A custom pet portrait is a painting of your pet that captures the personality and character of that animal. This type of artwork is usually commissioned by the owner of the pet.

Custom pet portraits can be expensive, but they are worth it. They're a perfect way to show your love for your pets and commemorate the time you spent together. They can also be a great way of showing off your pet's personality, and they make excellent gifts for friends and family members with a shared love of animals.

But before getting a portrait for your pet, there's one question that everyone ask: How much does a custom pet portrait cost?

The price for a custom pet portrait in Canada can range from $100 to $3000, depending on the size and complexity of the painting. The average cost for a small, simple dog portrait is about $200. For an average-sized dog with more detail, it would be closer to $400-$500. Based on our research, the main influences on the price of custom pet portraits are the following:

• Type of artwork: Depending on the kind of artwork requested (watercolor, oil, or digital art), the price of a pet portrait will fluctuate.
• Size: The portrait size determines the amount of material used; a larger canvas and frame will result in a higher price.
• Complexity: A more complex portrait requires the artist to devote more effort and time to completion. So in a custom portrait, a complex request will cost more money than a simple one.

Professional Stores vs. Independent Artists:

You have two options when purchasing a custom pet portrait, buy from professional stores, or buy from independent artists. There are significant differences between the two options. I will list some of them below so you can make the best choice for your needs.

• Price: Compared with independent artists, The price offered by professional stores will be higher but more stable. The reason is that professional stores have a set way of operation, they receive a larger number of orders, and the quality is consistent. Prices for independent artists will fluctuate widely but, on average, will be lower than those of professional stores.
• Process and Style: For both professional stores and independent artists, the process of painting pet portraits is roughly similar. Typically the artist will need a photo of your pet and then paint a customized pet portrait based on your requirements. In terms of style, professional stores have relatively fewer options, while independent artists are a bit more flexible.
• Shipping time: For the shipping time of a pet portrait from completion to you, professional portrait stores are generally more consistent. Depending on the distance between you and the artist, shipping times can range from 3-5 days to a month from delivery. The shipping time for portraits painted by independent artists depends on the shipping company chosen by the artist and the distance between the artist and you.

Oil painting:

Oil painting is the most common and suitable type of painting for pet portraits. Oil paints have the ability to show every detail of your pet and add elements to this that are not present in the photo you originally provided. Almost all organizations that draw portraits will have the option of oil painting.

The price of oil painting portraits is relatively high but does not fluctuate much. The main influence on the price of an oil painting portrait is the size of the painting; as a larger painting requires a more expensive canvas, more pigments, and more time to work on.

The table below lists the price fluctuations for different sizes, and most portrait stores will have prices that fluctuate in this range. Prices for independent artists may be lower, averaging around $150 CAD. It is important to note that please be sure to ask if the price includes shipping costs.

Watercolor:

Watercolor is more creative when used to paint portraits. It cannot perfectly capture all the details; however, because of the rich colors and great flexibility, watercolor portraits usually look more artistic. Most professional stores will offer the service of painting portraits in watercolor. Many independent artists also choose to use watercolor as a medium to paint pet portraits.

The main influence on the price of a watercolor portrait is also the size of the painting; as a large painting requires more expensive paper, more paint, and more time to complete. Watercolor portraits are usually smaller in size, huge watercolor portraits are less common.

The table below lists price fluctuations for different sizes, and most portrait stores will fluctuate within this range. Prices may be lower for independent artists, with a smaller watercolor portrait averaging around $100 CAD.

Pencil drawing: 

Pencil drawing is the best choice when you want a monochrome portrait. Pencil drawing gives a very fine finish to the texture and shine of your pet's hair. Some professional portrait stores and independent artists offer pencil portraits of pets.

The main influence on the price of a pencil drawing portrait is also the size of the drawing; as a large drawing requires larger paper, and more time to complete. Likewise, pencil portraits are usually smaller in size, and huge pencil portraits are less common.

The table below lists reference prices for different sizes, most portrait stores will fluctuate around this price. Independent artists' prices may be lower, depending on your requirements and the size of the portrait.

Digital painting:

Digital painting is a new medium that has emerged with the advent of technology, where your pet's portrait is presented in a completely digital form. But don't get it wrong, they are still done by the artist with a digital brush. This new medium will give you some unexpected options, such as painting your pet in the style of Disney Cartoon.

Traditional pet portrait stores rarely offer the option of digital painting. Independent artists who paint digital pet portraits are more common. Digital painting is usually cheaper because it does not require additional paper and paint, as well as it can be sent via computer and does not require any shipping costs.

The price of a digital pet portrait depends on its style and complexity, and its fluctuation can be very large. A more average price is around $50 CAD; complex ones may cost more.

Digital photoshop:

Like digital painting, Digital photoshopped is a new medium that has emerged along with the development of technology. Unlike digital painting, Digital photoshopped does not require the artist to paint from the beginning. The process usually begins with the artist taking the photo you send and processing it through computer software to make it look like a painting.

Digital photoshopped is more common with independent artists. This form of pet portrait should also be the cheapest in terms of price due to the lesser amount of work required.

Since this form of Digital photoshopped is relatively rare, the price may fluctuate more depending on the requirements. The average price will be around $10 CAD.

Depending on the type of painting, the price difference is not small. Of the three more common types of portraits, oil painting would be the most expensive type of pet portrait, and the material used to paint the oil painting is the main reason for the price. Pencil drawings, on the other hand, are the cheapest type. The prices listed here are only for anyone who is thinking of buying a pet portrait. More important than price is to pick a style of painting that suits your fluffy friend.

This article only gives you a reference to the price, and the exact price will depend on the artist and your requirements. Prepare to get a custom pet portrait for $39? Simply click our LiveChat for more information! :)