Sculptures

Frequently Asked Questions

Every sculpture I create tells a unique story, and I understand you may have questions about the process. The answers below cover many of the topics clients ask about before commissioning a sculpture from My Pet Sculpture. 

For those honoring a beloved pet who has passed, I hope my work provides comfort as well as a lasting tribute. Animal communicator and author Joyce Leake described it best: 

“Your work serves as a bridge between that numbness of loss and the need to grieve. It’s very important work.“

A: To start the process, first email me, sending a picture of your pet (see suggestions below). Once you have chosen an image for me to base the piece on, I will send you a PayPal invoice. For your order to be placed, you must make a payment. I am happy to talk with you via email about the completion time and other concerns you may have.

A: This varies from 2 weeks in spring/summer to 4–8 weeks closer towards the fall and holidays. While every effort is made each year to deliver by Christmas, I am only able to promise a sculpture arrives on time if ordered by October 1st, in the USA.  

A: I have orders come in constantly and work as quickly as possible to fill them without rushing. If a sculpture is needed sooner, I will make every effort to meet your need-by date.  

A: Small is approximately 5″ in length; medium is about 6″; large is 7-8″, and extra-large is up to 10″. The largest size is up to 16″ long and up to 12″ tall. All of the above sizes are in the lying down position. Sitting is available. However, standing is an option, but the price will be higher.  

A: Yes, I can provide any look you desire. Some complex scenes may require additional costs. Please contact me with specifics. Special requests are welcome!  

A: Yes, I can provide a personalized gift certificate. Please contact me with specifics.  

A: I use polymer clay, which enables me to create very detailed pieces. This material is extremely durable as well.  

A: Yes, full-size pieces can stay outside in moderate climates. However, protection is needed. For example, consider placing your statue under a porch roof or awning to maintain the colors of the paint as well as the stability of the sculpture. If set outside, use a stone base or solid material to prevent direct contact with the ground. In prolonged periods of extreme rain, snow, damaging winds, or unusually deep freezes, your sculpture should be indoors. Please be aware that polymer is not the same as stone. It is durable, yet can be damaged if not protected.  

A: Yes, any combination of pets is available. 

A: Since no molds are used, each sculpture requires the same amount of time. Because of that, each piece is full price. However, I do discount for military and am happy to offer a payment plan if needed. I’m always willing to work with you.  

A: Your sculpture is guaranteed to arrive in the same condition it was shipped. If, after many months, a flaw is found, you are welcome to send it back for repair. Children playing with a sculpture or a sculpture accidentally falling from a shelf can happen, resulting in a break. 

A: Let them talk, draw, write, and express how they feel. Listen. Never say, it was just a dog, cat, rabbit, etc. Love is love, and the loss hurts. Honor the life lost with a special picture or candle, a simple memorial. Several customers have used a pet sculpture to comfort a child. It represents the pet’s spirit. If, after a few weeks, you can get another pet, do so. It is healing, and so many pets need a home.  

A: Yes, I ship sculptures all over the world! Please contact me for payment and ordering details. I receive many orders from countries outside the USA. Please check with your postal service to see if an import fee applies. If so, this is not imposed by the USA and will add to the cost of your purchase once it arrives. Please note that I am limited by postal regulations and can ship up to 13 inches outside of the USA.  

A: I offer black round, oval, rectangular, and square bases. Custom colors or finishes are also available. For a black pet, I use a wood tone for the base. Specific requests are welcome.  

A: Yes, available in brass or silver tone. One name engraved is $20. Each additional line is $5.  

A: I suggest you provide between 2 and 5 images taken at eye level for the best possible likeness. A profile image is also helpful. Please remember the quality of your images, including clarity and color, will affect the outcome of your sculpture. Send those pictures that most closely represent the pet.  

A: I will work with the photos you have and do my best to capture the look of the pet. 

A: In the unlikely event of breakage during transit, your sculpture is insured. It will be either repaired or replaced and re-shipped at no additional cost. The sculpture is double–boxed for maximum protection and ships either by UPS or USPS.  

A: Since each piece is a custom sculpture of your pet from personal photographs, I do not offer a refund. However, if you are not fully satisfied with your order, I will work with you to make changes within 30 days after your piece arrives. If you want something altered that was not clear in your photos, you will have to cover the shipping fee. Ensure that you have UPS pack your sculpture and have it insured. If shipping by USPS, ask for insurance. If your order is lost en route, it will be replaced ASAP, at no cost. The only shipping refund guaranteed is in the event of a break upon delivery.