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30+ Dog Memorial Tattoo Ideas to Commemorate Your Best Furry Friend

by Sherri Owens

From paw prints to rainbow bridges, there are so many beautiful dog memorial tattoos for you to choose from!

I have had dogs my whole life so I know the pain of losing your furry best friend. This is why I love inking memorial tattoos on my clients. It gives them a chance to laugh, cry, and talk about their pup. It also gives them a way to carry their pup with them wherever they go.

In this post, I will show you the top dog memorial tattoo ideas and give you some insight into what each one can mean!

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The Best Dog Memorial Tattoos

Here are the top dog memorial tattoo ideas for you to commemorate your beloved pet:

Dog Paw Print Tattoos

This is one of the top dog memorial tattoo ideas and it isn't difficult to see why. For one thing, it can bring back a lot of memories of your pup.

At the time, cleaning up muddy paw prints was probably one of your least favorite jobs. However, it is quite likely that you would give almost anything to have the chance to do it one more time.

Dog's Paw Print with Name Rib Tattoo

Image by @inkbymark904 via Instagram

Another reason that paw prints are so popular is because it is quite easy to make this is a very personal tattoo.

If you have an imprint of your dog's paw print, then you can get this inked on your body. It is a beautiful way of capturing something of your furry friend and carrying it with you wherever you go.

Word Phrase Two Dog Paw Prints Leg Tattoo

Image by @kevinwardtattoos via Instagram

Even if you didn't have the opportunity to capture an actual paw print, a talented tattoo artist can easily recreate one for you.

Of course, you don't have to get a complicated paw print tattoo if you don't want to. Simply getting the outline of a paw print is enough for you to take your dog's memory with you wherever you go. Plus, this is a great option if you want a small dog memorial tattoo.

Daisy Flower Dog Paw Prints Rib Tattoo

Image by @coyotegrace_tattoos via Instagram

Now, there are a lot of different ways to get a paw print dog memorial tattoo. You can get choose to only have the paw print or you can add in other design elements too. This includes hearts, flowers, butterflies, an infinity symbol, and more!

Single Dog Paw Print Arm Tattoo

Image by @wearemarkandmegan via Instagram

The most common option for a paw print tattoo is black ink. However, you don't have to go with such a somber choice. If you would also like to celebrate the life of your pup, then you can have it done up in rainbow colors, pastel colors, or even a watercolor effect.

You can even add a sweet message to the paw print tattoo. It can be a beautiful way to express how you feel about the loss of your furry friend.

Dog Name and Paw Print Chest Tattoo

Image by @sophiabones via Instagram

Dog Paw Print Memorial Wrist Tattoo

Image by @anviltattooco via Instagram

Dog Paw Tattoos

You can take your memorial tattoo idea one step further. Like many dog owners, you can probably picture your pup's paws perfectly.

Two Dog Paws Leg Tattoo

Image by @prince_prostate via Instagram

The way that they sometimes perched their adorable face on them. Or, how sometimes they flopped in the air as they slept. Or, even how they used their paws to get your attention or convince you to give them a treat.

Black and Grey Dog Paw Arm Tattoo

Image by @teemu_kiviranta via Instagram

So, it makes sense for you to get a paw tattoo as a memorial tattoo. Look at photos to figure out how you can include certain features or characteristics to make this an even more personalized tattoo.

Dog Paw with Small Heart and Name Arm Tattoo

Image by @alyssafazzino via Instagram

Dog Nose Tattoos

All dog owners are guilty of booping the snoot of their adorable sleeping pup. And, your furry friend was probably just as guilty of booping you with their snoot when they wanted attention or a piece of food you were eating.

Black Ink Dog Nose and Paw Print Arm Tattoo

Image by @emilyhefley via Instagram

In short, your dog's nose might have played a pretty important role in some of your favorite memories of them.

So, it is only natural to make their adorable snoot a dog memorial tattoo. Now, as with other pet memorial tattoos, you can choose to do a simple design - perhaps an outlined or a minimalistic nose. This is something that most tattoo artists can manage quite easily.

