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Losing your dog means losing an everyday companion: the one who waited for you behind the door, who asked for their walk, who slept at your feet. The grief that follows is real, and it doesn't need justifying. Often comes the wish to honor them, with an object, a gesture or a small ritual. Here are 10 ideas for keeping the memory of your dog who passed away, from the simplest to the most lasting. There's no right or wrong way to do it, and there's no rush. Pick the ones that speak to you, whenever you feel ready. Why keep a keepsake of your dog A keepsake doesn't replace your pet. It gives a place to what they meant in your life: an object you can hold, or a gesture that carries their story forward. It also helps you talk about them as a family, with your kids, with the friends who knew them. 10 ideas to honor your dog who passed away 1. Keep an imprint of their paw A paw print can be made in clay, salt dough, or with ink on heavy paper. If your dog is in the care of your vet or a cremation service, ask whether they can make a paw print: some offer it. You need to think of it early, before cremation or burial. 2. Save a lock of their fur A small lock, gently trimmed, can be kept in a glass vial, a locket or an envelope tucked into an album. It's a discreet keepsake you can keep close. Here too, you need to think of it right away. 3. Keep their collar and tag The collar, the tag engraved with their name, their favorite leash: these items carry their story. Some people place them in a shadow box with a photo, others hang the tag on their key ring. Don't feel you have to put their things away right away. You'll know when the time is right, and what to keep. 4. Create an album or photo book Gather pictures from their whole life: the puppy discovering the house, the vacations, the naps in the sun. Remember the videos and the photos taken by family and friends. A photo book is something to leaf through together, and putting it together is already a way of remembering. 5. Write them a letter Write down what you didn't have time to tell them, share your memories, thank them. This letter can stay in a drawer, go into the album or be placed where they rest. Putting your grief into words often helps ease it. 6. Plant a tree or a flower A tree, a rosebush or a few bulbs that will bloom every spring: it's a living keepsake that grows over time. Without a yard, a potted plant on the balcony works just as well. If you're considering burying your dog in your yard, check with your city or county or your vet first, as local rules may apply. 7. Donate to a shelter in their name Help other dogs in their memory: donate to an animal rescue, sponsor a dog waiting for adoption, volunteer to walk shelter dogs. Their things can be useful too: unopened kibble, blankets, toys in good condition. Call the shelter first to find out what they need. 8. Wear a memorial piece of jewelry A pendant engraved with their name, a paw print locket, a discreet bracelet: jewelry lets you keep your dog close, every day. Some pieces hold a photo or a little fur, others are designed to hold a small amount of ashes. It's a personal, intimate keepsake of your dog that no one else needs to notice. 9. A portrait on canvas A portrait lets you see their eyes again every day. The simplest option is to frame your favorite photo. You can also choose a portrait created from their photo, in a style that suits them. That's what ThinkArt offers with the memorial portrait of a pet who passed away, printed on canvas. For a personalized keepsake of your dog, three styles are especially understated: Realistic, true to life, on a dark background; Watercolor, in soft tones; and Charcoal, in charcoal-style black and white. You upload the photo on the product page and you see the preview in 20 to 30 seconds, free of charge, before you decide. You can try several photos. Their name can appear on the canvas, if you'd like. 10. A memory corner or a small ritual A shelf with their photo, their collar and a candle. Their favorite walk, repeated every year on their birthday. A stone engraved with their name at the back of the yard. These rituals don't have to be solemn: they simply set a time and place for remembering. How to choose the keepsake that feels right for you Visible or private? Some people need to see their face every day, others prefer a keepsake tucked away, to take out when they feel like it. An object or a gesture? Jewelry or an album can be kept; a donation or a planted tree carries their story forward in another way. The