Pet memorial tattoos offer a creative and meaningful way to show how much you loved your little friend. A tattoo is a permanent reminder of the impact they had on your life. At the same time, it is also a way to honor their memory and celebrate their life.
When a pet dies, the grief you experience is real, and it is natural to want to do something that recognizes the important role your pet filled in your life.
So let’s take a look at 10 of the most beautiful pet memorial tattoos. We hope you can use these tattoo art ideas to come up with something truly special for your pet’s memorial tribute. Most of the examples below are of dogs and cats, but you can use your own creativity to apply the idea to your specific pet.
10 Beautiful Pet Memorial Tattoos
You can, of course, take any of these ideas and make them your own for a permanent tattoo in memory of your beloved pet. That’s probably what you are planning on doing, and the reason why you are researching pet memorial tattoo ideas.
But I’d like to point out that you can also get tattoos like these made as temporary tattoos. If you have kids in the family, or if your little one was just so special that friends, family, and neighbors will greatly miss them as well, you can create a delightful tribute by getting a pack of temporary tattoos. This will help everyone be able to share in honoring your pet’s beautiful memory.
1. Dog Paw Print & Heart Pet Memorial Tattoo
This pet memorial tattoo is a detailed, realistic drawing of a dog’s paw print. The heart is the one non-realistic part is small, but because of the contrast this little detail packs quite the emotional punch. This is one of my favorite pet tattoo ideas.
2. Infinity Paw Print Memorial Tattoo
This minimalist pet memorial tattoo combines the symbol for infinity with two paw prints and a heart. Your heart, their paws, joined forever in the memories you shared. A subtle tattoo ideal for wrist, ankle, or back of shoulder.
3. At Rest: Dog & Flowers Pet Memorial Tattoo
The pet is laid to rest in a beautiful bed of flowers. A truly poignant pet memorial tattoo. You’ll need to find a good artist to pull this one off well, but it will be worth it.
4. Colorful Cats Pet Memorial Tattoos
This is another idea that will take a great artist to really capture it well. But in addition to the great artistry, there is another reason why this pet memorial tattoo is so effective. Note how the cats are facing away from you; this creates a powerful symbol of their journey away from this life. Yet at the same time, you can still see them. Not face to face, but rather the idea of your pet is still present with you in the memories you shared.
A traditional pet portrait is a great idea, but it can be difficult to truly capture the pet’s face the way you remember it. Plus it is even harder to transfer that image onto your body via tattoo. I think that having the pet face away (or doing a silhouette) helps overcome these common obstacles in a way that is truly artistic.
Urns Made in the USA
5. Hand to Paw Pet Memorial Tattoo
I love the style of this sketch. The puppy paw-fives their owner’s hand in an undeniably affectionate way. This is adorable memorial tattoo art at its finest.
There are many similar designs out there that have just the paw and the hand. Those are great as well, if you’re going for the minimalist look. This one is just so gorgeous I had to include it.
Here’s the art you can use for your own pet memorial tattoo:
Click here for full-size PNG image with clear background.
6. Floral Pet Portrait Memorial Tattoo
This pet memorial tattoo is a lavish display of affection for a favorite animal. The profile portrait looks great, and the swirls of flowers and foliage add elegance and grace to the noble dog’s portrait.
7. Cat & Dog Friends Forever Pet Memorial Tattoo
If your dog and cat were best friends, you’ll want to honor them both. The lovely minimalist lines make this a great pet memorial tattoo.
Click here for full-size PNG image with clear background.
8. Hidden Paw Print Toe Tattoo
Let’s get back to some simple pet memorial tattoo designs. Simple, yet beautiful.
The secret paw print toe tattoo is the ultimate in discretion. You’ll know it’s there, and that is enough. But if anyone does happen to see it, well, not only does it look cute but it will definitely be a conversation starter. A brilliant excuse to wax eloquent about your beloved pet and the memories you shared.
9. Paw Print Heart Trail Pet Memorial Tattoo
This gorgeous yet simple pet memorial tattoo follows the trail of paw prints making the shape of a heart. A subtle and cute way to say that they will always be in your heart.
10. Dog & Heart Outline Pet Memorial Tattoo
Last but decidedly not least, this tattoo is minimalist art at its finest. The pet is reduced to the simplest lines, looking up at its master and friend with pure love and utter unyielding devotion. The simplicity of this style of line art will make it easy to have your pet’s portrait drawn.
Here’s the art for you to use:
Click here for full-size PNG image with clear background.
Inscriptions for Pet Memorial Tattoos
The inscription on a pet memorial tattoo is simply the words you include to honor your pet’s memory. It can be simply the name, or name and dates. You can add a quote (see next section), or skip the name and dates and just do a quote. Go with whatever makes sense, is meaningful to you, and goes well with the design.
