Paint Your Pet by Numbers: The Most Unique DIY Pet Art Experience
Imagine sitting down on a quiet Saturday afternoon, paintbrush in hand, slowly bringing your pet to life on canvas — one numbered section at a time. No artistic talent required. Just you, your colors, and the best subject in the world: your own dog, cat, or beloved companion. Paint by numbers pet kits have existed for decades. But custom paint by numbers from photo — where the kit is made specifically from your pet’s actual photograph — is something genuinely different. That’s exactly what we offer at PaintingByNumber.store, and it’s one of our most unique and beloved products.
What Makes “Paint Your Pet” Different from Regular Paint by Numbers
Standard paint-by-numbers kits are wonderful — relaxing, accessible, and satisfying. But they feature generic subjects: landscapes, flowers, famous paintings. Our Paint Your Pet by Numbers kits start with your pet’s photograph.
- Generic PBN kit: Paint a Lab named “Max” — a stock photo of some golden retriever
- Paint Your Pet kit: Paint your Max — the exact expression from that photo taken last summer, ears flopped forward, tongue out slightly to the left
The finished painting is unambiguously, unmistakably, irreplaceably yours. It’s not just a craft project. It’s a portrait you made yourself of the animal you love most.
Explore Paint Your Pet options →
How the Custom Conversion Process Works
- Photo submission: Upload your best pet photo (good lighting, clear focus on the face, minimum 800×800px).
- Artistic conversion: Our team converts the photo into a simplified paint-by-numbers composition — typically 20–35 distinct colors, preserving the most recognizable features of your pet.
- Canvas production: The numbered design is pre-printed onto a high-quality canvas board or stretched canvas with clear, precise outlines.
- Kit assembly: Your kit ships with all pre-matched acrylic paints, professional-grade brushes in multiple sizes, a reference card, and detailed instructions.
- You paint: A typical 12×16″ pet portrait takes most people 6–15 hours spread over several sessions.
Difficulty Levels: Something for Every Skill Level
Beginner Friendly (Simplified)
Approximately 15–20 distinct colors. Larger sections, relaxed pace, charming and recognizable result. Best for: first-time painters, children, ages 10+.
Intermediate (Standard)
Our most popular level. 25–35 colors, good detail in the face and key features. Most adult beginners complete this successfully with a few sessions of practice. Best for: most adult painters.
Advanced (Detailed)
35–50+ colors, fine details in fur texture, whiskers, and eye reflections. 15–25+ hours to complete but the result is stunning — genuinely breathtaking. Best for: experienced painters who want maximum detail.
The “Paint Your Pet” Bundle: Portrait + Kit Together
Our most unique offering — and what genuinely sets us apart from every other portrait service and paint-by-numbers provider:
Our Paint Your Pet Bundle includes:
- A professionally created finished portrait of your pet (your choice of style — oil, watercolor, realistic, etc.) ready to hang
- A matching paint-by-numbers kit based on the same image
You end up with two portraits of your pet: one created by our artists, one created by you. Display them side by side and tell everyone the story. Bundle pricing starts at $89.
Who Is This For?
- Craft lovers and hobbyists who already enjoy painting or relaxing creative activities
- Pet owners who want to do something meaningful with their pet’s photo
- Families with children who want a rainy-day project everyone cares about
- Anyone grieving a pet — the meditative process of painting has been described as therapeutic. See our memorial portrait guide →
- Gift givers looking for something original — this is consistently the most surprising “wow” gift for pet owners
- Seniors and retirees looking for a rewarding hobby that produces a lasting, meaningful result
Cross-Selling: The Complete PBN Experience
Already a fan of our standard paint-by-numbers kits? Our pet portrait kits use the exact same high-quality materials — the same pre-stretched canvases, the same professional-grade acrylic paints, the same brush sets. The only difference is the subject: instead of a landscape, you’re painting your pet.
Many customers alternate between our standard kits (for variety) and custom pet kits (for meaningful, gifting-worthy projects).
Tips for the Best Paint Your Pet Experience
- Start with the eyes: Completing the eyes early gives you a motivational milestone — and they bring the painting to life.
- Work light to dark: Paint lighter sections before darker ones.
- Use thin coats: Multiple thin layers produce better coverage than one thick blob.
- Don’t rush the face: The face is where the painting lives. Use your finest brush and take your time.
- Frame it: A simple frame elevates any finished PBN painting dramatically. Standard sizes (12×16″, 16×20″) are available at any craft store for $15–$40.
Start Your Paint Your Pet Kit →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make a paint by numbers from a pet photo?
Absolutely. We take your pet’s photo and convert it into a custom paint-by-numbers kit — pre-printed numbered canvas, matched acrylic paints, and brushes included. The kit is made specifically from your photo, so the finished painting is your actual pet, not a generic animal.
How long does a custom paint by numbers pet portrait take to complete?
A typical 12×16″ kit takes 6–15 hours for most adults, spread across multiple sessions. Beginner difficulty levels take less time; advanced detail kits may take 20+ hours. Most people complete their kit over 3–6 leisurely painting sessions.
What is the Paint Your Pet bundle and what does it include?
The Paint Your Pet bundle includes a professionally created finished portrait of your pet (your choice of style) plus a matching custom paint-by-numbers kit based on the same image. You end up with two portraits: one made by our artists, one made by you. Bundles start at $89.
Do I need painting experience to complete a paint by numbers pet kit?
No experience needed. Paint by numbers is specifically designed to guide anyone through the painting process regardless of skill level. Choose our Beginner Friendly difficulty for the most accessible experience.
Can I order a custom paint by numbers kit as a gift for someone else’s pet?
Yes — and it’s one of our most popular gift options. You’ll need a good photo of their pet (discreetly sourced from social media or a mutual friend). We can ship the kit directly to the recipient with a custom gift message included at no extra charge.