two go together very well. What reflects them. A playful dog, a hiking buddy, a champion napper: the most fitting keepsake often tells the story of their personality. Each of these pet memorial ideas also works for a cat, a horse or a rabbit. All that matters is the bond you shared. Helping children through it For a child, the death of the family dog is sometimes their first experience of grief. A few pointers can help: Say things simply, with honest words. Expressions like “he went to sleep” or “she went away” can be frightening or give hope that the dog will come back. Adapt the explanation to their age. Let them express their sadness in their own way: crying, asking questions, saying nothing, or bringing it up again weeks later. Invite them to take part. Choosing photos for the album, writing or coloring a card for their dog, planting the tree with you: these gestures help them say goodbye. Keep something for them: a photo for their room, one of the dog's toys. Show them that you're sad too. That way they understand that grief is normal and can be shared. If their sadness seems to last, or keeps them from sleeping, eating or going to school, talk to their pediatrician. When to create a keepsake? Some things need to be done right away: the paw print and the lock of fur are taken before cremation or burial. Also remember to back up their photos, which are often scattered across the family's phones. For the rest, take your time. Some people act in the days that follow, others after several months, sometimes on the anniversary of the day they came home. There's no right timeline for honoring a dog who passed away. If you're thinking about a portrait and aren't sure about the photo, even an old or slightly blurry one, our tips are gathered in the guide which photo to choose for a pet portrait. Giving a keepsake to someone you love If it's a friend or family member who has lost their dog, let a little time pass, then choose a quiet gesture from these pet memorial ideas. Add a simple note about a moment you shared with their dog. Sometimes the most precious thing is to check in on them and dare to say their companion's name. Whatever keepsake you choose, it will say the same thing: this dog mattered, and still does.

Finding a birthday gift for a dog lover sounds easy. Yet their closets are often already overflowing with toys, leashes and treats. To get it right, start from what they share with their dog every day. Here are 12 ideas sorted by budget, practical, fun or touching, to delight both the owner and their companion. Before you choose: 3 questions to ask yourself What kind of owner are they? A runner who jogs with their dog, a weekend walker, a traveler, or a fan of the shared couch. What kind of dog do they have? Age, size and energy level change everything: a young dog bursting with energy doesn't have the same needs as an older dog who loves their naps. Who is it really for? The owner, the dog or both. A gift that celebrates their bond often means more than yet another accessory. Under $35: small gestures 1. A dog-sitting voucher The gift that costs nothing and is genuinely useful: a voucher you make yourself, to watch their dog for a weekend, walk them on a weeknight or host them while they're on vacation. For an owner who hesitates to travel because they have no one to watch their dog, it's priceless. Just make sure you can keep your word. Budget: $0. 2. A homemade dog treat kit Bone- or paw-shaped silicone molds, a dog treat cookbook and a few simple ingredients: an original gift for a dog owner who loves to cook. A useful reminder: no chocolate, grapes, onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Typical budget: $15 to $30. 3. A book about dogs A positive-training guide for a first-time owner, a beautiful coffee-table photo book, a book about their breed or a story about the bond between people and dogs. Flip through it first: it should match their tastes, not just the topic. Typical budget: $15 to $35. 4. An everyday item with their dog's photo Mug, tote bag, pillow, a calendar for the year ahead: a personalized gift featuring their dog that they'll use every day. Choose a sharp, well-framed photo, or the print will be disappointing. Typical budget: $15 to $35. $35 to $90: gifts that last 5. A canicross belt For an owner who runs or hikes with their dog, a canicross (hands-free running) belt attached to a bungee leash frees up their hands and makes outings more comfortable. The harness has to fit the dog's build: if you don't know their measurements, give just the belt and the leash. Typical budget: $35 to $80. 