Policies

Bones & Hide Preservation — Policies

We are committed to providing professional, ethical, and transparent services. Please read our policies carefully before booking or purchasing.

Pet Preservation

Bones & Hide Preservation provides professional processing for your beloved pet using respectful, ethical methods.

Processing & Timelines

Bone Preservation: 8–16 weeks
Hide Tanning: 3–8 weeks
Both Services: 8–16 weeks
Wet Specimens: Up to 4 months+

You will be notified when your pet is ready. Items must be picked up within 30 days of notification.

What to Expect

Bone Processing includes maceration, degreasing, and peroxide whitening.
Hide Processing includes professional degreasing, pickling, and tanning.
95% Bone Recovery: Due to the fragile nature of small bones, cartilage, and teeth, we guarantee recovery of 95% of the skeleton by bone count. Bones most commonly not recovered include tail vertebrae, teeth, toe bones, dewclaws, and hyoid bones. We make every reasonable effort for complete recovery.
Natural Variations: Tanning and whitening are natural processes. Minor hair slip, thinning, colour change, or grease shadowing may occur.
Irreversible Process: Once processing begins, your pet cannot be returned intact.

Payment Terms

A 50% non-refundable deposit is due at booking to begin processing.
Remaining balance is due at 9pm the day prior to pickup, delivery, or shipping.
Payment Methods: e-Transfer to bonesandhide@gmail.com, Cash, Debit, or Credit. Service fees apply for card payments.
No refunds once processing has begun.

Delivery & Pickup

Pickup & Delivery: Complimentary within 25km of our location. Beyond 25km, $0.70/km.
Shipping: Canada-wide shipping via FedEx or Canada Post is available at client expense.

Client Agreements

I confirm I am the legal owner and this pet was legally euthanized or died of natural causes. I authorize processing.
I understand Bones & Hide Preservation is not a veterinary service.
Before and after photos are taken for documentation purposes only. Only the pet’s name may be shared.
Bones & Hide Preservation is not liable for loss or damage due to unforeseen circumstances, including freezer failure or natural disasters.

Classes & Workshops

To reserve your spot in a workshop, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. The remaining balance is due by 9:00pm the day prior to your class.

Payment Methods: E-transfer to bonesandhide@gmail.com or Credit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, subject to 3.4% for cardless option). Receipts provided.

Scheduling

We offer a variety of class dates throughout the year, including weekends and weeknights. Class sizes and times vary by workshop. Please refer to our Classes page for current options.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

Our Cancellation: If Bones & Hide Preservation cancels a class, a full refund will be issued.
Your Cancellation/Reschedule (more than 48 hours before class): Payment will be held as credit toward a future class, subject to a $50 rescheduling fee.
Your Cancellation/Reschedule (within 48 hours of class): A $75 fee applies, as specimens are typically lost due to thawing timelines.
Rescheduled Classes: The $50 or $75 fee must be paid to confirm your new spot.
Time Limit: Rescheduled classes must be completed within 4 months, or the credit is forfeited.
Transfers: You may transfer your spot to another person with notice. The new attendee must complete a registration form. Transfer fee is waived.
Weather: If conditions are unsafe for everyone, the class will be rescheduled at no charge. If conditions are safe for most but not for you personally, a reschedule will be permitted with no fee.
Change of Class: If you switch to a class of a different price, you are responsible only for the difference. Your original deposit remains at 50% of the original class price.

In the Workshop

Workshops involve the use of sharp tools, chemicals, and preservation materials. Safety instruction is provided. By participating, you acknowledge these risks and release Bones & Hide Preservation, its owners, employees, and affiliates from liability for injury or loss. In the event of an emergency, you authorize us to seek medical attention on your behalf.

Specimen Notes

If you have requested bone cleaning of your class specimen, please note that the 95% bone recovery guarantee for private Pet Preservation services does not apply to class specimens.

All animals used in Bones & Hide classes are ethically sourced and are real, natural specimens. By registering, you acknowledge that these specimens are NOT subject to the same quality standards as our private Pet Preservation services.

Furs/hides may exhibit bald spots, slip, rubs, scars, tick damage, or imperfect fur quality. Skulls and bones may exhibit chips, cracks, staining, natural discoloration, and missing or loose teeth. These imperfections are natural and expected.

Specimen condition varies depending on when the animal was acquired and the time of year. Animals acquired during warmer months or outside prime-fur season may have thinner, less dense, or otherwise imperfect fur. Not every class specimen will be in prime condition.

No refunds, discounts, or replacement specimens will be provided due to natural specimen imperfections. Students will be shown how to work with and minimize these imperfections as part of the learning process.

Ethical Sourcing

All specimens are ethically acquired in Ontario through legal trapping, or hunting.

Wet Specimens

Wet specimens are preserved using professional-grade preservation methods and are intended for display purposes only.

Wet specimens are shipped without alcohol due to shipping restrictions. They will arrive with a light coating to keep the specimen moist during transit.
Upon arrival, clients must purchase 70% isopropyl alcohol from a local pharmacy or hardware store and add it to the jar to fully submerge the specimen.
Wet specimens should be stored away from heat sources and out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Over time, the alcohol may turn yellow. This is normal — simply replace the alcohol to restore clarity. The specimen does not need to be removed to do this.
These specimens were originally treated with 10% buffered formalin, which will leach into the alcohol over time. The solution should be treated as a hazardous material. If handling is necessary, always use nitrile gloves, a proper respirator, and safety goggles.
Wet specimens should not be opened unless topping off or replacing the alcohol.

Online Shop — All Sales Final

All purchases made through the Bones & Hide online shop are final sale. We do not accept returns or exchanges. If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we will work with you to find a resolution.

Questions about any of our policies? Contact us — we’re happy to help.