Dog Nose in Paw Print for Cinnamon Arm Tattoo

Image by @stablestudiotattoo via Instagram

Or, you can choose to go all out with a realistic design. With such dog memorial tattoos, you would include the bumps on the nose and use color and shading to create realistic dimension to the snout as well.

Dog Nose and Name Arm Tattoo

Image by @jessitattoos_ via Instagram

Outline Portrait Tattoos

If you are looking for something minimalistic yet meaningful for your dog memorial tattoo, then you may want to consider an outline portrait tattoo.

Angel Dog Pointing at Heart Sign Wrist Tattoo

Image by @actuallynesh via Instagram

Instead of going with a detailed portrait, you simply get the outline of your pup. If you want to keep your dog memorial tattoo really simple, then only get a tattoo of the top of their head and their ears. If your pooch used to perk up or relax their ears in a particular position, then you should get the design like that.

Dog Ears and Name Outline Arm Tattoo

Image by @spic.tattoos via Instagram

In case you want a bit more detail or you don't mind a slightly larger pet memorial tattoo, then you can get their face or even their body.

Bulldog Ears Ankle Tattoo

Image by @cassidymadeco via Instagram

Detailed Portrait Tattoos

Do you want a dog memorial tattoo that is true to your pup so you can preserve your dog's memory exactly how you remember it? Then, you can go all out and get an incredibly realistic and detailed design.

Angel Dog and Bone Name Tag Arm Tattoo

Image by @amyink_tx via Instagram

Now, keep in mind that for these kinds of dog memorial tattoos that you are going to need really talented tattoo artists to help you out. So, do your research and make your choice wisely.

Make sure to get a clear and close up photo of your pet's face so that your artist can replicate it exactly. This will also help them choose tattoo ink that is a good match for your furry friend.

Colored Happy Dog Wearing a Pet Collar Leg Tattoo

Image by @melissa_daye via Instagram

You can choose to only get the portrait or you can add other details to your pet memorial tattoo. For instance, you can add their favorite dog toy, a remembrance garden stone, or even their favorite tree tattoo.

Decorative Black Dog with Paw Print and Name Arm Tattoo

Image by @palmnoirtattoo via Instagram

Angelic Dog Memorial Tattoos

As your furry friend was likely an angel in life, it is almost certain that they are an angel now that they have passed on. So, what better way to carry your dog's memory with you than to add halos or angel wings to your pet memorial tattoo?

Cute Angel Dog Detailed Upper Arm Tattoo

Image by @kaymariegardner via Instagram

Now, there are a lot of ways to get such pet memorial tattoos. You can get the angel wings and/or halo for their name, paw print, an outline, or a detailed tattoo of them.

Angel Dog Paw Print with Sun Rays Memorial Arm Tattoo

Image by @tymelesstattoo via Instagram

It all depends on how big, visible, and vibrant you want your dog memorial tattoo to be.

Gold Angel Halo Dog Surrounded by Flower Strings Arm Tattoo

Image by @paxromanaink via Instagram

Dog Bone Tattoos

Did your pup love gnawing on their bone? Or, maybe they were obsessed with those dog treats in the shape of a bone. If so, you can honor your pup with a dog bone tattoo.

Black Work Bone Name Tag Leg Tattoo

Image by @justincariaga via Instagram

One of the great things about this tattoo is that the bone can be drawn in such a realistic manner with the right tattoo artist. And, to make the design a bit more personal, you can get add in your dog's name.

Two Dog Paw Print and a Bone Name Tag Arm Tattoo

Image by @angela_houde via Instagram

This is both a cute as well as a meaningful idea.

3D Dog Bone Name Arm Tattoo

Image by @oceanfronttattoo via Instagram

Pet Memorial Jewelry Tattoos

If you would like to do something a little different with your dog memorial tattoo, then you can consider getting a tattoo of their collar, their dog tag, or even their leash.

Dog Collar and Bone Name Tag Memorial Arm Tattoo

Image by @gentlejoeltattoos via Instagram

You can simply only have the jewelry or you can include other details in your dog memorial tattoo. For instance, you can add paw prints, a beautiful verse, or any other sentimental elements that you can think of.

