Memorialize Your Dog With The Perfect Tattoo

Have you considered that “perfect” tattoo to memorialize your dog? It might be your favorite photo of your heart dog. Or even a paw print.

When my soul dog, Kota, passed away in August of 2022, I created a shrine to memorialize her with all the things, from photos and cards, to painted stones and ornaments. This shrine is located right at the top of our stairwell. Her ashes sit on top in a beautiful lotus urn. (Be sure to check out my Pet Loss Memorial Gift Guide)

Aside from the shrine, even more meaningful to me was getting a tattoo of Kota right on my forearm. If you have lost a pet, or even if your soul dog is still with you, I can’t stress enough how special that perfect tattoo will be.

If you haven’t gotten a tattoo before, a little note: They are addictive!

Why should you get a tattoo?

Forever ink on your body of your beloved pet that has passed? Of course! I can’t image NOT having one!

1. A tattoo is a lasting tribute

The shrine is great. The photos all over the walls of your home are meaningful. But that tattoo? It’s with you FOREVER! A tattoo is a permanent reminder of that connection you shared with your pup.

2. A tattoo helps heal

Grief. I still grieve every day. Time helps heal, but the pain remains. When I look at my Kota tattoo, it triggers those happy memories we shared together. Think about how you would feel seeing something forever etched on your body as a reminder of a beautiful connection you shared with your pet.

It’s cathartic.

It’s a symbol of love.

Your dog’s memory lives on forever.

What should you get for a memorial tattoo?

Do you prefer simple? Or do you love the idea of a realistic portrait of your pup? Or maybe you have a favorite meaningful quote that makes you smile when you think of your soulmate dog?

Realism tattoo of your dog

This was the way to go for me. I wanted a portrait of Kota that I photographed etched on my body.

I went through the photos I took of Kota from 11 plus years. I looked at them all. I cried the tears and felt ALL the feels. I was going to pick that perfect image. Kota had to be looking right at the camera. Kota had to be looking right into my soul.

My husband was on board with the tattoo idea, too. He chose a different image to use

Your dog’s paw print tattoo

Another meaningful tattoo idea would be your dog’s paw print. I will be additionally adding Kota’s paw print. If you are reading this and your dog is still with you, grab your own paw print with safe ink.

When we said “goodbye for now” to Kota, our in-home euthanasia vet offered to have a paw print done for us. When Kota’s ashes came back to us, we received a beautiful card with Kota’s print as both ink and clay.

My husband and I were just having the conversation a few days ago – we were talking about when we were getting our next tattoos and he’s doing Kota’s paw print.

My next tattoo will be the barred owl. I am determined to get the photo of the barred owl that sings in the woods behind us. Kota used to sing with the owl “Who cooks for yoooouuuu”. When I do get that photo, you will hear all about it!

Where should you get your tattoo on your body?

Do you want your tattoo in a place where you AND the whole world can see? Or do you want that hidden place on your body where only you can see it?

When my husband talked about where on our bodies we were getting our tattoos, we both decided on the shoulder. My husband had his done first (not the plan but our artist got Covid and I had to reschedule mine) and he kept with his plan of the shoulder.

As I sat in the tattoo artist’s chair, I made last minute change to the location. If Kota was on my shoulder, I’d have to turn my head to see her. I wanted to see her…. All. The. Time.

What would be the best place for that? I went with the forearm. I’m so happy that I did! Below is a picture of the stencil after it was transferred to my forearm:

How to choose a tattoo artist?

With so many artists out there, how do you choose the best and where do you start?

I started looking for a tattoo artist long before Kota passed away. I knew that I wanted a portrait of her, so I knew I was looking for someone who was great with intricate details.

I wanted the BEST. Yup… I wanted the best realism tattoo artist, preferably located in a drivable distance, and cost didn’t matter.

I found Cesar Perez with Creative Ink in Keene, NH, which is exactly a 2 hour drive from me

Cesar Perez is the owner of Creative Ink. He’s been a professional tattoo artist since 2009, so he has experience on his side. His specialty is black and gray “realism” dog portraits and with an insane focus on detail. His tattoos showcase dimension and depth. Cesar adds subtle highlights and expert shading techniques that bring the images to life.

Take a look at some of Cesar Perez’s art… you may see a familiar pooch in the gallery!

Cesar “gets it”. He understands the unconditional love of a dog. He’s passionate in his art and has a love of dogs and all animals. I highly recommend Cesar. It’s worth a trip to the beautiful Monadnock region of NH. He truly is THE best!

What do you think? Are you considering a tattoo to memorialize your dog? Let’s create that perfect image for your tattoo artist during our dog portrait session!