Freeze-Dry Pet Preservation: An Option for Those Struggling to Overcome Pet Loss

Freeze-dry pet preservation has been done for several years, but it still remains a novelty for most people. Why would one want to freeze-dry their pet? How is it done? And what does the end result look like?

As to the first question, people who choose the freeze-drying option are grieving owners who do not want to bury or cremate their deceased pet. Those who cannot say final goodbyes and would rather have their beloved pet stay with them, preserved, all the time.

Unlike traditional taxidermy where the animal's innards are removed and the skin is stretched over a mold, freeze-dry preservation is much less invasive. The whole animal is preserved as it was, with only some organs removed and eyes replaced with replica marbles. After being injected with silicone, the dead animal spends some time in a vacuum freeze-drying compartment (from 2 to 15 months, depending on the size). The procedure takes out all the moisture from the body, thus eliminating the process of decay. When the freeze-drying is done, the animal is returned to and can be kept at room temperature

The results are amazingly lifelike, as you can see from the picture. Of course, the animal is a little stiff to the touch, but the fur remains soft and silky. Many owners choose to have their pet done in a peacefully sleeping position, which, to me, looks even more natural.

For a pet owner, the process consists of finding a pet freeze-drying company and shipping their deceased pet to them, with a good photo of the animal while alive and a description of what pose they prefer it to be preserved in. After several months of wait, they receive their pet back. The cost of the procedure varies and depends on the animal's size. Generally speaking, it ranges from $300 to $3,000.

People have freeze-dried their dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, parrots. The procedure can be done to any animal. Most owners are very pleased with the result. Here are a couple of letter excerpts from happy clients of AEWS (Anthony Eddy's Wildlife Studio):

Please know how completely pleased I am with the job you did with my cat. The pose he is in is so typical for him . His fur is just as silky as ever and he looks exactly like he used to. And even though I can never again hear his 'cordlike' voice or his frequent purring, it's good to know that at least his vocal chords and purring mechanisms (whatever they are) are still there.

I received 'Nerok' today like you said I would. She looks great. Exactly like the picture and how I asked for her to be. She looks like she is comfortably sleeping. A guest came over and was astounded.

Would I consider freeze-drying my pet? Probably not. As an animal lover and pet owner, I can very much understand the pain of pet loss, and I do not judge those who choose this option. However, I personally think there is a time to say goodbye, sad as it is. And I believe the goodbye is temporary. I do believe that animals have souls, and we will see them again in heaven. For the time being, when a pet of mine dies I find comfort in taking in another one and giving it my love.