Halo Ring Dog Collar Name and Bone Memorial Leg Tattoo

Image by @themissingink via Instagram

Human and Dog Tattoos

There is a good chance that you and your furry friend were practically inseparable when you were alive. So, it only makes sense for you to include the both of you in your dog memorial tattoo.

One idea that you can use for such a memorial tattoo is to have a dog paw and human hand pressed up against one another.

Pet Owner Hand and Dog Paw Holding Each Other Line Work Arm Tattoo

Image by @holden_vv via Instagram

You can also have the dog paw pressed against a whole portrait of you. Or, you can stage it so that you have a portrait of both you and your dog. Now, this kind of dog memorial tattoo can include as much or as little detail as you like.

A Puppy High Five Outline Back Tattoo

Image by @inkbymila via Instagram

So, you can choose to simply get a memorial tattoo where it is just as an outline of the two of you. Or, you can choose to get a dog memorial tattoo where the design resembles you and your pup a little more.

A Girl Holding her Dog Paw in a Grass Field with Pet Paw Print Background Ankle Tattoo

Image by @time_honored_tattoos via Instagram

Simple Dog and Girl Relationship Wrist Tattoo

Image by @sloweace via Instagram

Rainbow Bridge Tattoos

You may be aware of the rainbow bridge - there are a few different theories about it. Some people believe that it is the bridge that dogs cross to get to a beautiful meadow where doggy paradise awaits them.

Other people believe that a rainbow bridge is where the dogs wait for their owners until they pass on so that one day they can be together again.

Colored Rainbow Dog Paw Print Tattoo

Image by @emmdudetattoos via Instagram

Regardless of what you believe, it is a beautiful concept. It is one that gives you peace and comfort, knowing that your best friend is in a better place. So, this can be a lovely memorial tattoo for you to get.

Colored Heart Rainbow Splash Dog Paw Prints and Name Arm Tattoo

Image by @nicoles_tattoo_studio via Instagram

Once again, there are many different dog memorial tattoo ideas for you to choose from here. You can get a rainbow bridge inked on you, complete with paw prints or your doggy crossing it. Or, you can just have beautiful rainbow colors and some symbol for you pup alongside it.

Rainbow Angel Dog Paw Print with Ribbon Name Tag Memorial Back Tattoo

Image by @eyedle.ink via Instagram

Dogs Running Towards Owner in Rainbow Bridge Beautiful Landscape Arm Tattoo

Image by @evakrbdk via Instagram

Should I Get a Tattoo in Memory of My Dog?

Well, as you can imagine, this is a very personal decision and it is a decision that you have to make by yourself. Before getting a dog memorial tattoo, though, it is a good idea to consider whether you are in the right place - emotionally - to get such a tattoo.

If your grief is still fresh, then having such a permanent reminder may be a bit much for you to bear. This is especially true if you want to get your dog memorial tattoo in a fairly visible place - you may get upset every time that you see it.

It may be best for you to take to wearing pet memorial jewelry for a while instead before committing to a tattoo. However, if you have had time to deal with your emotions and to come to terms with your grief and loss.

What Tattoo Should I Get to Remember My Dog?

Well, as you can see from the above dog memorial tattoo ideas, there are plenty of tattoos to choose from! When making a decision, there are a few factors to consider. First off, you may want to think of which kindof design or aesthetic would best suit your dearly departed pup.

Next, consider your own style to determine which type of dog memorial tattoo would be a good fit for you. This is especially important to think about if you already have tattoos in a particular area and you want your new design to fit in.

Where is the Best Place to Put a Dog Memorial Tattoo?

Well, there is no right or wrong place for a pet memorial tattoo! It all depends on you and your lifestyle. If you want your dog memorial tattoo to be a bit more meaningful, then you may want to get somewhere on your chest, close to your heart.

Of course, having your dog memorial tattoo in a highly visible place can also be a great way to share your love of your pooch with others as well.

At the same time, if you work in a strict professional setting or if you want to keep your grief private, then you can get the dog memorial tattoo in a less visible spot.

There are many different ideas to choose from when getting a dog memorial tattoo. It doesn't matter if you want something fun, something beautiful, or a design that is right in the middle. You will be able to find a tattoo design that perfectly captures the relationship between you and your pup. So, go ahead look around and pick which one works the best for you!

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