Losing a pet leaves a mark that lasts. For anyone who has loved an animal — really loved one — the grief is real and the need to honour that bond is completely natural. A pet memorial portrait is one of the most meaningful ways to do that. This guide explains what memorial portraits are, how they work, and why they resonate so deeply with people who have lost a pet.

What Is a Pet Memorial Portrait?

A pet memorial portrait is a custom artwork created from a photo of a pet who has passed away. The portrait transforms a favourite photograph into a piece of lasting art — something that can be displayed in the home, kept close, and shared with others who loved the same animal.

Unlike a standard photo print, a memorial portrait is an illustration — created by a real artist who carefully renders your pet’s features, expression, and character in a chosen artistic style. The result is something that feels timeless rather than temporary.

Why Families Choose Memorial Portraits

People commission memorial portraits for different reasons, but a few come up again and again:

• To have something permanent — phones break, photos get lost; a printed portrait on canvas lasts decades
• To display proudly — a framed portrait on the wall feels more appropriate than a phone screensaver as a tribute
• To give as a gift — a memorial portrait for someone who has just lost their pet is one of the most thoughtful gifts imaginable
• To process grief — the act of choosing a photo, selecting a style, and receiving the proof can be a meaningful part of saying goodbye

Choosing a Style for a Memorial Portrait

Any of our portrait styles can be used for a memorial, but some suit the occasion particularly well:

Watercolour

Watercolour is our most popular choice for memorial portraits. The soft, flowing style has a gentle quality that feels appropriate for the subject. The colours are warm and natural, and the painterly brushstroke effect gives the portrait an artistic, timeless quality that suits framing and display.

Browse Watercolour Pet Portraits →

Renaissance

A Renaissance memorial portrait is a powerful tribute — your pet rendered with the gravitas and dignity of a noble subject. Many families choose this style because it feels like the artistic honour their pet deserved. It is also a conversation piece that invites people to ask about the animal.

Browse Renaissance Pet Portraits →

Angels and Memorial Styles

We also offer specific memorial styles, including angel and heavenly-themed portraits that place your pet in peaceful, ethereal settings. These are particularly meaningful for families who find comfort in the idea of their pet at rest.

Browse All Memorial Portrait Styles →

What Format Should You Choose?

For a memorial portrait, the format matters more than usual. Our recommendations:

• Framed canvas — the most complete and ready-to-display option. No additional framing needed.
• Canvas print — gallery-quality and ready to hang. A classic choice for a permanent tribute.
• Framed poster print — a more affordable option that still looks beautiful on the wall.
• Digital file — ideal if you want to print multiple copies in different sizes, or if you need the portrait quickly.

What If I Only Have One Photo?

This is one of the most common concerns for memorial portrait orders, and the answer is reassuring: one photo is enough. Our artists are experienced at working from a single reference image. The free digital proof process means you can review the result and request adjustments before anything is printed. We will do everything we can to create a faithful and loving likeness.

Ordering a Memorial Portrait as a Gift

If someone you know has recently lost a pet, a memorial portrait is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. It acknowledges the depth of their loss in a way that cards and flowers cannot. Here is how to order one for someone else:

1. Find a clear photo of their pet — from their social media, a message they have shared, or by asking a mutual friend
2. Choose a style and format you think they would love
3. Upload the photo and place the order
4. Review the digital proof yourself, or share it with them as part of the gift

The digital proof can be delivered directly to your email, so the recipient does not need to be involved until you are ready to present the finished portrait.

How Long Does It Take?

• Free digital proof: within 24 hours of ordering
• Physical print production and shipping: 3 to 5 business days after approval

All orders come with unlimited free revisions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

A Note on This Type of Order

At Furr and Family, we treat memorial portrait orders with particular care. We understand what these portraits mean to the people who order them. Our artists approach each one knowing that the animal in the photo was deeply loved, and that the portrait we create will be kept and displayed for years to come.

Start Your Pet Memorial Portrait →