6. A portrait of their dog on canvas A portrait of their dog is a gift they'll look at every day. At ThinkArt, it's made to order from a photo, in the style of your choice: Realistic, Watercolor, Charcoal (charcoal-style black and white), Imperial Blue, Gouache, Cartoon with their name, or Royal Pet, where the dog poses in an embroidered jacket and ermine cape, a playful nod for owners with a sense of humor. You upload the photo on the product page and you see the preview in 20 to 30 seconds, free of charge, before you pay. You can compare several styles. Adding the dog's name is free on every style, if you'd like. Three sizes are available: 30×40 cm (about 12×16 in), 40×60 cm (about 16×24 in) and, for a large wall, 60×80 cm (about 24×32 in). The canvas is stretched on a 2 cm wooden frame, arrives ready to hang with a free hanging kit, and its colors are guaranteed for life. You'll find more ideas on our personalized dog portrait page. 7. An intro class in a dog sport Agility, scent work, fun obedience: many clubs and training centers offer trial sessions. It's an original gift for a curious dog owner who loves learning and trying new activities with their companion. Check with clubs near them about requirements (dog's age, vaccinations, waivers). Typical budget: $35 to $70 per session. 8. A GPS tracker for walks For a dog who likes to run off or a big explorer, a GPS tracker attached to the collar lets the owner locate them from a phone. A gift that brings peace of mind. Heads-up: many models require a monthly subscription. Mention it in your card, or cover the first few months. Typical budget: $45 to $120 for the device. Over $90: big gifts 9. A photo shoot with their dog A photographer used to working with animals knows how to wait for the right look and the right light. The shoot takes place outdoors or at home, with the owner and their dog, and leaves pictures to treasure for a lifetime. It's a lovely idea for an older dog or for a milestone birthday. Typical budget: $90 to $250, depending on the area and the package. 10. Car travel gear A back seat cover, a sturdy travel crate, a safety harness that clips into the seat belt, a cargo barrier: it's a gift for a dog owner who takes their dog everywhere. Discreetly find out what car they drive before buying. Typical budget: $90 to $250. 11. A weekend getaway with their dog A night in a cabin, vacation rental or hotel that welcomes dogs, near a forest, a lake or the ocean. Check the conditions before booking: size limits, pet fee, access to beaches and trails. If you don't know when they're free, give a gift certificate with a date to choose together. Typical budget: from $100 per night. 12. An orthopedic bed for an older dog As they age, many dogs get stiffer joints. A thick memory foam bed with a removable, washable cover keeps them comfortable. A gift for a dog owner who's watching their companion grow older and wants to take good care of them. Choose a size that lets the dog stretch out fully. Typical budget: $90 to $250. Add a personal touch Sign the card from the dog: a “Happy birthday, love, Buddy” always gets a smile. Include the dog in the moment: slip the gift into their bed, or tie a ribbon to their collar while you hand over the present. Combine two small ideas: a book and a dog-sitting voucher, homemade treats and a framed photo. Getting a photo of the dog without raising suspicion For any personalized dog gift, from a mug to a portrait, you need a good photo. A few tips: Check their social media, or the photos they've sent you. Ask an accomplice for help: a spouse, a child, a close friend. Take it yourself during a visit, in daylight and at the dog's eye level. Choose a sharp photo, with the eyes clearly visible, and no filter. More tips are gathered in our guide which photo to choose for a pet portrait. Order in time Personalized gifts need time for production and shipping. For a ThinkArt portrait, shipping to the US is free and the estimated delivery date is shown under the price: allow some extra time if the birthday is coming up. The free preview shows you the portrait before you order, and if we make a mistake, the canvas is remade at our expense or refunded. And if you're already thinking about Christmas, order by Friday, December 4, 2026 at the latest to receive your canvas in time. You'll find more ideas in our Christmas gift ideas for dog and cat owners. The right birthday gift for a dog lover isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that shows you know their companion, and the place that dog holds in their life.

