15 Incredible Animal Tattoos

Tattoos are becoming more and more popular and common. Many people get animal-related tattoos, but how can you choose just one or two ideas? What animal can you tattoo, and in what style? Really, the possibilities are endless. You can get simple, fine-line, minimalist tattoos or detailed portraits of animals. They can have color or are simply black and grey. Not sure what to do? Here, we have 15 incredible animal tattoos.

Tiger Tattoos

A great tattoo idea is to tattoo a tiger. Tigers hold a lot of meaning. They can symbolize strength, independence, and immortality. This majestic animal can serve as a reminder of your strength or as a protection.

Lion Tattoos

Lion tattoos are incredible. Some of these tattoos are very detailed, with shading that makes the tattoo look alive. Lions represent strength and protection, like tigers. They are also courageous and royal animals. You can get a large lion tattoo piece as a half sleeve.

Dog Tattoos

People get tattoos of dogs for many reasons, but usually, it’s to represent a passed loved one. If your fur baby has crossed the rainbow bridge, you can honor them with a tattoo. This can be a simple outline of your favorite picture of them or a highly detailed portrait.

Cat Tattoos

Like dog tattoos, cat tattoos are often done to represent a passed pet. You can get creative with the design. Some people do a small tattoo on their wrist or inner arm, while others tattoo the face markings of their cat with color to highlight the distinct marks.

Parrot Tattoos

Bird tattoos are also popular, especially ones with a lot of color. Parrots are freedom-seeking birds that symbolize the power of using your voice. Parrot tattoos are vibrant and linked to luck.

Bear Tattoos

Also on our list of incredible animal tattoos are bear tattoos. Bears are fierce and spiritual animals. They signify power, wilderness, and gentleness. Bears are great mothers; you can even tattoo a mother bear with her cubs to represent motherhood.

Wolf Tattoos

Another fierce and incredible animal tattoo is of a wolf. This incredibly spiritual pack animal is a favorite for many. It’s a tattoo that is often large and placed on the chest, back, or as a full sleeve/leg piece. Wolves represent loyalty, family, togetherness, and wisdom.

Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi fish are gorgeous and colorful. They are popular fish in Japanese-style tattoos. Sometimes, they are coupled with flowers and other plants. Koi are associated with many things including courage, good fortune, and accomplishment.

Turtle Tattoos

Turtle tattoos are next on our list of incredible animal tattoos. Turtles are stunning creatures. These delicate animals are great to tattoo. The tattoo design can be small or large. Turtles are often connected to patience, protection, and perseverance.

Elephant Tattoos

Many animal tattoos represent motherhood; this goes for elephants as well. Elephant tattoos can represent motherhood and protection. Elephants are also considered lucky. They are lovely and lively creatures and can be depicted running, resting, standing, or posing. Not all elephant tattoos though are the same. You can also get a simple outline of a small elephant with no details.

Jellyfish Tattoos

Lovers of the ocean and marine life are often drawn to gorgeous animals like jellyfish. These majestic jelly animals are all about movement, which makes them popular tattoo animals. You can focus not only on movement but also on shapes. Jellyfish tattoos surrounded and designed with geometric shapes are popular.

Octopus Tattoos

Another incredible animal tattoo idea that represents movement and flow is the octopus. They are flexible animals that can be placed on most body parts because of their unique ability to bend. So, what do these animals represent spiritually? Octopi can represent intelligence, adaption, mystery, magic, healing, and diversity.

Owl Tattoos

Owl tattoos are growing in popularity. They are easy to tattoo to symbolize many different meanings. For instance, an owl can represent a loved one, an important event, or a powerful/life-changing feeling. Owls hold a lot of spiritual and cultural meaning. They symbolize wealth, good luck, victory, transformation, wisdom, and time.

Snake Tattoos

Snakes are another popular and incredible animal tattoo. They are often paired with other animals or objects, including daggers, roses, rings, planets, clocks, and more. Snakes are popular animal tattoos for their movement. It’s easy to place them anywhere on the body as you can manipulate their space and pose. Snakes are sometimes perceived as scary or manipulative but also represent positive things like rebirth, healing, charm, eternity, and transformation.

Deer Tattoos

Last but not least on our list of incredible animal tattoos are tattoos that use deer. Deer tattoos are impressive for their shading and intricate details. It’s hard to perfectly illustrate the wisdom and gentleness of a deer, especially those with antlers. Geometric shapes and large blooming flowers are popular additions to deer tattoos.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © davit85/iStock via Getty Images