Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Customization

Is it created by AI?

All of our custom portraits are illustrated by real human artists with lots of love. Our artists will work with you to make revisions to ensure you love the result.

How do custom pet portraits work?

Ordering a custom pet portrait is simple! After you place your order, we'll send you a link to upload high-resolution photos of your pet. You can request specific details like background colors, add custom text (like your pet's name or a favorite quote), or choose "Artist's Choice" and let our artists surprise you. Within 2 business days, you'll receive a digital proof to review. You can approve it or request one free round of edits. Once you're happy with the design, we print it on museum-quality archival paper and ship it to you.

What photos should I upload for the best results?

Clear, well-lit photos work best! Photos taken at your pet's eye level (not from above) tend to capture their personality better. Natural lighting is ideal, and make sure your pet's face and features are in focus. You can upload multiple photos, and our artists will use them to capture your pet's unique characteristics. Don't worry if you don't have the "perfect" photo—our artists are skilled at working with what you have!

Can I include multiple pets in one portrait?

Yes! Our custom portraits can feature multiple pets. Contact us before ordering at hello@itsonlypaws.com so we can provide pricing and discuss the best layout for your furry family members.

What dog breeds do you work with?

All of them! Our portraits work beautifully for corgis, golden retrievers, french bulldogs, labs, huskies, chihuahuas, mixed breeds—any dog. We also create portraits for cats, birds and other pets.

Can I choose the background color and add text?

Absolutely! When you upload your photos, you can request specific background colors to match your home decor or personal style. You can also add custom text like your pet's name, birth date, a meaningful phrase, or anything else you'd like. If you're unsure, select "Artist's Choice" and our artists will create something beautiful based on your pet's personality.

How long does the whole process take?

You'll receive your digital proof within 2 business days of uploading your photos. After you approve the design, printing takes 3-5 business days, and shipping typically adds another 3-7 business days depending on your location. So from start to finish, expect about 1-2 weeks total.

The Artistic Process

What makes your style different from traditional pet portraits?

Our portraits are funky, whimsical, modern, and full of personality! We use bold colors, stylized lines, and creative textures to capture your pet's essence rather than creating photo-realistic replicas. Think pop-art meets modern design. If you're looking for a literal recreation of a photograph, this isn't the right style. But if you want a bold, contemporary piece of art that captures your pet's soul and sparks conversation, you'll love what we create.

Will it actually look like my pet?

Yes! While our style is artistic and stylized (not photo-realistic), we absolutely capture the unmistakable features and personality that make your pet unique. You'll recognize your dog's face, markings, expression, and character in the portrait. Past customers consistently tell us we "nailed" their pet's essence.

Gifting Questions

Is a custom pet portrait a good gift for dog owners?

Custom pet portraits are one of the most thoughtful and personal gifts you can give a dog owner! Dog lovers cherish their pets like family, and a portrait celebrates that special bond in a meaningful way. Unlike toys or treats that get used up, a custom portrait becomes a lasting keepsake they'll treasure forever. It's perfect for dog moms, dog dads, corgi lovers, or anyone who treats their pet like their child.

What occasions are custom pet portraits good for?

Pet portraits make excellent gifts for:

Birthdays - especially for milestone birthdays
Christmas & holidays - a gift they'll display year-round
Mother's Day - perfect for dog moms and cat moms who deserve recognition
Father's Day - celebrate dog dads and cat dads who love their furry babies
Housewarming gifts - instant personality for a new home
Adoption anniversaries ("Gotcha Day") - commemorating when they found each other
Pet memorials - a beautiful tribute to a beloved companion who's passed
"Just because" - showing you care about what matters to them
Thank you gifts - for the friend who's always there for you (and brings their dog!)

What if I'm buying this as a surprise gift?

Perfect! Remember to use your email address when you place the order. After you order, we'll send the photo upload link to YOUR email. You can collect photos from the recipient's social media or ask family members without spoiling the surprise. When we send the digital proof, it comes to you for approval—not the recipient. You control the entire process, and they'll never know until you're ready to reveal it!

