If you’re thinking about taxidermy for your pet, chances are you have one big question: How long does taxidermy take?
The short answer? It takes time—anywhere from a few months to over a year. The wait can feel long, but there’s a reason for it. Unlike a quick photo or an urn, taxidermy is a hands-on process that requires skill, patience, and careful attention to detail.
Every pet is different, and so is every mount. If you’ve ever heard someone say taxidermy takes too long, they probably didn’t realize how much work goes into creating a lifelike, lasting tribute.
In this guide, we’ll break down why taxidermy takes time, what affects the wait, and how long different types of mounts take. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Let’s get started.
How Long Does Taxidermy Take?
Taxidermy isn't something that happens overnight. Depending on the size of the pet, the preservation method, and the taxidermist’s workload, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Smaller pets, like birds or rabbits, are usually done faster, while larger animals, like big dogs or exotic pets, take longer. If you’re choosing a full-body mount, expect a longer wait compared to simpler options like skull or pelt preservation.
Here’s a general breakdown of taxidermy turnaround times for different types of pets:
Pet Size | Estimated Timeframe | Notes |
Small Pets (birds, hamsters, rabbits) | 3-6 months | Faster due to smaller size and simpler mounting process. |
Medium Pets (cats, small dogs) | 6-12 months | Takes longer due to tanning, drying, and detailing. |
Large Pets (big dogs, exotic animals) | 12+ months | Bigger animals need more time for preservation and mounting. |
Skull Cleaning | 4-8 months | Includes degreasing and whitening process. |
Full Skeletal Mount | 8-18 months | Cleaning, drying, and reassembling bones is a slow, delicate process. |
Pelt or Coat Preservation | 4-6 months | Preserving just the fur is faster than a full-body mount. |
Paw, Tail, or Ear Preservation | 3-5 months | Small parts require less work but still need proper treatment. |
Why Does Taxidermy Take So Long?
The process of taxidermy takes time because a good taxidermist doesn’t just “stuff” an animal. They preserve, sculpt, and recreate every detail to make the mount look natural and lifelike. This takes skill, patience, and a lot of steps. Here’s what goes into the process:
1. Skinning and Tanning the Hide
First, the taxidermist carefully skins the animal to remove the hide. The hide is then sent to a tannery, where it is treated to prevent decay. Tanning alone can take several months, especially if the taxidermist has to wait until they have enough skins to be sent in one batch.
2. Sculpting and Mounting
While waiting for the hide, the taxidermist works on the form (or mannequin) that will hold the preserved skin. They sculpt details like muscles, facial expressions, and body shape to match the animal’s natural look. Once the tanned hide is back, it’s carefully fitted onto the form, and fine adjustments are made to ensure everything looks right.
3. Drying and Finishing
After mounting, the piece needs time to fully dry, which can take weeks or even months, depending on the size. Once dry, the taxidermist adds final details—painting the nose, setting the eyes, grooming the fur, and making sure everything looks natural.
Factors That Affect Taxidermy Timelines
Apart from the size of the animal and the intricacies involved with the process, several other factors play a big role in how long you’ll be waiting to get it back with the taxidermy. Here’s what affects turnaround time:
1. Type of Preservation Method
Not all taxidermy is the same. The method you choose affects how long it takes:
Traditional Skin Mounting – The most detailed method, but it takes longer due to tanning and sculpting.
Freeze-Drying – A faster method, often used for smaller pets, but still takes months to complete.
Bone Cleaning & Articulation – Cleaning, drying, and reassembling bones is delicate work and can take up to a year.
2. Complexity of the Pose
A simple sitting or standing pose is quicker to finish. Custom poses, like a playful stance or special facial expressions, require extra sculpting and adjustments, adding time to the process.
3. Tanning and Drying Time
The tannery process is often the longest step. Some hides take six months or longer to tan before work can even begin. Drying time depends on the size of the animal and humidity levels—larger mounts need more time to fully dry.
4. Taxidermist’s Workload
Some taxidermy studios have long waitlists, especially those known for great work. Then again, busy seasons (like after hunting season) can cause delays, even for pet taxidermy.
5. Material Availability
Many taxidermists order custom glass eyes, forms, or other materials. If these aren’t in stock, it can slow things down. Supply chain issues can also affect how fast things move along.
How Long Does Taxidermy Last?
When done right, taxidermy can last for decades, even a lifetime. Many well-preserved mounts can stay in good shape for 20 to 50 years or more, but proper care is key.
What Affects Taxidermy Longevity?
Quality of the Work – A good taxidermist uses proper tanning, sculpting, and finishing techniques. Poor taxidermy can fall apart in just a few years.
