The dog taxidermy cost varies widely, but you can generally expect preserving a dog taxidermy cost to range from \$800 to \$5,000 or more, depending on the size of your dog and the mounting style you choose.
Losing a beloved pet is very hard. Many owners look for ways to keep a memory of their dog. Dog taxidermy is one way people choose to do this. This process turns your dog’s body into a lifelike display. But this service comes with a price tag. This article will break down what affects the pet taxidermy pricing and help you decide if this is the right choice for you and your budget.
Factors Setting the Average Cost of Dog Taxidermy
The cost to preserve dog remains is not a fixed price. Many things play a role in the final bill. Think of it like commissioning a custom piece of art; the more detailed and complex the vision, the higher the cost.
Dog Size and Breed Impact on Price
Larger dogs need more time, more materials, and bigger forms (mannequins). A Chihuahua mount will cost much less than a Great Dane mount. The amount of skin needed and the handling time increase with size. This directly impacts the full mount dog price.
- Small breeds (under 15 lbs): Often start at the lower end of the price scale.
- Medium breeds (15–50 lbs): These usually fall into the middle range.
- Large to Giant breeds (over 50 lbs): These demand the highest labor costs and materials, pushing the realistic dog taxidermy prices upward.
Mounting Style: Pose Selection
The pose you choose is a major factor in the custom dog taxidermy cost. Simpler poses take less time than complex action poses.
Basic Poses (Life-like and Simple)
These are usually the most affordable options. They involve standard, relaxed positions.
- Sleeping or Reclining: The dog rests peacefully. Less complex structural work is needed.
- Standing/Alert: A straightforward, natural standing pose.
Complex Poses (Action or Dynamic)
These poses require advanced skills, internal support (armatures), and more time from the taxidermist. This increases the how much does dog mounting cost.
- Action Poses: Running, jumping, or playing poses. These need strong internal frames to look natural and stay balanced.
- Open Mouth/Snarling: Detail work around the face and mouth takes extra time.
- Custom Dioramas: Placing the dog in a scene (like on a favorite rug or in a nature setting) adds significant cost for building the base and scenery.
Quality of Workmanship and Artist Reputation
Just like any skilled trade, experience matters. A highly renowned taxidermist with decades of experience will charge more than someone new to the field. Realistic dog taxidermy prices reflect the artist’s ability to capture the pet’s unique personality and features.
- Beginner/Apprentice Work: Lower initial cost, but the likeness might not be as precise.
- Experienced Professionals: Higher rates but offer superior artistry and long-term preservation quality.
- Specialists: Some taxidermists specialize in companion animals, offering niche skills that can drive up the pet preservation taxidermy prices.
Deciphering the Breakdown of Pet Taxidermy Pricing
When you receive a quote, it usually covers several key steps. Knowing these steps helps you grasp why the final number is what it is.
1. Preparation and Initial Handling
This is crucial for good results. If the remains are not handled correctly right after death, the quality of the final mount suffers greatly.
- Proper Preservation: The taxidermist must clean, disinfect, and freeze or chemically treat the skin immediately. If you wait too long, mold or decay can ruin the hide, making the job impossible or much more expensive.
- Skinning and Fleshing: The skin must be carefully removed from the body. All fat and tissue must be scraped (fleshed) off the hide. This ensures the skin will dry properly and not rot from within.
2. Creating the Form and Mounting
Taxidermists rarely use the actual body of the pet. Instead, they use a pre-made, anatomically correct mannequin, called a form.
- Form Selection: The taxidermist selects a foam or resin form that best matches the dog’s size, build, and chosen pose.
- Modification: Seldom is a pre-made form a perfect match. Professionals spend hours sanding, carving, and adjusting the form to fit your specific dog’s muscle structure and posture. This customization is where a lot of skill and time—and thus cost—are spent.
3. Detail Work and Finishing Touches
This stage defines the realism in realistic dog taxidermy prices.
- Eyes and Nose: High-quality artificial eyes are inserted. The eyelids, lips, and nose leather are carefully sculpted to look natural.
- Airbrushing and Painting: The taxidermist uses specialized paints to restore the natural color lost during preservation. They paint details like wetness on the nose or subtle shading on the fur.
- Fur Setting: Each hair must be set correctly to dry in its natural direction.
Comparing Dog Taxidermy Cost by Mount Type
The type of mount you choose dramatically changes the dog taxidermy cost. A full mount dog price is generally the highest.
| Mount Type | Description | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Mount | A complete, freestanding, three-dimensional replica of the dog in a specific pose. | \$1,800 – \$5,000+ | 4–12+ Months |
| Half Mount/Shoulder Mount | The dog is mounted from the neck up, showing the head, neck, and chest, often mounted on a plaque. | \$900 – \$1,800 | 3–6 Months |
| Pedestal Mount | Similar to a full mount but elevated on a decorative pedestal base. | \$2,200 – \$4,500+ | 5–10 Months |
| Life-Size Study (Simple Recline) | A basic, often sleeping or lying pose, designed for simplicity. | \$1,200 – \$2,500 | 4–8 Months |
| Rugs/Skins | The hide is tanned and mounted onto felt backing. | \$600 – \$1,500 (plus tanning fees) | 3–6 Months |
It is important to note that the tanning process (turning raw skin into leather) is often a separate mandatory cost, especially for rugs or open-mouth mounts where the skin needs to be very flexible. This adds to the overall cost to preserve dog remains.
