Custom Preservation FAQs

What should I do if my pet passes away?

Please place your specimen in the freezer as soon as possible. This is especially important for tarantulas, mantises, and scorpions, as quick freezing stops the decay process of the abdomen.

How much does custom preservation cost?

Custom preservation is billed at $95/hour plus supplies.

Most finished pieces typically fall within these ranges:

  • Larger specimens (tarantulas, mantises, scorpions): $100–$250+
  • Smaller specimens (jumping spiders, beetles, small mantises): $60–$100

Final pricing depends on specimen size, display complexity, and adornments.

What affects the final quality of the piece?

The utmost care is taken with every project, but final quality depends heavily on the condition of the specimen when it is received.

This may be affected by:

  • Health prior to passing 
  • Circumstances surrounding death (stuck in molt, dehydration, etc.)
  • How quickly it was frozen and how much time has passed since freezing
  • Existing damage

Mantises will naturally fade after death, which is important to keep in mind.

Sometimes fluids/stains are present after death and can usually be cleaned. 

Can you ensure the abdomen is preserved properly?

Yes. Larger bodies specimens require careful gutting and stuffing to preserve their shape.

Some smaller spiders may be too delicate for stuffing, but extra care is always taken to preserve the abdomen beautifully within the display. Conditions listed above can affect ability to stuff.

What display options do I have?

Each piece is fully customized to your vision.

How long does it take?

Typical turnaround time is 8–12 weeks.

When is payment due?

Payment is due once the piece is completed, at pickup or before shipping.

Photos of the finished piece will always be provided first.

Do you prefer drop-off or shipping?

Drop-off and pickup are always preferred when possible.

If shipping is needed, a prepaid label and detailed packaging instructions can be provided.

What if I need to ship my specimen?

If shipping your specimen:

  • We recommend 1–2 day shipping
  • Avoid shipping over weekends or holidays
  • We are not responsible for carrier delays
  • We are not responsible for errors made on shipping labels

Proper timing is important to ensure the specimen arrives in the best possible condition.

ENCHANTED ENTOMOLOGY

Memorial Preservation Agreement

Thank you for trusting Enchanted Entomology with the preservation of your beloved companion. We understand that memorial pieces are deeply personal and meaningful. Our goal is to create a lasting tribute while being transparent about the limitations and risks associated with working with biological specimens.

1. TURNAROUND TIME

Memorial preservation pieces are handcrafted and typically require 8–12 weeks from the date the specimen is received. Turnaround times are estimates only and may vary due to workload, specimen condition, shipping delays, material availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

2. PRESERVATION RESULTS

The final quality and appearance of the memorial piece depend on factors outside of Enchanted Entomology's control, including the specimen's age, health, physical condition prior to passing, circumstances surrounding death, time between passing and preservation, whether the specimen was promptly frozen or preserved, and the condition of the specimen upon arrival.

Because every specimen is unique, specific aesthetic results or preservation outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

3. SPECIMENS UNSUITABLE FOR PRESERVATION

Some specimens may arrive in a condition that makes preservation impossible or significantly limits the quality of the final piece due to decomposition, delayed freezing, physical damage, improper storage, shipping delays, or other factors beyond our control.

If we determine that a specimen is unsuitable for preservation, we will notify the client and discuss available options.

Please select one:

☐ Return my specimen to me at my expense.

☐ Do not return my specimen. I authorize Enchanted Entomology to respectfully dispose of

the specimen.The client acknowledges that preservation services cannot be guaranteed and that Enchanted Entomology reserves the right to decline or discontinue a project if the specimen's condition prevents successful preservation.

4. SHIPPING TO ENCHANTED ENTOMOLOGY

To help ensure the best possible preservation results, we strongly recommend shipping Monday through Wednesday, avoiding shipment immediately before or during holidays, and selecting a shipping service with an estimated transit time of 2 days.

The client assumes responsibility for the shipping method selected and any delays or damage that occur before the specimen arrives at our facility.

5. SHIPPING DELAYS

Enchanted Entomology is not responsible for carrier delays, lost packages, weather events, routing errors, mechanical failures, or any circumstances that occur while a package is in transit.

6. PAYMENT, RETURN SHIPMENT, AND TRANSIT DAMAGE

Payment in full is required before the completed memorial piece will be shipped to the client.

Upon completion, Enchanted Entomology carefully packages each memorial piece using protective materials and handling procedures designed to minimize the risk of damage during transit. All shipments are clearly labeled as fragile and are shipped through UPS or FedEx.

The client acknowledges that once a package has been transferred to the shipping carrier, Enchanted Entomology has no control over how the package is handled, transported, or delivered. Damage, delays, loss, theft, or other shipping-related incidents may occur despite these precautions.

Shipping charges are non-refundable. Because each memorial piece is created from an irreplaceable specimen, replacement is generally not possible.

Enchanted Entomology may, at its sole discretion, offer a partial refund of up to 50% of the memorial piece purchase price in cases involving shipping damage. Such refunds are not guaranteed and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

By signing this agreement, the client acknowledges that memorial pieces are created fromunique and irreplaceable specimens and accepts the risks associated with shipping completed artwork and preserved specimens.

7. AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

By shipping my specimen to Enchanted Entomology, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to all terms outlined in this Memorial Preservation Agreement.

Popular options include:

  • Shadowboxes
  • Glass domes
  • Acrylic boxes
  • Florals or crystals
  • Enclosure elements
  • Fun Themes

Reference photos and photos of your pet in life are always encouraged.