You have a photo of your dog and you'd love to see it on the wall. One question remains: which style should you choose? At ThinkArt, there are five styles, from the most classic to the most quirky. Each one highlights a different side of your companion. This guide helps you choose based on their coat, their personality, your decor and how the portrait will be used. And if you're still unsure at the end, don't worry: the preview is free, and you can try several styles with the same photo. The 5 styles at a glance Realistic: the true-to-life portrait The realistic dog portrait faithfully reproduces their features, their gaze and the shades of their coat, with the look of a classic painting on a dark background. It's the style closest to the photo. It suits a classic or warm interior, and lends itself well to a tribute. Watercolor: gentleness The watercolor dog portrait plays on soft tones and a light background. The result is light, luminous and a little dreamy. It goes well with a bedroom, a living room with light walls, or Scandinavian or boho decor. It works just as well as a gift as it does as a peaceful keepsake. Charcoal: charcoal-style black and white The Charcoal style gives a black and white, charcoal-style dog portrait on a cream background. Understated and graphic, it focuses on expression and contrast rather than color. It stays discreet in a room that is already very colorful. Cartoon: good humor, with their name The cartoon dog portrait turns your companion into a big-eyed character, along with their name. Cheerful and expressive, it's right at home in a child's bedroom, a kitchen or a hallway. It's the style for cheeky dogs and families who love to laugh. Royal Pet: the majestic wink With the Royal Pet style, your dog poses in royal costume: embroidered jacket and ermine cape. This royal dog portrait works both ways. It highlights the presence of a dog with a noble bearing, or raises a smile with a dog who is anything but an aristocrat. It makes an impression in a living room, a study or a hallway. Choosing by coat The background of the portrait matters as much as the style: a coat stands out better when it contrasts with its surroundings. Light coat (white, cream, sandy): the dark background of the Realistic style makes it stand out clearly. On the light backgrounds of Watercolor and Charcoal, the result will be softer, more blended. Black or very dark coat: the light backgrounds of Watercolor and Charcoal define their silhouette well. In Realistic, check on the preview that the outline remains clear against the dark background. Red, fawn or golden coat: warm colors come into their own in Realistic or Watercolor. Spotted or two-tone coat (Dalmatian, Border Collie, Beagle): the black and white of Charcoal shows off the markings. Long or curly hair: Realistic captures the texture, Watercolor softens it. Choosing by personality The wise one with soulful eyes: Realistic or Charcoal, to capture their expression. The gentle cuddler: Watercolor, for their tenderness. The clown, the young dog full of energy: Cartoon, with their name as a bonus. The head of the household, or the one who thinks they are: Royal Pet, without hesitation. Choosing by decor Classic interior, wood, warm tones: Realistic, whose dark background is reminiscent of old paintings. Light walls, Scandinavian or boho style: Watercolor. Minimalist, industrial or black and white decor: a black and white dog portrait, so Charcoal. Colorful room, child's bedroom: Cartoon. Living room or study with character: Royal Pet. Think about the size too. The 30×40 cm fits on a shelf or a small section of wall. The 50×75 cm dresses the space above a dresser or a headboard. The 60×90 cm fills a large wall, above a sofa. All canvases are made from 285 gsm canvas, with a matte finish, on a 2 cm wooden frame. Choosing by purpose As a gift It all depends on the person. For parents or grandparents who are very attached to their dog, Realistic or Watercolor are safe choices. For a friend with a sense of humor, a royal dog portrait creates a surprise. Cartoon is well suited to families with children. If you don't know their decor well, the understated Charcoal blends in easily. As a tribute When your dog is no longer here, you may want an understated style: a realistic dog portrait to see them just as they were, Watercolor for a peaceful image, Charcoal for a timeless black and white. But a Cartoon or Royal Pet portrait can also capture a joyful character. There are no rules. For a child's bedroom The cartoon dog portrait, with its big eyes and the dog's name, is a natural fit. A watercolor dog portrait, soft and light, also suits a nursery. The name is free on all styles: the child sees their companion's name above their bed. Summary: which style for which dog? Realistic: true-to-life portrait, dark background. For a light or warm-colored coat, classic decor, a tribute, a gift for parents. Watercolor: soft tones, light background. For a dark or golden coat, light decor, a gift, a peaceful keepsake, a bedroom. Charcoal: charcoal-style black and white, cream background. For a spotted or contrasting coat, a photo with dull colors, minimalist decor, a tribute. Cartoon: big eyes, with their name. For a playful dog, a child's bedroom, a gift full of humor. Royal Pet: embroidered jacket, ermine cape. For a dog with a big personality, a gift that makes people laugh, a living room or a study. These pointers also apply to cats: the five styles work in the same way. Still unsure? Compare the styles The easiest thing is to try. Upload your dog's photo on a style's product page: the preview appears in a few seconds, free of charge, without creating an account. Then try the same photo in another style, or another photo. You'll quickly see which one speaks to you. The canvas arrives ready to hang, with a free hanging kit: no tools needed, it's on the wall in 2 minutes. The colors are guaranteed for life. And if it's for Christmas, order by Friday, December 4, 2026 at the latest.