Grasping the Challenges of Pet Taxidermy
Dog taxidermy is much harder than traditional game taxidermy (like deer or birds). This difficulty is reflected in the custom dog taxidermy cost.
Anatomical Complexity
Dogs have very expressive faces. Capturing the unique look of your dog—the tilt of the ear, the shape of the snout, or the way they held their tail—requires advanced sculpting skills.
- Facial Expression: This is the hardest part. A slightly misplaced eye or a poorly shaped muzzle can make the mount look generic rather than personal.
- Coat Matching: Dogs come in countless colors and coat lengths. Recreating the natural shading and texture of the fur through painting takes significant artistic talent.
Material Limitations
Unlike deer, where durable forms are readily available, finding the perfect form for every specific breed and size of dog is rare. Taxidermists often have to modify commercial forms heavily or even build them from scratch, which raises the average cost of dog taxidermy.
Ethical and Time Considerations
A reputable taxidermist prioritizes ethical handling. They will be upfront about the time commitment. Due to the detail required for realistic dog taxidermy prices, these projects are not rushed. Quality takes time, often meaning a wait of several months to a year before you see the final product.
Selecting the Right Taxidermist for Your Dog
Choosing who handles your pet’s remains is the most critical decision, often outweighing the exact dollar amount.
Research Credentials and Portfolio
Always ask to see a portfolio specifically featuring dog taxidermy. Look closely at:
- Eyes: Do they look alive and properly set?
- Posing: Does the pose look stiff, or natural?
- Facial Structure: Does it resemble your breed standard? Does it capture your dog?
If a taxidermist advertises very low prices, question why. Are they using poor-quality materials? Are they inexperienced? Cheap prices can lead to poor long-term preservation.
Inquire About Preservation Techniques
Good preservation is key to ensuring your investment lasts. Ask what chemicals or methods they use to stop decomposition once the skin is removed. Good practices protect the hide for decades. This diligence is built into the preserving a dog taxidermy cost.
Communication is Key for Custom Dog Taxidermy Cost
When you discuss the project, be very clear about the desired pose, eye color, and any distinguishing features. If your dog had a unique head tilt or a specific way of holding its tail, make sure the artist knows this. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings that could inflate the custom dog taxidermy cost later on.
Fathoming the Long-Term Costs and Care
Once you bring your taxidermied dog home, there are steps you need to take to maintain the appearance and ensure longevity. This ongoing care is part of the full commitment.
Display Environment
Where you place the mount matters for its long-term health.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays cause fur to fade rapidly. A faded mount loses its lifelike quality quickly.
- Control Humidity: High humidity encourages mold and damage to the skin. Keep the display area dry and climate-controlled if possible.
- Keep Away from Heat Sources: Radiators or vents will dry out the mount prematurely, potentially causing cracking or shrinking.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Taxidermy mounts gather dust over time. Routine, gentle cleaning is necessary.
- Use a soft, dry paintbrush or a low-suction vacuum attachment covered with cheesecloth.
- Never use commercial cleaning sprays or wet cloths directly on the fur or preserved skin areas, as this can damage the finish or cause color bleeding.
These maintenance needs are often discussed when finalizing the pet preservation taxidermy prices quote.
How to Deal with the Remains
If you are considering taxidermy, you must plan before your dog passes away, or immediately afterward. The success of the taxidermy hinges on immediate action.
Immediate Steps After Passing
- Contact the Taxidermist: Call your chosen artist immediately, even if it’s the middle of the night. Reputable taxidermists usually have emergency contact protocols.
- Cooling: If you cannot get the remains to the taxidermist right away, wrap the dog loosely in a towel or sheet and place it in a cool area. If you must refrigerate it, place it in a plastic bag, but never freeze it unless the taxidermist specifically instructs you to do so. Freezing can damage the fur and skin structure needed for mounting.
- Transportation: Discuss the best way to transport the remains safely to the studio.
Failing to follow these steps can compromise the quality, forcing the taxidermist to charge extra for emergency preservation efforts, thus inflating the dog taxidermy cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is dog taxidermy legal?
A: Yes, dog taxidermy is legal in most places in the United States and many other countries, provided the animal died of natural causes or was legally euthanized. You should always confirm local regulations if you have any concerns.
Q: How long does dog taxidermy take?
A: The process usually takes between 4 to 12 months. This long timeline accounts for skin tanning (which can take months), form preparation, sculpting, painting, and curing time.
Q: What happens if the dog passes away suddenly? Can I still get it done?
A: Yes, but speed is essential. The sooner the taxidermist receives the remains, the better the outcome. If the dog has been frozen for a long time, some details might be lost, affecting the final realistic dog taxidermy prices.
Q: Does the pet taxidermy pricing include the cost of tanning the hide?
A: Often, the tanning cost is separate or listed as a major sub-component of the preserving a dog taxidermy cost. Since tanning requires specialized chemical treatment, always ask for a full, itemized quote that includes all necessary preservation steps.
Q: Can they use my dog’s actual glass eyes?
A: No. Taxidermists use high-quality, custom-painted glass or acrylic eyes designed to mimic life. Original eyes are removed because they decay rapidly.
Q: Are there cheaper alternatives to a full mount?
A: Yes. A shoulder mount, pedestal mount, or having the fur clipped and preserved (often used for memorial urns or patches) are usually less expensive options than a full mount dog price.