Custom Preservation Projects

OUR GOAL IS TO provide you with a memorial experience that’s as stress-free as possible. We know firsthand how tough it can be losing a beloved pet in the family, so we’re here for support. please read all of the following information before submitting an inquiry form.

All pets and custom preservations must adhere to Federal and Virginia Wildlife Laws. No exceptions.

We are not veterinarians or an emergency service. We are not equipped to handle immediate requests or emergencies, nor do we always have available space for storage. When the time does come, please reach out to us via email and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours. do not bring any animal to us until we’ve communicated. We will not be able to take your animal without notice.

  • All timelines provided are estimates. Your timeline starts when we start your project, not when your pet is dropped off. You will be notified via email when we begin your memorials/custom preservations. While we strive to complete your project promptly, delays may occur. Please be patient, as we handle every pet with the utmost care & respect, & will never rush a memorial to meet a deadline.

    • 1. Have Freezer Space on Hand: Once your pet has passed, please place your pet in a freezer. We will not accept any decaying/rotten animals. Please see Before and After Death Guidelines (below) for more details.

    • 2. Email Us: Fill out the Preservation Inquiry Form below.

    • 3. Receive a Quote : We will do our best to respond within 24-48 hrs with a price quote and timeline estimate.

    • 4. Approval & Deposit: Approve the quote, and we’ll send you a custom order & policy form to sign, and a 50% deposit invoice VIA EMAIL.

    • 5. Drop-Off: After paying the deposit and signing all forms, bring your pet to us during store hours. Attach your name, phone number, and your pet’s name to the bag or box. When you arrive, please call the store and let them know your name and who you are dropping off so we can expect you / 804-649-1666. We are able to let you in through our side door if you would rather not walk through the retail area of the store. We understand the grieving process can make it difficult to be around other people. Just let us know beforehand, and we will accommodate you.

    • 6. PICK-UP: after paying your final invoice you have two weeks to pick up your preservation.

  • We are unable to start custom preservation project plans for pets that are still alive. We’re happy to discuss options, but the process begins after your pet has passed - UNLESS YOU HAVE A LARGE DOG/PET, SEE ‘LARGER PETS’.

    If you have a larger pet like a Great Pyrenees or Husky you will need to contact us before the time comes.

  • Freeze your pet as soon as possible. You will need to make your own arrangements for freezing until we are able to get back with you.

    We cannot accept decomposing animals under any circumstances.

    Wrap your pet in a bag or blanket and place it in the freezer. Freezer burn does not affect our processes, so that is no worry.

  • We can accept pets shipped from out of state and have done so many times!

    Requirements:

    1. Freeze your pet for at least 48 hours before shipping.

    2. Wrap them in multiple sealed bags, surrounded by ice packs and a blanket to ensure they stay frozen through the whole journey.

    3. Ship overnight via UPS (preferred) on a Monday to avoid delays. Please avoid Fedex if you are able as we have had multiple issues receiving our mail from them.

    4. Do not ship before contacting us. 

    5. Provide the tracking number after sending your package so we can keep an eye out for it

    We’ll notify you when your pet arrives safely in our care.

  • We can accommodate larger animals (e.g., Huskies, Great Pyrenees) with extra preparation time. If you don’t have a freezer large enough for your pet, contact us before their passing to arrange immediate processing upon arrival.

    Please note that larger animals may incur additional processing fees.

  • After we have performed the requested services on your pet, you are still able to have them cremated. We do not offer cremation services in house, but we recommend Caring Pet Cremations. Once our services are complete, CPC will come to the store and pick up your animal for cremation. All CPC services are billed through them. You can read more about their business here. If you have a different cremation facility you’d like to use, please let us know so we can make the proper arrangements.

  • A 50% deposit of the estimated quote + sales tax is emailed to you via Square. Payment is required within 48 hours of receiving the invoice. Unpaid deposits result in project cancellation.

    Projects under $100 require full payment upfront.

  • Final payments are emailed to you via Square invoice and must be completed within two weeks of receiving the invoice.

    Unpaid invoices incur a $10/day fee until settled.

    Payment must be made before pickup.

  • When your memorial is ready, you’ll have two weeks to pick it up. If you need more time, just let us know.

    Failure to communicate will result in a $10/day holding fee.

    After 6 months of no communication, the project will be considered abandoned and sold to recover costs.