Pet Memorial Art: 7 Ways to Honor Your Pet Through Art

Some feelings are hard to say out loud, but easy to see. That is what pet memorial art does: it turns your love for a pet into something you can look at every day, whether it is a painted portrait above the sofa, a paw print on a shelf or a small piece of glass that catches the light.

This guide covers seven ways to honor your pet through art, what each one involves, what to check before you commission or make it, and how to choose a photo that gives the best result. You do not need to be an artist, and you do not need ashes.

Looking for a wider list of ideas first? Start with 10 unique pet memorial ideas, then come back for the art.

1. A Custom Portrait

A portrait by a pet artist is the classic choice, and the style you choose changes the feeling a lot. Funeral.com’s guide to custom pet portraits describes the most common styles.

Before you commission one, check:

• Does the artist’s portfolio show different breeds, coat colors and lighting, not only a few standout pieces?
• Do the pets look like individuals rather than sharing one generic face?
• Is there a sketch or proof stage before the final work, and does the revision policy cover likeness changes?
• Will you receive a physical piece or only a digital file? If it is digital, ask about print size.
• How long will it take? Timelines vary, so ask rather than assume.

2. Paw or Nose Print Art

A paw or nose print is a small thing that feels very real, because it is the shape of your pet, not a picture of them. Lap of Love notes that a clay print or an ink print can become an ornament or a base for other artwork.

• Clay print: press into soft clay, then dry or bake it according to the clay’s instructions, and display it as an ornament.
• Ink print: use a non-toxic, pet-safe ink pad on paper, then frame it as it is or paint around it.
• Other uses: an ink print can be used for a painting, a pendant or a tattoo design.
• If your pet has already passed, ask your vet or the crematory whether they can take a paw print for you.

3. A Memory Shadow Box

A shadow box lets you keep real objects together behind glass. Everloved suggests items such as the collar and tags, a favorite toy, photos, a paw print as a centerpiece, a lock of fur, a handwritten letter and a nameplate.

• Lay everything out first before you fix anything in place, and overlap items in layers for depth.
• Match the box to your items. A large box with only a few things can look sparse, and a single paw print can also work well alone.
• Seal small things. Fur, whiskers and ashes belong in a small sealed holder so they stay protected.
• Add words. A short poem, a note or an engraved plaque with their name and dates makes it personal.

4. Ashes in Glass Art

Glass artists can set a small amount of cremated remains into glass. Funeral.com’s guide to ashes in glass explains that the ashes do not melt. They stay suspended in the piece and can affect its color, texture or sparkle.

• How much ash: only a little, from around 1/8 teaspoon for a small piece up to about half a teaspoon. Any ashes not used are usually returned.
• How it looks: some pieces show white specks, others a faint shimmer or a hidden inner layer. Say how visible you want it before the artist starts.
• Forms: pendants, orbs, hearts and paperweights are all common.
• Timing: studios usually quote several weeks, and holidays or backlogs can add more.
• Shipping: follow the postal rules for cremated remains. In the United States, see USPS Publication 139, and use sift-proof packaging.

Ask each artist how much ash they need, what happens to the rest, how they ship and what their policy is if something goes wrong. If you are deciding how to divide the ashes, read what to do with dog ashes.

5. An Engraved Portrait Keepsake

An engraved keepsake turns a photo into something you can wear or carry, so your pet’s face stays with you wherever you go. It is a different kind of art: small, durable and personal, and it does not need to hang on a wall.

Our custom pet portrait necklace guide explains how engraving works, and photo memorial bracelets shows the bracelet options. If you want a piece that can hold a pinch of ashes or fur, see how to put ashes in a necklace.

Want it to hold a little of them as well? Our urn necklace opens to hold a pinch of ashes or fur.

6. A Framed Photo or Photo Wall

Art does not have to be commissioned. A large print of your favorite photo, a small gallery of snapshots or a single frame with a handwritten note can feel just as meaningful. Choose a photo that shows who they really were, not only the best-lit one, and keep the frame simple so the photo is the focus.

7. Make Something Yourself

Making something yourself can be part of grieving. It gives your hands something to do while your heart catches up, and the result does not need to be perfect. Ideas that need no special skills:

• Press a paw print in clay and paint the name and dates on it
• Trace your pet’s photo and paint over it with watercolor
• Fill a shadow box with their collar, a toy and a favorite photo
• Make a small book of photos and short stories about them

Taking your time matters more than the result. If you are in the early days of loss, it is fine to wait. Our guide to the 7 stages of grief after pet loss may help you know what to expect. If you have a garden, you might also like a backyard pet memorial garden.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing the Right Photo

Almost every form of pet memorial art starts with a photo, so it is worth choosing carefully. These tips apply whether you are working with a painter, an engraver or a framer.

• Sharp eyes. Make sure the eyes are in focus. They carry the likeness.
• Soft natural light. Daylight, without harsh shadows or flash, shows the coat clearly.
• Eye level. A photo taken at your pet’s eye level looks the most true to life and the least distorted.
• Extra photos. Add a few that show markings, ear shape or other details only you would notice.
• High resolution. For large prints, choose a photo that stays detailed when zoomed in. Around 300 DPI is a common guideline.

A clear, well-lit photo gives any artist the best start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Further reading: choosing a custom pet portrait, ashes in glass and shadow box ideas.

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