Pet Portraits UK: How to commission a hand-drawn artwork of your pet
What is a custom pet portrait?
A custom pet portrait is a personalised artwork that is bespoke to the client, depicting a representation of a pet. My pet portraits are highly-detailed and life-like, either hand-drawn with coloured pencils or painted using acrylic on canvas (depending on style preferred).
Custom pet portrait drawing of Gunner the German Shepherd.
Pet portraits from photos
A pet portrait is a lasting tribute to your pet, more than just a photo, the artwork lasts a lifetime. I’m not just drawing your pet, I’m telling their story. A photo captures a moment in time, a pet portrait drawing immortalises that memory.
Reference photo vs. portrait artwork example below:
How to commission a pet portrait
1) Free consultation - The process begins by you sending me a message or email to enquire about a pet portrait. I will ask a few questions such as; Is it a gift? Do you a preferred delivery date so I can best understand how I can help you. You can fill on an enquiry form by clicking here.
2) Send photos and a description of your pet - This allows me create a detailed life-like portrait and helps me capture their personality. Once I see photos I can send across personalised size options and style recommendations to suit your pet, decor and budget.
3) Approve composition layout - once I have finished the initial sketch I send you a photo for you to approve. Then comes the extra fun bit, the colouring! This is where your pet will come to life on paper.
4) Watch your artwork come to life - I send you regular photo progress updates throughout the drawing process. I also record overhead and compile a 1-minute timelapse video so you can watch the whole process from start to finish - a truly special keepsake to share with friends and family.
Progress stages of drawing Nelson the Sheepadoodle.
How much does a custom pet portrait cost?
Cost will vary depending on size and style of pet portrait chosen. I have a range of size options available, my coloured pencil portraits start at £250 (Great British pounds). Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
Fun fact: I have hundreds of coloured pencils, for each portrait I create and gift you a custom colour palette of all the colours I use for your unique pet portrait.
What’s included in a pet portrait?
Bespoke layout & composition mock-ups.
Hand-drawn with premium archival materials.
Regular progress photo updates.
Double mount in your chosen colour (framing not included).
Beautifully gift-wrapped in tissue and ribbon.
Colour palette keepsake, care guide & certificate of authenticity.
Timelapse video of your portrait coming to life.
One tree planted.
Tracked UK delivery (international delivery is a small add-on charge).
5-star service and satisfaction guarantee.
Packaging up a pet portrait drawing in my studio.
Sizes and styles of pet portraits
I offer both coloured pencil drawings on paper and acrylic paintings on canvas. A coloured pencil portrait is my speciality and will result in the most detailed like-life representation of your pet.
Acrylic paintings are more colourful and expressive and might be a more affordable option if you have a smaller budget.
What do clients say about their custom portraits?
I’m proud to uphold a 5* review rating, read on to find out what 2 of my recent clients had to say about their custom artwork…
Custom portrait of Charley the cat.
“Jennifer has now completed two commissions for me and I’ve been totally blown away more each time. She has never met my boys but has managed to capture their personalities in the portrait. I’ve one more to be done and will be back to get it done in due course. I cannot thank her enough for her talent, patience and dedication to every commission she undertakes as it shines through in the quality of her work. Highly recommended to anyone looking for an amazing artist to capture that special moment. Thanks Jennifer.”
- Maria from England, UK (June 2025).
Star, Buddy, Winnie and Hunter posed in front of their portraits!
“I had been looking for someone to create custom art of my dogs for years. I was very picky in the type of style that I was looking for and I wanted an original piece, not a digital copy. I came across Jennifer's Instagram and immediately sent her information to my fiancé because I knew she was the style that I had been searching for. Jennifer was super easy to work with and communicated with me throughout the whole process like progress picture and asked if I'd like anything tweaked along with color choices. She was very detailed and thorough like helping me choose the perfect mount. She took the time to learn about my dogs so their personalities would shine through in their portraits. She captured each of my dogs just the way that I see them. We are from the United States and she was able to accommodate shipping to ensure the portraits arrived in pristine condition. I was even able to reach out to her after receiving the portraits to talk about frames to preserve my them. She also provided us with time lapse videos of each portrait.
My soul Dog Star was going through a health scare and the first time I held the portrait I cried.
Hunter had just overcome his own medical journey and his portrait captured his strength and strong will.
Buddy came into our life when there were difficult decisions being made with Hunter and he gave my heart a safe place to take a break. I'll always have a piece of comfort from Buddy when looking at his portrait.
Winnie is the newest addition to our family and biggest foster fail. She didn't have an easy start to life and Jennifer captured both sides of Winnie with her crooked snoot, her torn ear and her newfound joy in her forever home.
My dogs may not be able to physically stay with me forever but I'll always have a piece of them thanks to Jennifer. We'll definitely commission more photos from her in the future. Thank you Jennifer!!”.
- Kylee from USA (June 2025).
You can read more client reviews by clicking here.
How to book a commission today
I work on a first-come first-served basis, often I’m working through a waitlist so booking in early is recommended, especially if you are booking a portrait to be gifted for a special occasion. I require a 50% deposit to book a commission space in my diary. Many clients prefer to make 1 full payment. Turnaround is typically up to 2 weeks, depending on size and complexity.
If your pet has a place in your heart, let’s give them a place on your wall…
I welcome your thoughts and feelings, please leave me a comment below if you feel inspired to do so.