Environmental Conditions – Humidity, sunlight, and temperature changes can cause a mount to crack, fade, or even grow mold.
Pest Protection – Insects like dermestid beetles and moths can eat away at the hide if not properly protected.
How It's Handled – Rough handling can damage delicate parts like ears, tails, and facial details.
Some Tips to Keep a Mount in Good Shape
Keep It in a Cool, Dry Place – Avoid damp areas like basements or garages. Too much moisture can cause decay.
Avoid Direct Sunlight – Sun exposure can make colors fade over time.
Dust Gently – Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust without damaging the fur or feathers.
Watch for Pests – Check the mount every few months for signs of insect damage. If you spot trouble, take action fast.
Don’t Store in Plastic – If you need to move or store the mount, use a breathable cloth cover. Plastic traps moisture and can lead to mold.
Also, if a mount starts to show signs of aging, a professional taxidermist may be able to restore faded fur, fix cracks, or replace damaged parts.
Cost vs. Turnaround Time: What to Expect
When it comes to taxidermy, time and cost go hand in hand. The more detailed and complex the work, the longer it takes—and the higher the price. But is it possible to get it done faster if you're willing to pay more? Let’s try to understand.
How Pricing and Time Are Connected
It's simple: the more work involved, the higher the cost. Here’s how pricing and turn around time usually compare, based on the previous table:
Type of Taxidermy | Average Cost | Turnaround Time |
Small Pets | $300 - $1,500 | 3-6 months |
Medium Pets | $800 - $2,500 | 6-12 months |
Large Pets | $1,500 - $5,000+ | 12+ months |
Skull Cleaning | $175 - $450 | 4-8 months |
Full Skeletal Mount | $2,000 - $3,000 | 8-18 months |
Pelt Preservation | $350 - $1,000 | 4-6 months |
Paw, Tail, or Ear Preservation | $350 - $600 | 3-5 months |
Can You Get Faster Service?
Some taxidermists offer priority services—but fast taxidermy usually costs more. If you need your mount done quickly, here’s what to consider:
Rush Orders – Some taxidermy shops may offer an express option for an extra fee, but not all taxidermists do.
Freeze-Drying – A faster alternative to traditional skin mounting.
Pre-Tanned Hides – If the hide is already tanned, the mount can be completed sooner.
However, rushing the process can affect quality.
How to Find a Reputable Taxidermist
Not all taxidermists specialize in pet preservation, so choosing the right one matters. Here’s what to look for:
Experience with Pet Taxidermy – Mounting pets requires a different approach than hunting trophies like deer.
Check Their Portfolio – Look at past work to make sure their style matches what you want.
Read Reviews – Customer feedback can tell you a lot about turnaround time, quality, and reliability.
Ask About Timelines – A professional taxidermist will give you a realistic estimate and keep you updated.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Taxidermy?
Taxidermy is an art and a skill, and like any craft, it takes time to learn. Some people pick up basic techniques in a few months while becoming a professional taxidermist can take years.
Learning the Basics: 2-6 Months
If you’re just starting out, you can learn the fundamentals of taxidermy in a few months by taking an introductory course or attending a taxidermy workshop. You can start practicing on small animals like birds or rabbits. Spend time learning how to skin, tan, and mount simple projects.
At this stage, you might be able to do basic mounts but will still need a lot of practice to improve.
Becoming Skilled: 1-3 Years
After learning the basics, refining your skills takes time. This is when taxidermists work on larger animals and more complex poses. They also try to improve their sculpting and finishing techniques. This is the time when you learn how to tan hides properly to prevent shrinkage and damage.
Many aspiring taxidermists spend at least a year practicing before they can create mounts that look natural.
Becoming a Professional Taxidermist: 3-5 Years
Making a career out of taxidermy takes years of experience and continuous learning. This is what professional taxidermists do:
Develop their own style and techniques.
Work with different species, from deer to pets.
Learn business skills to run an efficient taxidermy shop.
Build a reputation by producing great work consistently.
Some taxidermists apprentice under experts, while others take formal training through taxidermy schools or online programs.
Conclusion
Taxidermy is more than just a process—it’s a way to honor and remember a beloved pet. Whether you choose a full-body mount, skull cleaning, or pelt preservation, understanding the time, effort, and artistry involved helps set realistic expectations.
While it may take months to over a year, the wait is worth it. A well-done mount lasts for decades, keeping a cherished pet’s presence alive. If you’re considering taxidermy, take the time to choose a reputable taxidermist, understand the process, and plan ahead.
Want to learn more about taxidermy options for your pet? Contact Peaceful Veterinary Care today for expert guidance and compassionate services.
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