FAQs
Do you do preservations for found or game birds and animals?
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to offer preservation services for harvested game birds or animals unless you are a pre-existing client in good standing. At this time, our services are highly sought after and so limited that the resources we have must remain reserved for pet clients. For harvested game birds and animals, we recommend a traditional taxidermy studio with a focus in these species. Feel free to reach out if you would like an artist recommendation based on the species in your possession. Found specimens (case-by-case basis where permitted by law) may be donated if you feel called to offer transport or tips. Feel free to call (425)426-5440 for quickest response if you have a found specimen for donation.
Are your pet preservations limited by species?
We try not to exclude preservations of any legal-to-own pet species if we can help it. In the realm of pet species, we have experience with domestic felines, domestic canines, domestic rabbits, reptiles, inverts, and avian species. If you have a legal-to-own species that you’re curious about, reach out!
What does intake look like?
Before you reach out to schedule or ask clarifying questions, we ask that you first review the Pet Preservation Service Agreement and Price Sheet on the intake process page of the website.
If you have clarifying questions regarding specific services or pricing as you complete the intake application, PLEASE read the remaining FAQ first, and if your question still hasn’t been answered then I invite you to reach out via web form for clarification. Please allow up to 7 days for a response.
If the terms of service are agreeable, you may complete the form on the intake application page to be contacted for intake. Intakes appointments are available Mondays from 3-5pm, Wednesdays from 11-5pm, and Sundays from 11-2pm, and are usually finished in under a half hour. We do have a cozy, client staging area separate from the workspace. We go to great lengths to keep the preservations separate from what you experience in-studio as you grieve.
Please make note in advance: We are in a wetland, please plan your shoes for intake accordingly. Additionally, our studio location is regrettably not in a walkable neighborhood. We do not recommend relying on the bus to get you here, and advise that instead you enlist the help of a friend or family member for a ride. You will receive exact location details once you have returned your intake application and been contacted to schedule.
What is a “live mount”?
A “live mount” is a traditional taxidermy mount which places the full preserved skin of your companion over a sculpted form in the pose of your choosing to look as they did in life. The birds shown in my portfolio are examples of “live mount” birds.
What is a “shoulder mount”?
A “shoulder mount” is a traditional taxidermy mount which places a partial preserved skin (head and neck) of your companion over a sculpted form, and comes finished with hardware to hang on a wall.
Can we preserve soft tissue parts or pieces, such as a paw, ear, or tail?
Yes, we offer fully custom preservations and are happy to discuss your vision.
Can we have soft tissue preservation AND skeletal preservation?
YES! We are often happy to be able to share with clients that they actually CAN receive cleaned bones back from parts of their beloved companion where we are also preserving soft tissue. These services are not mutually exclusive, and can easily be done together.
Common combinations of services we provide include: [tail soft tissue preservation & tail bone cleaning] / [sculpted paw soft tissue preservation & paw bone cleaning] / [live mount & full skeletal cleaning]
Do you offer cold storage?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer cold storage as a service outside of our in-house preservation services.
What’s your turnaround time?
It is our goal to have all preservations completed and ready for pick-up within 8-12 months of intake. Preservations do not happen fast; they are a labor of love, and move through many stages before reaching completion. Every step is vitally important, and this cannot be rushed and maintain the same quality of preservation.
As per the Service Agreement, we offer project updates each time the preservation reaches a new stage. You may opt-out of these updates if you so desire. We know it’s hard to wait for updates on your beloved companion, but we ask that you do not reach out for additional updates. Our staff is extremely limited, and the frequency of update requests increases our administrative burden and cuts into studio time for not only YOUR companion, but also the companions of other clients. For this reason, we will not respond to requests for additional updates.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We take cash, major debit and credit cards including tap-to-pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept Zelle payments.
My companion has passed suddenly and I am presently at-need. What is the process from here and what is the best way to preserve my companion until intake?
As soon as you are able after you have said your goodbyes, our recommendation is to place your loved one on a puppy pad or other absorbent layer in the open air of the freezer, OR inside of an unsealed leakproof container in the freezer with NO blanket or towel. During this time the insulation traps heat, which we like to avoid if we can. You may wrap your loved one in a blanket for comfort purposes after a couple of hours has passed, and at this time we also recommend placing them inside of a sealed leakproof container.
Once you have reviewed the Service Menu, Service Agreement, and Intake Process you may submit your application for intake. If selected, you can expect an e-mail to schedule intake within 7 days.
Unfortunately, “rush” and “anxious” are not compatible with the services we offer. If you are in a hurry to accelerate intake or response time, we recommend that you seek out the services of another preservationist. If we sense in your application that you are expecting “fast” turnaround, we are unlikely to select your preservation for services. Our studio operates from love and care; love and care CANNOT be rushed, and any sense of urgency disrupts the energy going into the work. Please see the following FAQ for further details.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! If not preserving your beloved companion is not an option, reach out about a payment plan. We want you to be able to have what you want, and we’re willing to offer graduated payments as the work is being completed.
Do you offer freeze dry preservation?
Freeze dry is not a preservation technique that we use in-house; nor, regrettably, do we know of a local freeze dry preservationist.
Do you offer mentorship or learning opportunities?
We highly value the sharing of knowledge and skills. YES, we do offer very limited mentorship and learning opportunities for dedicated and passionate students! If you’d like to stay in the know about upcoming taxidermy classes, demos, and open studios we recommend that you subscribe to our e-mail list and follow our social media accounts on instagram: @maggiefedorov / @boonessolacetaxidermy. If you are interested in 1-on-1 tutoring, you may reach out via web form to discuss hourly rates and goals.
How do I prepare to ship my companion to you for preservation services?
If you are unable to travel for your intake appointment to bring your companion into our care, you may choose to ship your companion.
Boone’s Solace LLC does not guarantee a safe arrival via shipping; however the potential for a lost parcel is RARE and left entirely to your discretion. We are willing to accept a shipped companion if you are willing to risk shipping. Shipping charges are the responsibility of the client and are not included in your original quote for services. We ask that you ONLY ship your companion on a Monday, as overnight shipping any other day of the week can potentially result in delays that may impact preservation potential.
As you prepare your companion for transport via shipping, we recommend you begin by gathering your supplies: an appropriately sized box, ice packs OR dry ice, and insulation materials OR an insulated bag. Once you have gathered your supplies and it is the Monday on which you intend to ship, place your completely frozen companion still in their sealed leakproof bag inside of the insulation materials in the box. Add your ice packs OR dry ice, securely seal the box, and bring your companion directly to FedEx for overnight shipping to the address provided to you.
We will be happy to notify you of your companion’s safe arrival.