How to Commission a Pet Portrait: 10 Things to Decide Before You Order

Commissioning a pet portrait is easier when you make the important choices before placing the order. You need a usable photograph, a portrait style you actually like, a sensible size and format, and a clear understanding of how artwork approval and revisions work.

This guide covers the pre-order decisions. If you have already ordered and want to know what happens next, use our proof, revisions and delivery guide.

1. Decide why you want the portrait

Is it for your own home, a birthday, a surprise gift, a memorial or a shared family portrait? The reason affects style, size, timing and how much you know about the recipient's taste.

2. Choose the strongest pet photograph

Use a clear image with visible eyes, ears, face shape and distinctive markings. A phone photo can work perfectly well when the pet is large enough in the frame and reasonably well lit.

For a detailed checklist, use our pet portrait photo guide.

3. Collect supporting photographs if needed

A second or third image can help when the main photograph hides a marking, shows unusual lighting or is older and softer. Label separate references clearly, especially for multi-pet artwork.

4. Choose the portrait style

Compare actual examples rather than picking a style name in isolation. A funny, royal, modern, colourful or memorial portrait can each suit different pets and homes.

Use our pet portrait styles UK guide.

5. Decide how many pets should be included

If several pets will appear, check the current product's supported subject count. Separate photographs can often be used when there is no good group image.

Our multi-pet portrait guide covers compatible angles and relative size.

6. Decide what should stay or be removed

Consider collars, tags, harnesses, leads, people and distracting backgrounds before ordering. Some source-photo elements can be excluded when the pet itself is clearly visible.

See our guides on collars, tags and harnesses and removing a leash, person or messy background.

7. Choose the physical format

Decide whether a framed portrait, unframed print or canvas suits the intended room and recipient. Check the current product page for the formats actually available with the design you want.

Compare our framed portrait guide and canvas guide.

8. Measure before choosing size

Measure the usable wall area and nearby furniture rather than relying on a product thumbnail. A paper template can show whether the intended dimensions feel proportionate.

Use our pet portrait size guide.

9. Check price, proofing and revision terms

Compare the actual size and format you intend to buy. Find out whether you will see the personalised artwork before production and how changes are handled.

For Paw & Glory, use our pet portrait prices UK guide and current artwork proof process.

10. Check the timing before committing to a gift date

Custom artwork includes creation, your review, any revisions, approval, production and delivery. Leave extra time for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas order rather than calculating against the fastest theoretical outcome.

Our UK pet portrait timeline guide explains the current stages.

How do you choose a pet portrait artist or service?

Look at several portfolio examples, ask how photo quality is assessed, understand the proof/revision process and check what physical product you will receive. Our pet portrait artist checklist and pet portrait artist red flags go deeper.

Commissioning checklist

• Reason for the portrait
• Best main photograph
• Supporting references
• Portrait style
• Number of pets
• Accessories or background changes
• Format
• Size
• Price and proof terms
• Timing

Frequently asked questions

Do I need professional pet photos?

No. Clear phone photos are commonly suitable when the face and markings are visible.

Can I commission a portrait from separate pet photos?

Yes where the chosen product supports multiple subjects. Separate references can be easier than one imperfect group photograph.

Can I commission a memorial portrait?

Yes. For memorial-specific decisions, use our step-by-step memorial commissioning guide.

What happens after I order?

The photograph moves into artwork creation, then proof review and approval before the physical product is produced. The detailed process is linked above.

Commissioning a pet portrait does not require art-school vocabulary. It requires a photograph, a few decisions and enough restraint not to discover seventeen new requirements after the artwork has already begun.