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From the spiky, reptilian scales of a dragon to the feathery wings of a phoenix, animals have always been a popular choice for tattoos. But there’s more to them than just a pretty design. A unique animal tattoo can be a great way to commemorate a beloved pet or even symbolize something deeper about yourself. Whether you want to get inked with a creature that represents strength and power, like a tiger or a horse, or independence and freedom, like a butterfly or an eagle, there’s one for everyone! 

But it’s not just their symbolism that makes them so appealing. Animals can represent different things to different people, making them an incredibly personal choice when it comes time to decide on your next tattoo. You can get one that will bring out your inner animal lover, whether that means getting a majestic dragon on your leg or an adorable little squirrel on your wrist.

A cool animal tattoo is a perfect way to show off your love for pets or particular species and can also serve as a great conversation starter. But there are so many animal tattoos to choose from it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best animal tattoos to provide inspiration for your design!

Simple and subtle or bold and dramatic? There’s no shortage of options! We’ve gathered some of our favorite animal tattoo ideas that will make you want to book an appointment with your tattoo artist as soon as possible!

#5

Little Bird Tattoo

Bird on tree branch tattoo on leg

missty_tattoo Report

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#6

Little Ducky For Cassy

Realistic little duck on skateboard tattoo on arm

sarah_tavilla Report

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Tamra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so cute, and I love that the artist captured the fluffiness of the duckling.

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#7

My Beautiful Red Panda, Done By Vivamorta

Red panda and flowers tattoo on arm

dippyfurm Report

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Weasel Wise
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's super cute but I got extra excited cuz for half a second I thought it was holding a knife. 🤣

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#8

Dog Memorial On Rob Today! This Is Jack Looking At Him On The Bed

Realistic dog head tattoo

kevinwardtattoos Report

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#16

Whales Tattoo

Two large whales tattoo on back

marta_bocharova Report

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#22

Work At Gunpoint Tattoo Studio In Erode

Simple dog face tattoo on arm

nandhini_tattoo_artist Report

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#24

Stunning Design Done At Our Sponsored Studio

Green parrot on branch tattoo on arm

tattooeverythingsupplies Report

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#26

Had Fun With This Memorial Piece

Dog face and yellow tree leaves tattoo

briansavagetattoo Report

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#27

Sketchy Bear Tattoo I Did Weeks Ago In Montreal

Sketchy black angry bear with purple watercolor pine trees in the background tattoo on leg

exblow Report

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Weasel Wise
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can hear it yelling, "I want tacos!". Little known fact, carrying tacos will keep you safe from hunger and bears.

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#29

Small Animal Tattoos

Four images with different small animal tattoos

tattoo_rhino7 Report

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#31

Birds Are One Of My Faves To Tattoo

Four images with different birds tattoos

kayagardentattoo Report

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#33

Owl And Owl 2 Healed After A Month

Two tattoo images: one - realistic owl on branch and and other flying owl with star

z9_ttt , z9_ttt Report

#34

Fox In A Forest Tattoo

Colorful fox in forest tattoo n leg

Timeristic Report

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#36

Hummingbird Tattoo

Hummingbird tattoo on arm

honcho.loco.ink Report

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#41

Based Off My Original Drawing

Swimming fish tattoo

jjjaylud Report

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Lydia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to see some colour, or some background or shading or detail in the head. Feels a bit unfinished. So far so good though :)

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#43

Extraordinary Elephants

Two elephant faces and flower tattoo on arm

teffaart_ Report

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#44

We Named Him Humphrey The Humpback

Delicate whale tattoo on arm

lucyvalentinatattoo Report

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#48

Bunnicula The Vampire Bunny

Bunny with vegetables tattoo on leg

emidoesart Report

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Moon Cheese
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Celery Stalks at Midnight! I have been transported to my childhood