Finding an original gift for a cat owner takes a bit of flair. The cat has its habits and tastes, and won't hesitate to snub a new toy in favor of the box it came in. Their owner, meanwhile, often already has the essentials. Here are 12 gift ideas for a cat lover: for the cat's comfort, for play, for a personalized gift featuring their cat, or for the owner themselves. Before you choose: observe the cat (and their owner) Indoor or outdoor cat? An apartment-dwelling cat needs height, scratching posts and games to burn off energy. A cat that goes out mostly appreciates a warm spot when it comes home. Young or old? A young cat wants to play; an older cat prefers an easy-to-reach bed. Where does it like to sleep? On the radiator, in the sun, up high: it's a good clue for choosing a bed. What does their owner already have? A discreet look around avoids giving a second cat tree. For the cat's comfort 1. A cat tree or wall shelves Cats love to survey their territory from up high. A sturdy cat tree, with platforms and scratching posts, or a series of shelves mounted on the wall enriches the daily life of an indoor cat. Measure the ceiling height and check that the base is heavy enough not to tip over. Typical budget: $70 to $250. 2. A water fountain Many cats prefer to drink running water. A filtered fountain can encourage them to drink more. Choose a quiet model that's easy to take apart and wash, and remember the replacement filters. Typical budget: $30 to $60. 3. A radiator or window hammock Hung on the radiator, it offers a warm bed all winter. Attached to a window with suction cups, it turns the window into a lookout post. Check the weight it can hold and the width of the radiator before buying. Typical budget: $15 to $45. 4. A stylish scratching post Scratching is a natural need for cats. A cardboard, sisal or wooden scratcher helps spare the couch, and some models blend nicely with the decor or double as a bed. Typical budget: $15 to $70. For play 5. Interactive toys Feather wand, ball track, kibble-dispensing ball: these toys get the cat moving and awaken its hunting instinct. The feather wand also offers a real moment of play together. Put it away after each game: a swallowed string or feather can be dangerous. Typical budget: $10 to $35. 6. Cat grass or a catnip toy A kit for growing cat grass on the windowsill, or a cushion filled with catnip, a plant that excites or relaxes many cats. Not all of them react to it: it's a little extra to slip in with another gift. Typical budget: $5 to $15. Personalized gifts 7. A portrait of their cat on canvas Among personalized cat gifts, the portrait has the advantage of staying on the wall all year round. At ThinkArt, it's made to order from a photo, in one of five styles: Realistic, Watercolor, Charcoal (charcoal-style black and white), Cartoon with their name, or Royal Pet, where the cat poses in an embroidered jacket and ermine cape, a role that often suits them very well. You upload the photo on the product page and you see the preview in a few seconds, free of charge, before you pay. You can try other photos or other styles. The cat's name is included free of charge, if you wish. Three sizes are available: 30×40 cm, 50×75 cm and 60×90 cm. The canvas arrives ready to hang, with a free hanging kit. For inspiration, discover our personalized cat portrait page. 8. A calendar or photo book of their cat Twelve months, twelve photos of the cat: a 2027 calendar can be put together in an evening, with the help of an accomplice who sends you the photos, and is used all year. A photo book, meanwhile, can tell the story of its first year at home or its best naps. Typical budget: $20 to $45. 9. A bowl engraved with their name A ceramic bowl engraved with the cat's name, with a matching feeding mat: an everyday gift with charm. Go for a wide, stable model that is dishwasher safe. Typical budget: $15 to $45. 10. An item featuring their face Mug, cushion, tote bag, notebook or keychain with the cat's photo: every time their owner uses it, they think of them. Choose a sharp, well-lit photo, otherwise the print will be disappointing. Typical budget: $10 to $35. For the owner 11. A book to better understand their cat Behavior, body language, indoor games: a good book helps decode their moods and meows. For an owner with a sense of humor, a comic about life with a cat is an original gift for a cat owner, who will recognize themselves on every page. Typical budget: $15 to $30. 