Behind every happy pet is a small team: the vet who sorted out the ear infection, the groomer who makes the dog look presentable, the sitter who sends photos while you’re away. The holidays are a natural moment to say thank you. Here are ideas for each of them, and how to pull it off without spoiling the surprise.
For the vet clinic
Many clinics have a wall or a board of patient photos and thank-you cards. If your pet has been through something big this year, a surgery or a long illness, a small canvas of that pet as a proud general or a queen is a thank-you the whole team will see every day. An 8×10 canvas fits almost any staff room or reception wall. Remember the clinic is a team: add a card that names the nurses and the receptionists too.
For the groomer
Groomers see hundreds of dogs, but almost always have one of their own. A royal portrait of their dog is a gift they won’t get from anyone else. Most groomers post their own pets on social media, so a clear photo is usually easy to find. Can’t find one? A gift card lets them choose the costume and send their favourite photo.
For the pet sitter or dog walker
Your sitter knows your pet’s habits better than some of your relatives do. Two good options: a portrait of their own pet, or, if they’ve grown attached to yours, a digital portrait of your pet they can keep on their phone. A digital portrait starts at $17.99 and is emailed as soon as you approve the proof.
For the trainer, shelter or foster carer
If your pet came from a rescue, the foster carer who looked after them before they came home will love to see how they’re doing. A “graduation” portrait of the pet they fostered, in full royal dress, says it better than any card. The same goes for the trainer who finally got your dog to walk nicely on a lead.
When you don’t know what to choose: a gift card
Gift cards come in $25, $50, $100 and $150. They’re emailed to the recipient straight away or on the date you choose, never expire, and can be spent over several orders. It’s also the easy answer for a whole team: one card, and they decide together whose pet becomes royalty first. See more gifts under $50.
How to get the photo without spoiling the surprise
- Look on their social media for a clear, close-up photo of the pet, taken in daylight.
- Ask a colleague, partner or family member to send you one.
- Tick “No photo yet” on the product page: you can order now and upload the photo later with the link we email you.
Our photo guide explains what makes a photo work. Every portrait is made by our designers, not AI, you see a proof first, and shipping is free. Giving it at Christmas? Check this year’s order-by dates.