How Much Is It to Taxidermy a Dog?

When a beloved dog passes away, many owners look for meaningful ways to keep their memory alive. While cremation and burial are common choices, some people consider taxidermy.

This process preserves your dog’s body in a lifelike state, offering a permanent physical reminder of your pet. But taxidermy is not only rare for pets, it’s also complex, time-consuming, and expensive.

So how much is it to taxidermy a dog, and what should you expect if you’re considering this option?

What Is Pet Taxidermy?

Taxidermy is the art of preserving and mounting an animal’s body for display. For pets, it involves:

• Preserving the skin and fur

• Mounting it onto a custom form that recreates the dog’s shape

• Adding details like glass eyes to make the appearance lifelike

Unlike museum specimens, pet taxidermy requires extra attention to realism and personality, since owners want their dog to look as close as possible to the way they remember them. Because of this, it’s much more expensive than standard taxidermy for wild animals.

The Average Cost to Taxidermy a Dog

The price of dog taxidermy varies depending on size, pose, and the taxidermist’s skill. On average, you can expect:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): $1,500 – $3,000

• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): $3,000 – $4,500

• Large dogs (50–100 lbs): $4,500 – $6,000

• Giant breeds (100+ lbs): $6,000 – $7,500+

Custom work, such as lifelike poses, open-mouth designs, or specific eye expressions, may push the cost even higher. Some specialized studios charge up to $10,000 for highly detailed mounts.

Why Is Dog Taxidermy So Expensive?

Pet taxidermy costs more than traditional hunting mounts because it requires greater care and artistry.

• Emotional detail: Taxidermists work to capture your dog’s unique personality.

• Time commitment: The process can take 6 months to over a year.

• Special handling: Dogs have varied fur types and colors that need careful preservation.

• Custom molds: Unlike deer or fish, there are no ready-made forms for pets, so each one is built individually.

The combination of skill, artistry, and time makes dog taxidermy one of the most expensive forms of preservation.

Additional Costs to Consider

Aside from the base taxidermy price, there may be other expenses:

• Transportation fees: Shipping your dog’s body to the taxidermist, especially across states, can cost several hundred dollars.

• Storage or freezing fees: If you can’t deliver your dog right away, a funeral home or vet may charge for storage.

• Pose and accessories: Choosing a lying-down or sitting position, or adding collars and props, can increase cost.

• Rush fees: If you want the process done faster than the standard timeline, expect to pay extra.

All of these add up, so the final bill may be more than you first expected.

Alternatives to Full Taxidermy

If the cost or process of taxidermy feels overwhelming, there are alternative ways to memorialize your dog:

• Freeze-drying: Similar to taxidermy but often more lifelike. Costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on size.

• Cremation with urns or keepsakes: Ashes can be kept in decorative urns, necklaces, or paw print memorials.

• Custom portraits or sculptures: Professional artists can create lifelike artwork for a fraction of the cost.

• DNA preservation or cloning: Very expensive (tens of thousands of dollars) but an option some owners explore.

These options may be more affordable and still allow you to cherish your pet’s memory.

Is Taxidermy the Right Choice for Your Dog?

Before deciding, consider the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Permanent physical reminder of your pet

• Lifelike preservation of fur and appearance

• Unique and deeply personal memorial

Cons:

• Very expensive, often thousands of dollars

• Long waiting time for completion

• Emotional impact—some owners find it difficult to see their pet in a static form

• Limited availability of skilled pet taxidermists

It’s a highly personal decision, and what feels right for one person may not for another.

How to Choose a Pet Taxidermist

If you decide to pursue taxidermy, finding the right professional is crucial.

• Look for experience with pets: Not all taxidermists accept pet projects.

• Check reviews and portfolios: Ask to see photos of previous dog taxidermy work.

• Discuss costs and timelines upfront: Get a written estimate before committing.

• Ask about preservation methods: Some use freeze-drying, others traditional mounts.

• Consider emotional support: Choose someone who understands the sensitivity of pet memorials.

This ensures you get results that honor your dog respectfully.

Conclusion

So, how much is it to taxidermy a dog? On average, the cost ranges from $1,500 to over $7,500, depending on your dog’s size, the pose, and the detail required. While it’s one of the most expensive ways to preserve a pet, some owners find deep comfort in keeping their dog’s lifelike presence with them.

For others, cremation, artwork, or keepsakes may be more practical. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your budget, your emotions, and how you want to remember your beloved companion.

FAQs

How much does it cost to taxidermy a small dog?

A small dog under 20 pounds usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000 to taxidermy. The price depends on the pose, the detail requested, and the skill of the taxidermist. More lifelike or custom work may increase the cost.

Is dog taxidermy common?

No, dog taxidermy is relatively rare. Most pet owners choose cremation or burial. The high cost, emotional difficulty, and long wait times make taxidermy less common, but it remains an option for owners who want a physical memorial.

How long does dog taxidermy take?

Dog taxidermy can take 6 months to over a year to complete. The process is slow because each mount is custom-made, and the taxidermist must carefully preserve fur, shape, and expression to look realistic. Freeze-drying can also take several months.

Is freeze-drying cheaper than taxidermy?

Freeze-drying is sometimes cheaper, especially for small dogs, with prices starting around $1,000. For medium and large dogs, it can be similar in cost to taxidermy ($3,000–$5,000). Many owners find freeze-drying creates a more natural look compared to traditional mounts.

What is the cheapest way to preserve my dog’s memory?

The most affordable options are cremation with an urn, paw print keepsakes, or custom portraits. These usually cost $50–$500 depending on your choice. They provide a meaningful memorial without the high expense of taxidermy or freeze-drying.