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. 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 Application 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.
If the terms of service are agreeable, you may complete the form and return it via e-mail to boonessolacetaxidermy@gmail.com 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 or a tail?
Yes, this is a service we offer. These we treat as “add-ons” to our pelt tanning services with an additional fee for sculpting. In the case of tails, there is no additional fee if you prefer the preservation soft and flexible, without sculpted form. For soft tissue pelt preservation, we also offer a variety of sizes, shapes, and presentation options including simple framed presentation for viewing and petting, or a hand-stitched felt backing for viewing and petting with a variety of potential display applications.
Can we have soft tissue preservation AND skeletal preservation?
YES! I am 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 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.
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 do not take Zelle payments.
What is the best way to preserve my companion until intake?
As soon as you are able after you have said your goodbyes, my recommendation is to place your loved one on a puppy pad in the open air of the freezer, OR inside of a leakproof bag in the freezer with NO blanket or towel. During this time the insulation traps heat, which we like to avoid if we can. If you would like to wrap your loved one in a blanket for comfort purposes I recommend this step just prior to traveling to the studio for your intake.
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.