When someone close to you has lost their pet, you want to do something. At the same time, you worry about saying or giving the wrong thing. For many people, their dog, cat or horse is a member of the family. The grief is real and deserves respect. In this guide you'll find thoughtful sympathy gift ideas and tips on how to give one gently.
A quiet keepsake from a favourite photo. The preview is free, decide in your own time.
See a free previewWhat makes a good sympathy gift
A sympathy gift isn't meant to fix anything or make up for anything. It says: I see your loss, and I'm thinking of you. Gestures that are personal and put no pressure on anyone tend to do that well.
- Personal rather than generic. A connection to the pet, such as its name or a photo, shows that you knew it or at least noticed it.
- Quiet rather than loud. Big surprises rarely suit fresh grief.
- Optional rather than obliging. The gift shouldn't ask for anything, not even a quick reaction.
Thoughtful sympathy gift ideas
A handwritten card
Often it means a great deal. Share a short memory of the pet if you have one: how the dog greeted you at the door every time, or how the cat always lay on the sofa. Words like these mean a lot to grieving people, because they show that their pet mattered to others too.
A memorial artwork from a photo
An artwork made from a favorite photo of the pet gives it a lasting place at home. At Arturell, a photo is turned into an artwork with AI and then printed on canvas. It isn't hand-painted, but calm styles like watercolor, oil style or pencil suit a memorial piece well. You choose from more than 20 styles. You'll find ideas on our In MemoryIn Memory and Rainbow BridgeRainbow Bridge pages.
A gift card
Not everyone wants to see a picture of their late pet on the wall right away. A gift cardgift card from €25from $25 leaves the decision open. The person decides for themselves whether and when to create a picture, which photo to use and which style feels right. That's often an especially gentle choice when you don't know how far along the grief is.
Time and small help
A walk together along the old dog-walking route, a meal dropped at the door, or simply a call after a few weeks. Especially once everyone else has gone back to everyday life, attention does a lot of good.
Finding the right photo
If you'd like to give a memorial artwork, you'll need a good photo of the pet. Maybe you have one yourself, maybe someone in the family can help. A few tips:
- The face, and especially the eyes, should be sharp.
- The pet should fill a large part of the picture.
- Use the original file instead of a copy from a messaging app or a screenshot.
- A photo from healthy days often shows the pet the way people want to remember it.
Not sure if the photo is good enough? Upload it and look at the free preview. It carries a watermark, you don't need an account, and up to 5 previews are free. Start your preview here.Start your preview here.
When several pets or people belong together
Sometimes you'd like to show the pet that has passed together with its person or with another pet from the household. The family artworkfamily artwork merges up to 4 photos of people or pets, group photos included, into one shared picture. Older photos of a pet that has passed can be used too. That way a picture can come to life that never existed as a photo. Find out more on our family artworkfamily artwork page.
Choosing the right moment
Grief doesn't follow a schedule. Some people are glad to have a picture after just a few days, others need months. If you're unsure, gently ask whether a picture of the pet on the wall would be a nice thought. Or give the card first and the picture later, for example on the anniversary or at Christmas. A memorial artwork can still feel just right months after the goodbye.
When you hand it over, a simple sentence helps: "I thought he should keep a place with you." Often that's all it takes.
Formats and prices
The memorial artwork is available as a canvas from €49.90 in sizes from 30×20 cm to 120×80 cm on a 4 cm deep stretcher frame, as a framed canvas from €79.90 or as a digital download from €29.90. With the canvas you get the digital file for free. Shipping to Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Cyprus is free, and delivery takes 4 to 7 business days.The memorial artwork is available as a canvas from $69.90 on a 1.5 inch deep stretcher frame or as a framed canvas from $109.90. Shipping within the United States is free, and delivery takes 4 to 8 business days. You'll find more inspiration on our pet portraitpet portrait and dog portraitdog portrait pages.
Frequently asked questions
What do you give someone whose dog has died?
Personal, quiet gestures fit well: a card with a memory, a memorial artwork made from a photo, or a gift card that lets the person decide whether and when to create a picture.
Isn't a picture of the pet too soon?
That varies a lot from person to person. If you're unsure, a gift card is a good choice. That way the timing stays with the person receiving it.
Is the memorial artwork hand-painted?
No. The artwork is created with AI from the photo and printed on canvas. Before you order, the free preview shows you how it looks.
