Info and Preparation – WHAM Preservation LLC

Freeze drying taxidermy is different than conventional taxidermy. Conventional taxidermists remove the skin, preserve it with chemicals, and replace it on an artificial body. Through conventional taxidermy, skin can shrink, and the artificial body can result in the specimen looking artificial. With freeze drying, the whole specimen is frozen after posing, making it appear more natural and realistic.

Freeze drying uses a process called lyophilization to gently freeze the specimen, and remove all moisture from the bodies tissues. It includes extremely low temperatures and the use of a vacuum, over a long period of time, to dry out tissue and protect decay. With freeze drying, the whole specimen, can be preserved permanently without damaging their structure, the effect being less chance of shrinkage or tissue distortion. Things like color, size, and features, can be retained for an extremely life-like results. Very few things need to be removed during this process, meaning you get back as much of your pet as possible!

Specimens/items suitable for freeze drying taxidermy include:

Fish
Pets (dogs, cats, bunnies, etc.)
Reptiles (crocodiles, bearded dragons, turtles)
Small mammals (squirrels, mink, muskrats, etc.)

Time of completion depends entirely on the size, specimen type, skin composition, along with several other factors. When done correctly, using an experienced and trained taxidermist specializing in freeze drying, the end result is a fairly long-term process.

We pride ourselves in providing you with a final preserved pet/animal that will last and is freeze dried properly. Sometimes, this takes longer to achieve.

Please see our pricing list for a full list of animals and prices. Don’t see what you want done? Contact us for specific inquiries at 262-500-WHAM (9426).

It is important to prepare your pet as soon as possible if you plan to go the route of freeze drying. We, at WAM Preservation, understand that the passing of your family member and best friend, is extremely difficult. Luckily, preparation is simple and we try to make it as straightforward as possible.

Take the following steps as soon as possible when going the route of freeze drying.

Try to make sure your pet’s body is as dry as possible

Place your pet in a plastic bag (or garbage bag for larger pets), removing as much air as possible

Place your pet, wrapped in the bag, in the freezer

*Do not use additional items such as paper or blankets, when wrapping your pet

If you are scheduling your pet to be euthanized, it is a good idea to have your pet groomed, if necessary. It is important to remember that whatever goes into the freeze dryer is what comes out.

After your pets’ body has been frozen, for at least 48 hours, should you decide that freeze drying is the right step for you and/or your family, you can either deliver or ship your pet, frozen. Contact us for instructions before packing and shipping so we are ready to receive your pet. In short, you will need a regular cooler large enough to accommodate your pet. Schedule a 2-day delivery shipping for a Monday or Tuesday shipping date. On the day of shipping, purchase about 3-5 pounds of dry ice. Place your pet in the container and put the dry ice on top. Be sure to secure with tape and take to your shipping provider.

During the freeze drying process we will ask for a picture and reference of your pet and discuss various poses. Once your pet is with us they will be kept frozen until work begins. Work includes being prepared for freeze drying, freeze drying itself, and final touches. We will work very closely with you to ensure that your pet’s final appearance is what you hoped it would be! In addition, please utilize our tracker so you know where your pet is in the process!

When your pet is complete and ready to finally come home again, you can either schedule a pick up or have it packed and shipped back to you for actual costs incurred using your preferred carrier. Your pet will keep its original size and shape indefinitely and will look very similar to how they did when they were alive.

Aftercare includes, in many ways, treating them similarly to when they were alive. You can gently brush their fur or pet them. It is important to remember to keep your pet away from excess moisture and areas of high humidity. Do not place them in direct sunlight for long periods, as this will cause fading.

With a little extra care, protection from weather, bugs, and the elements, you will be able to enjoy your pet in their afterlife, indefinitely.

It is important to prepare your pet as soon as possible if you plan to go the route of freeze drying. We, at WAM Preservation, understand that the passing of your family member and best friend, is extremely difficult. Luckily, preparation is simple and we try to make it as straightforward as possible.

Take the following steps as soon as possible when going the route of freeze drying.

Try to make sure your pet’s body is as dry as possible

Place your pet in a plastic bag (or garbage bag for larger pets), removing as much air as possible

Place your pet, wrapped in the bag, in the freezer

*Do not use additional items such as paper or blankets, when wrapping your pet

If you are scheduling your pet to be euthanized, it is a good idea to have your pet groomed, if necessary. It is important to remember that whatever goes into the freeze dryer is what comes out.

After your pets’ body has been frozen, for at least 48 hours, should you decide that freeze drying is the right step for you and/or your family, you can either deliver or ship your pet, frozen. Contact us for instructions before packing and shipping so we are ready to receive your pet. In short, you will need a regular cooler large enough to accommodate your pet. Schedule a 2-day delivery shipping for a Monday or Tuesday shipping date. On the day of shipping, purchase about 3-5 pounds of dry ice. Place your pet in the container and put the dry ice on top. Be sure to secure with tape and take to your shipping provider.

During the freeze drying process we will ask for a picture and reference of your pet and discuss various poses. Once your pet is with us they will be kept frozen until work begins. Work includes being prepared for freeze drying, freeze drying itself, and final touches. We will work very closely with you to ensure that your pet’s final appearance is what you hoped it would be! In addition, please utilize our tracker so you know where your pet is in the process!

When your pet is complete and ready to finally come home again, you can either schedule a pick up or have it packed and shipped back to you for actual costs incurred using your preferred carrier. Your pet will keep its original size and shape indefinitely and will look very similar to how they did when they were alive.

Aftercare includes, in many ways, treating them similarly to when they were alive. You can gently brush their fur or pet them. It is important to remember to keep your pet away from excess moisture and areas of high humidity. Do not place them in direct sunlight for long periods, as this will cause fading.

With a little extra care, protection from weather, bugs, and the elements, you will be able to enjoy your pet in their afterlife, indefinitely.