12. A cat-sitting coupon Feeding the cat, changing the litter, keeping it company: a homemade cat-sitting coupon is a real help to an owner who hesitates to go on vacation. The cat stays at home, in familiar surroundings. Budget: $0, just your time. Gifts to avoid Lilies and certain plants: lilies are highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts (pollen, leaves, vase water). Before giving a bouquet or a plant to a cat owner, check that it's safe. Essential oil diffusers and home fragrances, often not recommended around cats. A surprise kitten: adopting an animal is a commitment for many years. That decision belongs to the person who will look after it. Ribbons and small bits of packaging, to be put away as soon as the present is opened. Getting a photo of the cat discreetly For a personalized gift with the cat's photo, whether a calendar, a mug or a portrait, you need a good picture. Look at their social media or the photos they've sent you, or ask someone close to them. If you visit, take advantage of a calm moment, like a nap near a window, to take it yourself, at the cat's eye level. Our tips are gathered in the guide which photo to choose for a pet portrait. When to order? Personalized gifts need time for production and shipping. For a ThinkArt portrait, the estimated delivery date is shown under the price. For Christmas, order by Friday, December 4, 2026 at the latest. And if you're looking for another gift idea for a cat lover as the holidays approach, browse our Christmas gift ideas for dog or cat owners. The right gift isn't necessarily the most expensive. It's the one that shows you know the cat, and the place it holds in its owner's life.

Looking for a Christmas gift idea for a dog or cat owner? Good news: there are plenty of options, for every budget. You still need to get it right, though. Here are 12 Christmas gift ideas for dogs and cats, sorted by budget, to delight the owner, the pet, or both at once. Before you choose: 3 questions to ask yourself Who is the gift for? For the pet (a toy, a bed), for their owner (an object, an experience) or for both (a walk, a photo shoot). What does their daily life look like? A sporty dog who runs along every trail doesn't have the same needs as an apartment-dwelling cat who naps all day. What do they already have? Pet owners often have a box full of toys. A useful or meaningful gift makes more of an impression than yet another gadget. Under $35: small gestures 1. An enrichment toy Snuffle mat, treat-dispensing ball, fillable toy: these toys get the pet using their nose and their brain. They're invaluable during long winter evenings or when the pet is home alone. For a cat, think feather wands and ball tracks. Always choose a suitable size so that they can't swallow the toy. Typical budget: $10 to $30. 2. A pet Advent calendar A small treat or a small toy every day, from December 1 to 24. The detail that matters: it has to be given before December 1, not under the tree. You can also make it yourself with 24 small numbered bags and treats suitable for the pet. Typical budget: $10 to $35. 3. An engraved tag or collar Useful and personal: a tag engraved with the pet's name and a phone number, or an engraved collar. It's also a plus for safety on walks. Discreetly find out the neck size before ordering a collar. For a cat, choose a model with a breakaway buckle, which opens if it gets caught on something. Typical budget: $10 to $35. 4. A winter walk kit In December, night falls early. A light-up collar, a reflective vest, a treat pouch and a travel water bottle make walks safer and more enjoyable. It's a gift for a dog owner who goes out in all weather, and who will use it every day. Typical budget: $15 to $35. $35 to $70: gifts that last 5. A cozy bed A soft pet bed, a cushion with a removable cover, a blanket or, for a cat, a hammock to hang on the radiator. The pet will spend hours in it, and their owner will appreciate a bed that's easy to wash. Look at where the pet likes to sleep now: it's a good clue for choosing the shape and size. Typical budget: $35 to $70. 