Let's face it: Dogs and cats are better than humans. And many of us have had dogs or cats in our lives that left lasting impressions on us — so why not commemorate them with something just as permanent?
Oh yeah, we're talking about tattoos. Here are 48 small pawprint tattoo ideas to get you started:
I'm about to make a pretty bold statement, but...
Buckle up for this.
Let's face it.
It's a hard truth but I'm willing to say it.
Dogs are better than humans.
That's right, I said it.
So are cats.
Mhhhm, them, too.
Like, WAY better.
You know I'm right.
If you share this state of mind, chances are you've had your heart stolen by one of them.
Or a few of them.
In which case, why not commemorate that love?
Oh yeah, you know what I mean.
I'm talking about tattoos.
Just like this one.
DOG TATTOOS.
Woof woof.
Paw print tattoos are an especially cute tribute to your favorite furry friend.
White ink, anyone?
And they don't even have to be that big.
Not even the size of a quarter.
In fact, the tinier, the cuter.
Which makes this one very cute.
Even better? Lace detailing.
*chef's kiss*
Or animal silhouettes.
Meow.
How about a little watercolor?
Nay, a whole rainbow of watercolors.
White ink will get you an almost undetectable look.
All the more reason to go pointing it out to everyone.
But a heartbeat is utterly sweet.
I'm not crying, you're crying.
Minimalist to your core? Try an outline.
The best part? It'll be over in two minutes.
Mix up that outline with some curly-cues.
Does it get cuter than this?
Go the artsier route and opt for an uber realistic imprint.
This artist deserves every award.
Don't shy away from a pop of your favorite color.
A neon one, for that matter.
Or level the heck up with the entire color spectrum.
Now that's how it's done.
Adding the name of your pet will make that much more special.
*sobs into my pillow*
With small details, you can make a simple paw print entirely your own.
Take this dog/human combo for instance.
You can also make ink unique to you with your placement choice.
This cotton candy dream looks great on the calf.
The back of the ankle is a great place to start.
It can fall perfectly under the hem of your pants.
Or for something a little less visible, the heel works, too.
The little initial, oh my god.
If you want to get a little weird with it, take it to your toes.
Is that… the… ring toe?
Better yet, the bottom of your toes.
Hehehehe, no one will ever know.
Need something more noticeable? Collarbone ink sounds right up your alley.
Look at that cutesy little swirl!
Or somewhere behind your ears.
Just don't forget to clean back there.
Maybe you don't want anyone to see it, in which case, there's always the exact spot your bra will go.
It's a little ~sexier~ but ain't nothing wrong with that.
Or the spot just above the hip bone.
Perfect for swimsuit season.
But, of course, there's nothing wrong with the obvious choice.
I'm talking about the wrist tattoo.
There's a reason people are getting wrist tattoos left and right.
This red one's a perfect example.
It's one of the best and easily spotted places on the body for ink.
Jsut make sure not to go too close to the crease of the hand.
It's the perfect blank canvas for your puppy love.
Ugh, so sweet.
And if you're the dainty type, it's just the spot you're looking for.
So simple and still so dang cute.
Because no matter how tiny, your tattoo will always be in your sight.
This one's heart detail is to die for.
And if you need to hide it — well, that's what watches are for.
Or bracelets, whatever your thing is.
But you get the point, yeah?
Love the swirl on this piece.
Dog and cat tattoos are kind of the best.
Especially when they have mandalas inside of them.
Scratch that "kind of" part.
This one would've hurt, but it must've been worth it.
Putting a little paw print on your body is the perfect way to make a statement to the world.
Is that another heart? Eeep!
That statement being, "get away from me unless you're my pet."
Just one of those paw pads is a heart, and that's some creative ish right there.
And isn't that what all of us are thinking?
Don't lie to me, I know is it.
Yeah, I thought so.
"Hello, tattoo parlor? You take walk-ins?"
