FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PET PRESERVATION
Regarding Preparation / Shipping Your Pet To Our Address
LOCATION
Markus Michalowitz.
Downunder Taxidermy.
Pet Preservation Australia.
674 Kandanga Creek Rd Kandanga
Queensland, Australia.
Mobile Phone 0412 97 92 95
Frequently asked questions
Q: How does the Pet Preservation Freeze Dried process work?
Your pet is carefully prepared and posed, supported by a custom-made framework. Next, it is frozen into that pose. It is then placed into a sealed vacuum chamber at extremely low temperature. Over time, frozen moisture is slowly converted into a gaseous state, and then extracted. The larger the subject the greater amount of moisture to be extracted. Typically, a small cat or dog will take 8 to 12 weeks. Larger animals will take a longer period of time, perhaps as much as 4 to 5 months in the case of a very large dog. However, all animals are unique, and sometimes take a bit more or less time than expected.
Q: What can be Freeze-Dried?
Most Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Rabbits, Ferrets, Hares, Lambs, Baby Goats, and Piglets can be freeze-dried without restrictions as to how they remain. Some animals, such as newborn Calves, Foals, and other animals of similar size, need to be freeze-dried lying down.
Q: How long will your pet look and last?
If you are having your pet preserved, we will ask you to send pictures of your animal and will also communicate with you to try to ensure it will be posed as you would like. We work to create a pose and appearance that looks as natural as possible. If the entire process is done correctly, using quality equipment and techniques, the results should be very life-like, even at close viewing.
Q: How do I prepare my pet for shipping to your place of business?
After your pet passes away, immediately place it into a sealed plastic bag (in a curled up position to make shipment an easier process) and then into a standard freezer. Veterinarians and kennel operators are usually happy to do this for you.
Q: How do I care for my pet when I get them home?
Your preserved pet will not need a lot of care. To look after your pet after the freeze-drying process, simply give them a light dusting and surface spray every three months to stop silverfish and such damaging their hair and skin (similar to caring for a woollen jumper stored in a cupboard). You can occasionally brush and wipe down the pet with a slightly damp almost dry cloth if needed. Otherwise no maintenance is required.
Q: What are the best places to display my pet at home?
You can place them anywhere you like, but as they are a natural product there are a few things to be aware of when considering where to place them. Keep them out of direct sunlight as over time the sun will bleach their hair. Keep them away from places of high humidity like laundry, bathrooms or kitchens.
Q: What does it cost for Pet Preservation?
All animals and pets will vary in price depending on how big how they are, and how you want them to be posed. Payment is broken into stages to make the process less of a financial burden on you during this difficult time.