Can I give this as a gift if the person's pet has passed away?

Absolutely. Many customers order memorial portraits to honor beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. A custom portrait becomes a beautiful way to keep their memory alive and celebrate the joy that pet brought to their life. We approach these commissions with extra care and sensitivity.

Is this a good gift for someone who has everything?

Yes! This is actually the perfect gift for the person "who has everything." It's completely unique and personalized to them—something they couldn't buy for themselves without having the idea first. Dog owners who already have all the practical gear and accessories will truly appreciate a one-of-a-kind piece of art that celebrates their pet.

What about gift wrapping or gift messages?

Product & Quality

What sizes do you offer?

We offer multiple sizes to fit any space:

Small (8x10") - perfect for desks, shelves, or small wall spaces
Medium (11x14") - ideal for bedroom or office walls
Large (16x20") - statement pieces for living rooms
X-Large (24x36") - dramatic focal points for large walls

What about framing options?

Yes! We offer frame options in black, white, and natural wood finishes. Frames come with UV-protective acrylic plexiglass (safer than glass and reduces glare). You can also order just the print and frame it yourself if you prefer. We also offer digital file only if you prefer to print it yourself.

What is the print quality like?

We use museum-grade archival paper with a substantial 189 g/m² weight. This ensures excellent color fidelity, vibrant reproduction, and longevity—your portrait won't fade or yellow over time.

Returns, Refunds & Satisfaction

What is your refund policy?

Custom products are made specifically for you, so they typically cannot be returned or refunded once the design is approved and printed. However, we offer a satisfaction guarantee during the proof stage: you'll receive a digital proof within 2 business days, and you get one free round of edits. If after the edits you're still not happy with the design, you can request a full refund before we print it.

For non-custom products (like our art prints and mugs), you can return them within 7 days of delivery for a refund, as long as they're in original condition.

What if I don't like the digital proof?

No problem! You get one free round of revisions. Just tell us what you'd like changed—different background color, different pose, more or less stylization, etc.—and we'll revise it within 24-48 hours. If you're still not satisfied after revisions, we'll issue a full refund. We want you to absolutely love your portrait.

What happens if my order arrives damaged?

Contact us immediately at hello@itsonlypaws.com with photos of the damage. We'll send a replacement at no cost to you. All shipments are packaged carefully to prevent damage, but if something happens in transit, we'll make it right.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location. International orders typically take 14+ business days after production is complete.

Do you offer rush or expedited shipping?

Yes! If you need your portrait by a specific date, contact us before ordering and we'll do our best to accommodate rush timelines. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout for an additional fee.

Will I receive tracking information?

Absolutely. Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with tracking information so you can follow its journey to your door.

What if I need it by Christmas/a birthday/specific date?

Contact us as soon as possible! We'll let you know if we can meet your deadline. For guaranteed holiday delivery, we recommend ordering at least 3 weeks before your target date.

About Only Paws

Who are you?

We're Only Paws—a small business that celebrates the joy, chaos, and unconditional love that pets bring to everyday life. Our vibrant, playful designs come with a twist of humor, inspired by the unique personalities of dogs (especially corgis) and the special bond between pets and their humans.

Why corgis?

OnlyPaws is inspired by the Pet Influencer "lambo.thecorgi". Corgis are endlessly entertaining, full of personality, and absolutely adorable—basically the perfect muse! We feature corgis prominently in our art prints, but our custom portraits work beautifully for any breed.

How can I contact you?

Email us at hello@itsonlypaws.com or use our contact form. We typically respond within 24 hours. For urgent questions, mention "URGENT" in your subject line.

Do you have a physical store?

We're an online-only business, which allows us to keep prices affordable and serve customers everywhere.

Still Have Questions?

If you didn't find your answer here, we're happy to help! Contact us at hello@itsonlypaws.com or contact us page, and we'll get back to you within 2 business days.

Ready to create a portrait they'll treasure forever? Shop Personalized Portraits or browse our Funny Art Prints !