Here are some simple inscription ideas for your memorial tattoo, mix and match as you see fit:
- Name
- Beau Dacious
- Dates
- 2001-2019
- 5/19/11-3/11/19
- 5/19/2011 – 3/11/2019
- May 19, 2011 – March 11, 2019
- Name & years
- Beau Dacious
- 2001-2019
- Name & dates
- Beau Dacious
- 5/19/2011 – 3/11/2019
- Epitaph
- In Loving Memory
- Forever Missed
- Faithful Companion
- Always in My Heart
- (Etc, see more below)
- Meaningful words
- Always
- Forever
- Loved
- Love
- Missed
- Best Friend
- Companion
Quotes for Pet Memorial Tattoos
Short Epitaphs
- Always Remembered
- Forever In My Heart
- Forever Loved, Never Forgotten
- My Best Friend
- Faithful, Loyal, and Loving Companion
- I’ll Miss You Always
- A Faithful Friend
- Always By My Side
- Friends Forever
- Always On My Mind, Forever In My Heart
Pet Sympathy Quotes
- You left your paw prints on my heart
- A piece of me went with you
- Your wings were ready but my heart was not
- The greatest thing you’ll ever learn / Is just to love and be loved in return
- We all need someone who can be true to you
- No matter how bad my day was you always made me smile
- “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
- “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
- “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” – Jack Lemmon
- “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
Lots more here: Pet Loss Quotes, Poems & More to Honor Your Furry Friend
More Ideas for Pet Memorial Tattoos
Find some more inspiration for the perfect pet memorial quote in the following resources:
- Inscription Ideas & Standard Formats
- 50 Timeless Epitaph Quotes for Cremation Urns
- Missing You: 22 Honest Quotes about Grief
- 33 Inspiring Life Celebration Quotes
- 20 Funeral Quotes for A Loved One’s Eulogy
- Memorial Tattoo Ideas (Pinterest board)
Read Next: 100 Thoughtful Pet Memorial Gifts
My dog’s name was Estrella, my memorial tattoo of her will be a star, with the letter E in it and with her ashes. Her name means star in Spanish, she was born there but brought to a shelter. We’re doing it together, my boyfriend and my daughter and me, on worldwide animal day.
For her, a star is her in every way. She was so funny that were we came, she got all the attention, stole everyone’s heart. She really was a star and now a star in heaven. But living without her is so hard. It’s been 6 weeks now.
My dog’s name was Estrella, my memorial tattoo of her will be a star, with the letter E in it and with her ashes. Her name means star in Spanish, she was born there but brought to a shelter. We’re doing it together, my boyfriend and my daughter and me, on worldwide animal day.
For her, a star is her in every way. She was so funny that were we came, she got all the attention, stole everyone’s heart. She really was a star and now a star in heaven. But living without her is so hard. It’s been 6 weeks now.
Your Star sounds like such a special girl.
Beautiful idea.
Your Star sounds like such a special girl.
Beautiful idea.
Am sure your star was a an amazing girl.
My dog’s name was Buster, been with us for 11 years. We lost him 2 days back, our home isn’t the same, our lives isn’t the same. He was loved till the end and will be forever, hope he knows that.
Would love to get a tattoo of him with a coconut ( weirdly one of his favorite foods).
Am sure your star was a an amazing girl.
My dog’s name was Buster, been with us for 11 years. We lost him 2 days back, our home isn’t the same, our lives isn’t the same. He was loved till the end and will be forever, hope he knows that.
Would love to get a tattoo of him with a coconut ( weirdly one of his favorite foods).
My furbaby was 18 I lost him 8 weeks ago and I miss him so much, I asked God for an angel and he sent my furbaby now he’s got wings again he will be forever in my heart,, miss and love him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with others who have lost their best friend, going to get a tattoo of angel wings with his name in centre.
This is a lovely piece. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am so grateful to have come across it.
My Furbaby Was Named Soldierboy we got when my twin sister Joined the Army we had till 2006-2021 we had to say goodbye to him When we put him down at the vet Hard Dec we ever had to make
My furbaby was 15 I lost him weeks ago and I miss him so much, I asked God for an angel and he sent my furbaby now he’s got wings again he will be forever in my heart,, miss and love him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with others who have lost their best friend, going to get a tattoo of angel wings with his name in centre.
My fur baby was named knight. I got him when I was a senior in high school and he got ran over last year and i watched him die. He was only 4 and I was so heart broken over losing him I cried for days. That was one of the worst days of my life.
I had my baby girl feebie for 11 amazing yrs until 2 weeks ago I had to put her down and I’ll never ever forget the way She changed my life she was everything to my and I’m truly heartbroken and miserable without her she took a huge piece of My heart with her.