6. A pet subscription box A box filled with treats, toys and accessories, to give as a one-off or as a subscription for a few months. It's the surprise that keeps going after the holidays. Check that it offers an option suited to the pet's species, size and age. Typical budget: $35 to $45 per box. 7. A photo album of the year Gather the best photos of the pet taken during the year, with the help of a friend or relative in on the secret, and have an album printed. A simple gift that the family can leaf through together, and that often stirs up emotions. Typical budget: $35 to $60. 8. A portrait of their pet on canvas A personalized portrait is a gift that stays on the wall all year round. At ThinkArt, it's made to order from a photo of the pet, in the style of your choice: Realistic, Watercolor, Charcoal (charcoal-style black and white), Cartoon with their name, or Royal Pet, in royal costume. You upload the photo on the product page and you see the preview in a few seconds, free of charge, before you pay. Three sizes are available: 30×40 cm, 50×75 cm and 60×90 cm. The canvas arrives ready to hang, with a free hanging kit. The only requirement: a sharp photo of the pet. Our tips for getting one discreetly and for choosing the style and size are on our Christmas gift for dog or cat owners page. Over $70: experiences and big gifts 9. A photo shoot with their pet A photographer who specializes in animals knows how to capture a look or a movement in a split second. The shoot can take place outdoors or at home, with the owner and their companion. It's a precious gift for keeping beautiful pictures, especially of an older pet. Typical budget: often between $90 and $250, depending on the area and the package. 10. A cat tree or wall shelves Cats love to survey their territory from up high. A large, sturdy cat tree, or a series of shelves mounted on the wall, changes their daily life, especially for an indoor cat. Measure the ceiling height and the space available before buying, and check that the base is heavy enough not to tip over. Typical budget: $70 to $250. 11. Sessions with a dog trainer For a puppy, a recently adopted dog or a dog who pulls on the leash, a few sessions with a dog trainer can change everyday life. It's a useful gift for a first-time dog owner. Give them tactfully: present them as a moment of bonding, not as a criticism. Typical budget: $50 to $100 per session, often offered as a package of several sessions. 12. A getaway with their dog A night in a vacation rental or a hotel that welcomes pets, near a forest or the ocean: it's the gift of shared moments. Check the conditions before booking (dog size, extra fee, access to rooms). If you don't know when they're free, give a gift certificate with a date to choose together. Typical budget: from $100 per night. Our tips for a successful and safe gift Watch out for holiday treats. Chocolate, grapes, onion and garlic are toxic to dogs and cats. Only give treats designed for them. Keep an eye on the tree. Ribbons, string and tinsel attract cats and are dangerous if swallowed. Put them away as soon as the presents are opened. Adapt to age and size. A toy that's too small can be swallowed; an older dog will prefer a comfortable bed to a fetch toy. Think of the owner, not just the pet. A gift that reflects them both makes more of an impression than yet another toy. When to buy Christmas gifts for dogs and cats? The Advent calendar needs to be ready for December 1. For anything personalized (engraved tag, photo album, portrait), allow time for production and shipping. For a ThinkArt portrait, the estimated delivery date is shown under the price: we recommend ordering by Friday, December 4, 2026 at the latest to receive it before Christmas. For a photo shoot, a trainer or a getaway, book early: at the end of the year, spots go quickly. And if you're looking for inspiration by animal, discover our personalized dog portrait and personalized cat portrait pages. Merry Christmas to you, and to your four-legged companions.

