> Pet Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of pets can only be done by Lifetime and Yearly Members of the Cryonics Institute. Yearly Members must have fully paid for no less than one year, ie, have paid $120 yearly dues plus $75 initiation fee for a full year's Membership.

Excluding the cost of Membership, the cost of cryopreserving a cat is $5,800, which does not include shipping and veterinarian expenses. For a dog, cryopreservation cost is $5,800 up to 15 pounds in weight plus $150 per pound for every pound above 15. For a pet bird of typical size we charge $700, but the price may be higher for a very large bird. There is no pre-set price for other animals, but the weight scaling for dogs is the guideline for heavier animals.

If these prices seem excessive and you can be satisfied with the possibility of someday having a clone of your pet, you can save your pet's DNA with the Cryonics Institute for only $98. See our DNA and Tissue storage page for more information.

If your pet has already died and you want us to try to do a perfusion with cryoprotectants to reduce ice crystal formation, put your pet in a refrigerator as soon as possible if it will fit. If it will not fit in a refrigerator, try to find a tub or basin which is large enough. Put ice and ice-water around your pet so that it will cool and remain at ice-water temperature. Although it is messy, ice-water cools more rapidly than ice cubes or ice packs, but there must be ice floating in the ice-water. Once your pet is at ice-water temperature, ice alone should be adequate to maintain that temperature, and you can remove the water.

If your pet has already been placed in a freezer we will not be able to do a perfusion with anti-freeze cryoprotectants because ice formation has damaged the blood vessels. In that case, leave your pet in the freezer until you are ready for shipment.

When ready for shipment, try to find a picnic-type cooler -- a well-insulated container which will hold your pet and enough ice too keep your pet cool for the shipment. Pack zip-lock bags with ice cubes or ice packs around your pet and seal the container. The container should not leak water. Pack the cooler in cardboard and label "biological specimen packed in ice". Ship by courier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) to the Cryonics Institute. But you must ensure that your payment is complete before shipping. We cannot accept shipment without having received payment beforehand.

For clarification of instructions and other information, call the Cryonics Institute at (586) 791-5961 or send e-mail to CIHQ@aol.com . ALL e-mail must be in ENGLISH.

You can send your payment by mail with check or money order enclosed to the Cryonics Institute, 24355 Sorrentino Court, Clinton Township MI 48035 USA (payable to the Cryonics Institute) or you can wire money directly to our bank (contact us for instructions). Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard and American Express) may or may not be acceptable, depending on the amount and the circumstances. Contact the Cryonics Institute by phone or e-mail for more information about your particular case.