My girl was diagnosed on 4/01/21 with advanced liver cancer and I’m getting a tattoo of her paw print with a little Emerald green ribbon on one pad next today
I lost my boy Mutley 11 days ago. I miss him he was such a big part of our lives for 10 years. Would love to get a memorial tattoo on my wrist. I al looking at the hand and paw or the dog and heart. Will add his name to what ever one I choose.
I lost my baby boy Duke on November 3, 2021. He was 13 years old. Nothing will ever replace what he has taking with me. But I am so grateful to have had him in my life. He will forever be my furry-love. Miss him so much.
I just lost my Pom “Lexy”of 6 years 7-26-2021 she was my best friend on Earth . I’m so heartbroken until I just scream and don’t know what to do . I’m just 💔💔broken I pray my days gets better . We went everywhere together . I’m getting a tattoo on my wrist of her ..
Lost my baby Maxie yesterday, a decision I never ever wanted to make. He was 15 years old he was my everything!! I am so shattered and broken I don’t know what to do. My life has turned upside down and I’m lost. I pray he’s running free of pain and happy and knows how very much his mama loves & misses him. How does one ever get through this!! I’m looking to get a smaller size tattoo of his beautiful Cocker Spaniel face and floppy ears.
I lost my best friend of 17 years. He was a dominant Chilwawa! Had a Heart of Gold! Loved all that protected him! A piece of me went with him. He will never be forgotten.
Love you Moses , We will meet again!!
Just lost my cat of 18 years Frankenstein or that is what I called her my ex called her Frank and the vet called her Franny. I have put so many pets down but she was special and this one is just killing me. Thank you for the idea of angels wings know I’ve been looking to do this for awhile but I think I have a idea for a new tattoo for all my dogs and cats I have lost. They were all special.
I lost my Tiny Man 3:weeks ago this Thursday. I did not get to say goodbye because he was hit by a car in front of our house. He wasn’t even two yet. I have never felt such total sorrow and devastation, and I still cry every day. I loved him so much and I failed him. How do I live with that? He was my soul dog and I would give everything I have to see him one more time. I love you NieNie and i am forever sorry. Please forgive me for not protecting you.
I lost my Jax two days ago. He was a 2y/o toy Maltese, 6lbs. He was like my son. I always considered him in every decision I made including buying my first house. He died suddenly and I don’t know why. I’m just so heartbroken and sick about this. He was my first pet. I hope this pain gets better.
I lost my furr baby a year ago today, she was my best friend and the reason I got up everyday. The pain isn’t getting any easier. I was blessed to of had 16 years with her but now I’m broken and I can’t put myself back together again and nobody understands. She was my life, my baby, my Missi. Our bond was so unique, I don’t know what to do anymore, I cry everyday for her.
My missey was so special she’s been gone since 2020. She would have been 15 years old in one month before her death. She always greeted me when I came in the house every time. When she didn’t greet me the day she had to put to rest was the most terrible decision I’ve made in along time. She was the smartest dog I have ever owed. She is no longer by my side but forever in my heart. If I feel down I can walk out in my backyard and see her grave which gives me comfort. We we meet some time in heaven my sweet girl. Mommy will always love you.
I lost my ride or die dude, Frank (cat) the day before my birthday (April 20, 2023). I still breakdown when I think about him. He was the best cat/dog I ever knew. Still can’t bring myself to bury his ashes.
Thank you Frank for seeing me through some sad times.
I lost my ride or die dude, Frank (cat) the day before my birthday (April 20, 2023). I still breakdown when I think about him. He was the best cat/dog I ever knew. Still can’t bring myself to bury his ashes.
Thank you Frank for seeing me through some sad times.
These comments make me feel a little bit of comfort. I lost my constant companion, Baxter a month ago. We were on a family beach vacation. He was with our family friend, our groomer of 4 years. When the phone rang and it said her name I knew something was wrong. He was having seizures, and had never had a single one. It was after hours. They took him to an emergency vet. He was a 5 lb Maltese I had rescued. We were 5 hours away and couldn’t do anything but try and make the best decisions possible. By 11 pm, he had had over 15 seizures. I had to put him to sleep. I am getting a tattoo today. The emergency vet didn’t allow anyone with him. That has broken my heart. I try to take comfort knowing Baxter knew we all loved him. He is pain free and running around. His sweet face is what will be on my tattoo. He was my best bud.
I just lost my beautiful best friend my tiny yorkie called maisy she was by my side for 15 years it’s only been 2 days I am heartbroken and empty I don’t now how I can go on without her in my life she was my everything I lived for her she was a tiny dog with a massive personality and I loved her more than anything and now I’m alone without her love
I lost my sweet “sissy” Maggie four months ago. She was my alpha yorkie of 10years! God I miss & cry for her everyday…and god I hope you & she knows how very much she was loved & is missed “every second of every day” I love you sissy girl