pet Pelts Service. A 75% deposit is due upon arrival.
| Animal | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pets up to 6 lbs | 8 to 10 months | $500 |
| Pets more than 6 lbs | 8 to 10 months | $500 + $5 per lb over 6 lbs |
| Pads / Claws on Tan (Add-on) | $100 |
Pet Cremation Pricing
Some families are deciding between preservation and cremation, while others choose cremation as a separate service or add-on. The table below gives a quick overview of cremation pricing. If you want more detail about the service itself, visit our pet cremation service page and related pages for dog cremation, cat cremation, bird cremation, and reptile cremation.
| Item | 0-4 lbs | 4-10 lbs | 11-20 lbs | 21-50 lbs | 50+ lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Cremation | $225 | $275 | $300 | $325 | $350 |
Pet Preservation Cost vs Cremation Cost
Preservation and cremation are very different services, so the cost difference reflects the result you receive. Cremation is typically the lower-cost option upfront. Preservation is a larger investment because it involves detailed preparation, artistic finishing, drying, structural work, and a much longer production timeline. For families who want a lasting visual memorial, that difference in price often matches the difference in outcome.
Cremation Cost Range
Most cremation pricing on this page falls between $225 and $350, with an added charge if cremation is placed inside the pet.
Pet Preservation Cost Range
Preservation can begin around $650 for very small pets and rise substantially for larger pets, complex poses, or specialty services like articulation and VIP handling.
Add-Ons & Service Enhancements
Customize your preservation with keepsakes, pose enhancements, and VIP options where applicable. Add-ons can change the final investment, but they also give families more ways to personalize the finished memorial.
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 to 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 and Return Shipping Guide
We serve families across the United States, and shipping is often one of the first practical questions people ask. Final shipping charges depend on where you live, how large the completed pet is, and how it needs to be packed for safe transit. The table 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 |
For more detailed reading, you can also review our articles on FedEx pet shipping cost, UPS pet shipping cost, and how shipping rates vary for pet taxidermy.
What Raises Shipping Cost?
- Finished size and weight
- Destination and distance
- Packaging materials and protection needs
- Carrier availability for oversized shipments
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 to 8 weeks instead of 6 to 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%, while 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, but we keep it as straightforward as possible. Families from around the country use one of the three options below depending on distance, timing, and comfort level.
1) Drive your pet to our Ohio studio
We are located just south of Columbus, Ohio. Some families prefer direct delivery so they can meet with us in person and avoid shipping concerns altogether.
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. This option helps simplify the process when you want more guidance.
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 the steps so your pet arrives in the best possible condition for the service you choose.
Helpful Before You Ship
- Call before mailing your pet
- Keep your pet cool and protected
- Label everything clearly
- Confirm delivery instructions before shipment
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?
Pet preservation cost depends on weight, species, pose, and add-ons such as articulation, pelts, keepsakes, or VIP service. Very small pets may start around $650, while larger or more customized projects can cost several thousand dollars.
What affects pet preservation pricing the most?
The biggest pricing factors are your pet’s size, species, condition, preferred pose, and whether you add services like articulation, tanning, cremation inside, or keepsakes.
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 to 8 weeks.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. In most cases, 50% is due to begin, 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 your pet is cooled and packed properly. We strongly recommend calling first so we can guide you through the safest way to prepare and ship your pet.
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 your options.
Do you serve families outside Ohio?
Yes. We work with families across the United States and can help coordinate shipping, a pet box, or direct drop-off depending on what works best for your situation.