Pet portraits UK: what they cost and how to choose one

A pet portrait is one of the few gifts people genuinely keep. It is also one of the easiest to get wrong, because the price range runs from under twenty pounds to several hundred and the finished thing depends almost entirely on the photo you send.

We make cards, pin badges and prints in house, printed in the UK. We don't paint pet portraits ourselves, so where we mention a portrait studio it is a recommendation rather than our own product.

This guide covers the styles on offer in the UK, what each costs, how long to allow, and the questions worth asking before you pay.

The main styles, and who each suits

• Digital illustration - drawn on a tablet from your photo, sent as a file or printed. The cheapest option and the fastest, usually a few days. Best if you want it framed yourself or need it in a hurry.
• Line drawing - a simple outline in one colour. Understated, works in any room, and tends to be the kindest option for a memorial where a very lifelike image would be hard to look at.
• Watercolour or pastel - soft, forgiving with slightly imperfect photos, and the style most people picture when they hear pet portrait.
• Oil or acrylic on canvas - hand painted, weeks rather than days, and priced accordingly. Worth it for a milestone, not for a stocking filler.
• Pop art or cartoon - bold colours, sometimes dressed in a costume or a royal outfit. A funny gift rather than a sentimental one, so match it to the person.
• Photo print on canvas or aluminium - not a portrait strictly, but the cheapest way to get a good photo onto a wall, and instant.

What you should expect to pay in the UK

• Digital illustration, one pet, delivered as a file: roughly £20 to £60.
• Printed and mounted illustration, A4: roughly £35 to £80.
• Watercolour-style painting, A4: roughly £60 to £150.
• Hand-painted oil on canvas, A3 or larger: £200 upwards, often well upwards.
• Each extra pet in the same picture: usually adds 30 to 50 per cent, not double.
• Framing: add £20 to £60 depending on size, or do it yourself for less.

Questions to ask before you order

• How long from photo to delivery, and is that working days or calendar days?
• Do I see a draft, and how many changes are included?
• What happens if my photo isn't good enough - will you tell me before you start?
• Is the price for the digital file, the print, or the framed piece?
• Where is it printed and posted from? UK printing avoids customs delays and long Christmas lead times.
• What is the refund position if I simply don't like it?

Timing, especially at Christmas

• Digital only: allow a week, even when the studio says three days.
• Printed and framed: allow three weeks.
• Hand painted: allow six to eight weeks, and longer from October.
• Most UK studios close their Christmas list in late November. Ordering in January for a March birthday is not mad - it is just calm.

Browse pet cards

Prints and pin badges for pet people

The bits we do make: wall prints, cards and pin badges.

How to write it so it lands

• Order the digital file as well as the print - it is useful later for cards and phone screens.
• Send the photo you love, not the most recent one.
• Check the finished size against the wall before you choose; A4 looks small above a sofa.

Where to shop next

• How much does a pet portrait cost?
• Best photos to send for a pet portrait
• Gifts for dog lovers
• Gifts for cat lovers
• Christmas gifts for pet owners
• Pet loss keepsake ideas
• Pet memorial gift ideas
• New pet gift ideas
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Pin badges

Frequently asked questions

How much is a pet portrait in the UK?

A digital illustration is usually £20 to £60, a printed watercolour-style piece £60 to £150, and a hand-painted oil on canvas £200 and up. Framing adds £20 to £60.

How long does a pet portrait take?

Digital work is typically three to seven days, printed pieces around two to three weeks, and hand-painted portraits six to eight weeks - longer in the run-up to Christmas.

What style of pet portrait is best?

Digital illustration for value and speed, watercolour for a classic look, a simple line drawing for a memorial, and pop art when the gift is meant to be funny.

Are pet portraits a good gift?

They are one of the few gifts that get kept and hung. They work best when you have a clear, well-lit photo and enough time not to rush the order.