7 Gorgeous Pet Memorial Tattoo Ideas

It’s heartbreaking losing a pet. No one is ever ready for when that happens, even if it’s due to something like old age. To honor pets, people do many different things. For instance, some people wear pendants with their fur babies’ ashes or a necklace with their names. Others create art or get tattoos that resemble/symbolize their pet. But what kind of tattoos can you get? The possibilities are endless. Follow along to discover seven gorgeous pet memorial tattoo ideas.

Paw Prints

One of the most common memorial tattoo ideas is paw prints. Everyone designs their paw print tattoos differently, though, and this isn’t limited to just dogs or cats! For instance, if you have a bird, you can also tattoo their footprints.

To add a personal touch, so the paw prints aren’t too generic, you can take your pet’s paw print in advance or use pictures on your phone for reference. 

When you first adopt or get your pet, use a water-based and non-toxic paint to take their prints. Either dip their paws in the paint or brush the paint on their paws. Press their paw into a strong piece of paper or cardboard. 

You can also ask your tattoo artist to design the paw print with flowers or your pet’s favorite things. This can be their favorite toys, blankets, or more.

Name Tattoos

Also on our list of gorgeous pet memorial tattoo ideas are name tattoos. These tattoos are simple, but you can get creative. You can dedicate a half or quarter sleeve to your pet’s name or use a small space. Many people tattoo their deceased pet’s names on their wrists, ribs, or thighs in cursive. You can also use color and even depict a rainbow, symbolizing how your loved one has crossed the rainbow bridge.

Birth Flower Tattoos

If you want your pet memorialized in your skin, but you also want the tattoo to look delicate or match a specific aesthetic, you can choose their birth flower. This can be tricky, though, with rescues, as not all rescue or shelter dogs have a true birth date; it is just an estimate. Still, it’s a sweet idea with a meaning that you will understand. You can even make a bouquet with the birth flower, a flower associated with death or mourning.

Portraits

Not all tattoo artists are the same. If you are looking to memorialize your pet with a portrait tattoo, it’s best to find a tattoo artist who specializes in detail and portraits. These tattoos are pricey and may take longer than one or two sessions because of the detail and size, but they are worth every penny! You can have your pet’s face on your body forever. Popular spots to place this tattoo include your upper arm, thigh, and calf. The tattoo artist can also add your pet’s name underneath the portrait with a banner.

Feathers

While most people assume that we’re talking about dogs or cats when we mention pets, we can’t forget about our feathery friends! Another way to memorialize your loved one with a tattoo is by tattooing their unique and shimmering feathers. You can use feathers, though, in your tattoos, even if your pet isn’t a bird. Sometimes, feathers can also symbolize an angel or communication with someone who has passed on.

Stripes/Special Markings

Another incredible pet memorial tattoo idea is to get their special markings or stripes tattooed. This is a popular tattoo idea that has been gaining traction in the last decade. Many people have started taking pictures of their cat’s heads and darkening their unique stripes. Although you can start this process yourself, it’s best to talk with a tattoo artist as they have software that can trace the unique lines/stripes.

You don’t have to stick to black-and-white tattoos, either. One option is to create thick lines of the markings with blue or orange accents. Choosing the color can be simply your favorite color or the color of your beloved pet’s collar.

Simple Fine Line Outlines

Last but not least, you can create an outline of your beloved pet and get it tattooed. Outlines are often small, but there is no limit to where you can place one. Fine-line tattoos are very popular. Not everyone likes super-detailed portraits. If you’d like something on your body to remember your lovely pet, contact a tattoo artist with your favorite photo of your pet. Generally, they can outline your pet’s silhouette and create a stencil quickly.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Charlotte Lehman/Shutterstock.com