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#49

Octopus Tattoo

Purple octopus tattoo

notp.ink Report

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#50

Mehndi Style Kitty

Mehndi style kitty tattoo

staceybtattoos Report

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#53

A Curious Platypus For Matt Last Week! A Super Fun One To Do Thank You Matt

Swimming platypus tattoo on arm

tattooblair Report

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#55

Leopard Tattoo

Leopard face tattoo on arm

teffaart_ Report

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#56

Two Giraffes

Two giraffes, butterflies and colorful flowers tattoo

annarttt Report

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#57

I Love Tattooing Animals And Especially When They Give Me Freedom To Cover Up An Old Tattoo

Realistic lion with a baby lion tattoo on leg

kod3_ink Report

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#58

Bunny Tattoo

Little black linear bunny tattoo on leg

itaimeryl Report

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#59

Sparkle Flame Tiger

Broken in two pieces tiger face with blue flames tattoo

Goblyn215 Report

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weneedrain
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic! The idea to split the face at that geometric line is great and the differing eyes make me want to stare at it

#60

Are They Your Cats Or Are You Their Human?

Cats faces on forearms tattoos

tattoobull.lab Report

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#62

Dalmatian Watching Over Mélanie

Simple dalmatian tattoo on arm

la_amicale Report

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#63

Happy Caturday

Simple cheetah tattoo on arm

billiestclairdesigns Report

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Katya Davidson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are ever looking for a companion tattoo, I suggest google to see all the cheetahs that have emotional support dogs

#64

Got A Walk-In Today And Got The Pleasure Of Drawing Up This Custom Memorial Piece

Frog tattoo

ants_custom_creations Report

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#66

Thank You Caroline

Baby tiger and rose tattoo

dorietattooer Report

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#68

Single Needle Butterfly

Realistic butterflie tattoo on arm

jk_tattooandart Report

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#69

Elephant Tattoo

Linear elephant face tattoo on arm

eduardoqueiroz.art Report

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#70

Cat Bird And Key From My Flash

Black linear cat and flying bird with key tattoo

ancientindigo Report

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#71

Lucky Goat From My Flash For Gabe! In Colours Of Their Choosing

Purple lucky goat tattoo

pearlclapp Report

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#73

Fish Done At Bright Side Tattoo

Fish with yellow flowers on arm tattoo

kest234 Report

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#76

A Leopard Realistic Tattoo Of 10cm I’ve Made

Realistic leopard portrait tattoo

squidman_dim Report

#78

Butterfly Hand Tattoo

Two butterflies on hand tattoo

rebecca.tattoo Report

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#79

Seahorse Tattoo

Black linear simple seahorse tattoo

viridiana.o.studio Report

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Lydia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess it is the style, but I would want some colour, shading or a bit of background. Neatly done though...

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#82

Animal Tattoo

Wolf face tattoo on back

krizthiannova Report

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#83

Beautiful Michi Over Here

Walking leopard tattoo

tami.ink_ Report

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#84

Crab Inside Bicep

Crab tattoo

bearlytattoo Report

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#85

Centipede By Teresa Sharpe, Unkindness Art, Richmond, VA

Color centipede arm sleeve tattoo

AstridDragon Report

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rob
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful drawing but no way i would want a centipede on my body.

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#86

My Animal Tattoo In Progress

Lion, leopard and bitten apple in the middle back tattoo

jerbakz Report

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Weasel Wise
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lion is saying to the leopard, "I told you not to take a bite! We're not supposed to eat apples!"

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#87

Leopard With Hearts For The Wonderful Chloe

Leopard with hearts as fur spots tattoo on leg

deadvenomtattoo Report

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#88

Snake And A Rose

Snake and rose tattoo

alantattoo13 Report

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#89

Half Cat, Half Statue

Half cat and half sculpture face tattoo on arm

js.fletcher Report

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#90

Tiger For My Good Friend

Black tiger face tattoo on leg

daos_tattoo Report

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#91

Little Spin On A Rosie Camanga Style Wolf For Kyle. Thanks A Lot Man

Wolf head with hearts in its fur tattoo

mikemendes Report

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#92

Traditional Bear Tattoo

Black roaring bear face tattoo

mikemendes Report

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#93

Animals & Autism Piece

Giraffe, fox, ladybird and colorful puzzle piece tattoo

TheShadyCat Report

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