Ordering a custom pet memorial from photos can be a thoughtful gift—but it’s also personal. Photos often live across phones, family chats, and social media. Before you submit anything, it helps to pause for two practical questions:
- Do I have permission to use these photos?
- Am I sharing only what’s needed for the artwork?
This article offers a kind, non-legal checklist you can use before uploading photos. If you’re ready to submit, start at the order page. For a step-by-step photo checklist, see how to order.
A quick note (not legal advice)
This guide is about being respectful and careful with privacy. It’s not legal advice and it won’t cover every family situation. When in doubt, ask the person receiving the memorial (or the pet’s primary caregiver) what they’re comfortable with.
1) Get permission in a simple, low-pressure way
If the memorial is for someone else (a partner, friend, family member), ask directly when possible. A short message is enough:
- “I’d like to make something with photos of [Pet Name]. Are you comfortable with me using them?”
- “Do you have a favorite set of pictures you’d want included?”
If asking isn’t possible, choose the most neutral, widely shared photos and avoid anything sensitive (home addresses, visible paperwork, children’s faces, etc.).
Common situations (and what usually works)
You have photos from a shared family chat
Ask one person in the group (ideally the pet’s main caregiver) if it’s okay to use those images. Then pick only what’s needed for reference.
You only have social media photos
Social platforms often compress images. Use them only as a backup, and try to request originals. If that isn’t possible, submit the clearest set you can and read tips for older/low-resolution photos.
You’re ordering for someone who is very private
Use photos with clean backgrounds (no address details) and keep the order notes factual. You can still make a beautiful keepsake without sharing anything personal beyond the pet.
2) Prefer originals over screenshots
Screenshots and compressed social-media images can reduce detail. If you can, request the original files (or a shared album) so markings and coat texture are easier to match. If you only have limited images, see how to get good results from older photos.
3) Share less background, not less detail
- Crop out house numbers, license plates, mail, and identifying items.
- Avoid photos where children’s faces are prominent; crop or pick different images.
- Remove location data before sharing if your phone/app includes it.
Practical privacy tips that don’t reduce photo quality
- Crop first, then export: crop the image to remove background details before you upload.
- Avoid screen recordings: they reduce sharpness and can introduce compression artifacts.
- Use an album: put the final 8–12 photos into a single folder/album so you don’t accidentally upload extras.
- Skip documents in the frame: if a pet is on a table with paperwork nearby, re-shoot on a clean surface.
4) Use a “reference pack” instead of a full camera roll
You don’t need hundreds of photos. A focused set is better:
- Face front
- Left + right profile
- Full body
- Two detail close-ups (markings, nose, eyes)
For angle guidance, use the photo angles checklist and the lighting guide.
5) If you’re ordering as a gift, keep notes factual and gentle
Avoid “performing grief” in the order notes. Simple is best: the pet’s name, key markings, preferred pose, and any must-have detail like a collar or tag (see including collar/harness/toy).
A simple template you can paste into your order notes
- Pet name: [Name]
- Must-match markings: [e.g., white chest patch; black spot above right eye]
- Pose preference: [sit / stand / lying down]
- Include accessories? [collar / tag / none]
- Anything to avoid: [e.g., no dramatic text; keep it simple]
For more examples, see what to write in order notes.
When photos are shared (multiple caregivers or households)
Sometimes a pet belongs to more than one story: co-parents, roommates, extended family, or a split household. In those cases, the safest approach is to treat the memorial as a shared emotional object, not a surprise.
- Ask the person who will receive the keepsake which photos feel “most like them.”
- If there’s disagreement, choose neutral, widely shared photos and keep the design simple.
- Avoid pulling images from private accounts without permission, even if you can access them.
If you’re using professional photos
Professional photographers may deliver images with usage terms. You don’t need to become an expert—just be respectful. If a photographer provided the images for personal use, commissioning a personal memorial gift is usually aligned with that intent. When in doubt, use photos you took yourself or ask the pet’s owner which images they’re comfortable sharing.
Quick do/don’t list (easy to remember)
- Do: ask permission when possible and let them choose the favorite photos.
- Do: crop out background details before you upload.
- Do: submit a small, curated set (8–12 images).
- Don’t: upload screenshots with heavy compression if you can get originals.
- Don’t: share documents, addresses, or anything unrelated to the pet.
- Don’t: use dramatic language in notes—specific details are more helpful.
If you’re still unsure about what to share, reading the site’s privacy policy and terms of service can help you feel grounded in what happens to uploaded information.
6) Choose an appropriate moment to give the gift
There’s no universal timeline for grief. If you’re unsure, focus on offering support rather than surprise. Resources like APLB and Humane World can help you approach the moment gently.
Final check (before you upload)
- I have permission (or a clear reason it’s appropriate to proceed).
- I’m uploading a curated set (not extra personal photos).
- I cropped out background identifiers and removed anything unrelated.
- My notes are practical: markings, pose, accessories, and priorities.
Ready to submit safely?
If you have permission to use the photos, upload your best set on the order page and include any preferences in your notes. If you’re ordering as a gift and want a quick overview first, see how to order.
For policies, review privacy policy and terms of service.
Next step
Move from reading to a reviewed custom replica quote.
Use the article matrix below to finish your decision, then submit photos through the order form. Every quote is reviewed by reference quality, size, pose, detail level, and shipping needs.