Wondering which photo to choose for a pet portrait? It's the right question to ask, because everything starts with that image. The sharper, brighter and better framed it is, the more precise and lifelike the portrait will be. Good news: you don't need a professional camera. A phone and a few good habits are enough. Why the photo matters so much The portrait reflects what the photo shows: the shape of the head, the color of the eyes, the shades of the coat, the expression. If a detail is blurry, too dark or cropped in the photo, it will be hard to bring it back on the canvas. And since a canvas can measure up to 60×90 cm, the image needs to be sharp enough to be enlarged. At ThinkArt, you upload the photo on the product page and you see the preview of your portrait in a few seconds, free of charge, before you pay. Make the most of it: try several photos and keep the one that gives the best result. Light: go for daylight Near a window, during the day: the light is soft and shows off the coat. Outdoors, on an overcast day: the clouds diffuse the light, with no harsh shadows. Avoid the midday sun: strong shadows, squinting eyes, “blown-out” bright areas. Avoid backlighting: your pet becomes a dark silhouette. Turn off the flash: it makes the eyes shine (green, red or white) and flattens the texture of the fur. Beware of lamps in the evening: their yellow light distorts the colors. Framing: the whole head and the top of the chest The ideal photo shows the whole head, both ears and the top of the chest. Leave a little space around them: a photo that is too tight, with the ears cut off, leaves less freedom to frame the portrait on the canvas. Conversely, a photo taken from too far away and then cropped loses precision. Move closer rather than using the digital zoom, which degrades the image. At their eye level This is the tip that changes everything. Photographed from above, an animal looks smaller, with a big head and eyes looking upward. Get down to their level: crouching for a large dog, sitting or lying on the floor for a small dog or a cat. You'll get a direct gaze that gives the portrait real presence. To draw their gaze toward the lens, call them softly, make a little noise, or ask someone to hold a treat just above the phone. A good photo for a dog portrait often comes down to a single second: be ready to take the shot. Sharpness: it's all about the eyes Tap the screen on your pet's eyes to focus there. Clean your phone's lens: a single fingerprint makes the image blurry. Hold the phone with both hands, or rest your elbows on your knees. Turn on burst mode if your pet is moving, then keep the sharpest photo. Send the original file: screenshots and photos sent through some messaging apps lose quality. A simple test: zoom in on your pet's eyes in your gallery. If they stay sharp, the photo is good. Background: simple and uncluttered A simple background helps to clearly distinguish your pet's outline. Avoid clutter (toys, furniture, passers-by) and anything that hides part of their head: a hand, a leash, a bowl, another animal. Look for contrast: a black dog stands out better against a light wall, a white cat against a darker background. Ideally, choose a photo where your companion is on their own. Photographing your cat well (and tricky coats) The cat is often the most difficult model: they move, turn their head away and walk off as soon as the phone comes near. A few tips for photographing your cat well: Make the most of calm moments: when they wake up, after a meal, during a nap in the sun near a window. Don't chase them: settle near their favorite spot and wait for them to come to you. Make a little noise (rustling paper, clicking your tongue) just above the lens: you'll get a second of attentive gaze. Use burst mode and keep the photo where the eyes are wide open and sharp. Black, white or tabby coats For a black coat, place your pet near a window, with the light coming from the side: the texture of the fur appears and the eyes shine naturally. For a white coat, avoid direct sunlight and white backgrounds, which wash out the outline. For a tabby or spotted coat, soft, even light reveals the markings. These tips also help you get the right photo for a portrait of a dog with a very dark or very light coat. With an old photo or a pet who has passed away When your pet is no longer here, you can't retake the photo. You have to work with the ones that exist, and that's often possible. Search all your devices: old phone, computer, online backups, photos shared with family and friends or posted on social media. For a printed photo, scan it. Otherwise, photograph it lying flat, in daylight, with the phone parallel to the photo and no reflections. Choose the image where the eyes are visible and sharp, even if it's not the most recent. Bear in mind that the result depends on the quality of the photo. The free preview lets you check the result before deciding. We've gathered more advice, for you or for someone close to you, on our memorial portrait of a pet who has passed away page. Mistakes to avoid The photo taken from a distance and then cropped: the head only takes up a small part of the image. Flash: shiny eyes and flattened texture. Filters and effects (black and white, beauty retouching, saturated colors): send the photo as it is. If you like black and white, the Charcoal style takes care of it. Backlighting: your pet becomes a shadow. Screenshots: the quality drops with every copy. Your pet in full motion: blurry fur and eyes. Part of the head hidden: an ear cut off, a nose behind an object, a leash in front of the eyes. Checklist before you send your photo The photo is taken in daylight, without flash. The whole head is visible, ears included, with a little space around it. The phone was at your pet's eye level. The eyes stay sharp when you zoom in. The background is simple and nothing hides the head. The photo has no filter or effect. It's the original file, not a screenshot. Your pet is alone in the picture, or clearly separate from the rest. All checked? All that's left is to try. Choose a style, upload your photo and see the preview in a few seconds, free of charge. To get started: personalized dog portrait or personalized cat portrait.