Pet memorial cartoon: a lasting memory of the pet you lost
A pet memorial cartoon is a drawn portrait of a pet that has passed away, made from your photos and from what you tell about him or her. It is Hans Esser's speciality: a lasting memory of your dog, cat, bird or mouse, to keep, to frame or to give to someone who had to say goodbye.
More than a photo: a portrait with character
After losing a pet, you often go through every photo again. Some are blurry, others miss the look you remember. A pet memorial cartoon brings those things together in one picture: the way your dog tilted his head, the spot where your cat always slept, the little song of your budgie.
Because it is a drawing, not everything has to be in one photo. Choose a calm portrait, or a scene full of recognition: together on the sofa, by the food bowl, in the garden he always roamed.
How a pet memorial cartoon is made
- Send a few photos via WhatsApp or by email to info@decartoonist.com. Older or less sharp photos are welcome too; together they give a good picture.
- Tell what made him or her special. A habit, a favourite toy, a nickname. That story shapes the drawing.
- Look at the proof. You first see a draft and can ask for changes, such as the colour of the coat or the expression.
- Receive the final file in high resolution and without a watermark, ready to print and frame.
There is no rush. Take your time to find photos; you can always send another one later. Once you have paid, the cartoon is ready within 3 days. More about proofs, the revision round and delivery is on how an order runs.
Which animals?
Any animal that was part of the family. Hans draws, among others:
- dogs and cats, from puppy to faithful old friend;
- birds such as budgies, canaries and chickens;
- small pets such as mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits;
- horses and ponies, with or without rider.
Is your pet still with you and would you like a cheerful portrait? Then see a pet to cartoon drawing of a dog or cat.
A comforting gift after a loss
Many memorial cartoons are given rather than ordered for yourself: for a friend who had to let her cat go, for parents whose dog died, for a colleague who misses a loyal companion. A drawn memory says more than a card.
- Framed on the wall or on a sideboard.
- Printed on a card, as a thank-you or a sympathy card.
- In a photo book or scrapbook with the best moments.
- As a digital keepsake to share with family.
Want it to be a surprise? Mention it in your message and Hans will keep that in mind. What a cartoon costs is explained on the price of a pet memorial portrait.
Why Hans Esser?
Hans Esser worked for many years in the graphic arts, from illustration to print-ready file, and now mainly draws personal cartoons. Memorial cartoons of pets that have passed away are his speciality. You deal with him directly, and he takes time for your story.
Read more about his career on the page about cartoonist Hans Esser.
More cartoon styles
Anime filter from your photo
Big eyes, clean lines and bright colour: you as the lead character of your own anime.
3D cartoon avatar from a photo
Soft shapes, warm light and a big smile, like a still from an animated film.
Custom caricature maker
Playful exaggeration of the features that make someone unmistakable. A classic gift.
Comic book effect for your photo
Bold ink, halftone dots and a speech bubble. Star in your own comic panel or strip.
Pet to cartoon portraits
Your dog, cat or rabbit as a cartoon with its own personality, alone or with you.
Custom comic book with your own story
A short comic story over several pages, starring your pet, your family or a loved one.
Animated cartoon video of up to 9 seconds
Your cartoon comes to life in a short clip for socials, greetings and invitations.
Cartoon profile picture (PFP)
A clear, bold avatar that stays recognisable at thumbnail size on every platform.
Photo to drawing and sketch
A calm pencil sketch, ink drawing or line art portrait instead of a colourful cartoon.
Cartoon maker with no watermark
A clean, print-ready file: why free apps add a watermark and what you get instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pet memorial cartoon?
A pet memorial cartoon is a drawn portrait of a pet that has passed away, made from your photos and from what you tell about him or her. It is a lasting memory to keep, to frame or to give to someone who had to say goodbye.
Can a pet memorial cartoon be made from only a few old photos?
Often, yes. Send everything you have, including blurry or old photos. Together with your description Hans Esser can usually make a recognisable portrait. If something is missing, he will ask gently.
Why is Hans Esser a specialist in pet memorial cartoons?
Memorial cartoons of pets that have passed away are the speciality of Hans Esser. He takes time for your story and draws the little things you remember, such as a tilted head, a favourite spot or a well-loved toy.
Can my late pet be drawn together with me or my family?
Yes. A scene with owner and pet together is a much-requested memory, such as a walk you always took or an evening on the sofa. Send a photo of the people who should be in it as well.
Can a name or text be added to the memorial cartoon?
Yes, for example your pet's name, the years you shared or a short line. Mention the exact words when you order; you will see them in the proof and can still change them.
What should I tell the cartoonist about my pet who has passed away?
Tell what made him or her special: a habit, a favourite toy, a nickname, the way they greeted you. Those details shape the drawing and help it feel like your pet, not just any dog or cat.
Is a memorial cartoon a suitable gift after someone loses a pet?
Yes, many memorial cartoons are given rather than ordered for yourself, for a friend, relative or colleague who had to say goodbye. Mention that it is a gift, and Hans will keep a surprise in mind.
Can a memorial portrait be drawn of a bird, rabbit or mouse?
Yes. Any animal that was part of the family can be drawn, from budgies, canaries and chickens to mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses and ponies.
Can a memorial cartoon show my pet in a favourite place?
Yes. Your pet can be drawn in the garden he always roamed, by the fireplace, on the beach or in the basket where she slept. Send a photo of the place if you have one.
Do I have to send the photos for a memorial cartoon all at once?
No, there is no rush. Take your time to look through your photos; you can always send another one later via WhatsApp or info@decartoonist.com, and ask questions before you decide.
Can the coat colour or expression be changed on the memorial proof?
Yes. You first see a draft of the memorial cartoon and can ask for changes, such as the exact shade of the coat, the colour of the eyes or a softer expression, until it feels right.
How can a pet memorial cartoon be displayed?
You receive a high-resolution file without a watermark. It can be framed on the wall or a sideboard, printed as a card, added to a photo book or shared digitally with family.
Can a memorial cartoon be used as a sympathy or thank-you card?
Yes. The drawing can be printed on a card to thank the vet or friends who helped, or to share with family. Mention it beforehand if you want room for text on the card.
What style is used for a pet memorial cartoon?
You can choose a calm, warm portrait or a cheerful cartoon scene full of recognition. Some people prefer a soft pencil drawing, others a colourful image that captures their pet's playful side.
Can I ask a question before ordering a memorial cartoon?
Of course. Call or message 06‑41788191, or email info@decartoonist.com. Asking a question comes with no obligation, and you can take all the time you need.
Ready to see yourself as a cartoon?
Send one clear photo, tell us the style you like, and the cartoonist gets to work. You see a proof before anything is final.