How to Prepare for Your First Pet Portrait Tattoo Appointment in Singapore

If you are getting a pet portrait tattoo in Singapore and it is your first tattoo, it is completely normal to feel a bit unsure about what the day will look like. Many of my clients are in exactly this position, and I enjoy walking them through it. This guide covers how I suggest you prepare, from the days before your appointment to the first weeks of healing.

I am Jeremin, a solo tattoo artist and I have specialised in pet portraits since 2022. My studio is private and appointment-only, so you will have a calm space and my full attention. Here is what helps most.

What do I need to send before my pet portrait tattoo is booked?

Preparation starts with your first message to me. To give you an accurate quote and reply quickly, I ask for a few things: the days and timings that work for you, a clear photo of your pet, the size you have in mind in centimetres, whether you want the face or the full body, and whether you prefer colour or black and grey. If you want a name, flowers or other details added, mention that too.

I also ask for a photo of the body area you have in mind, with the exact spot circled. That one small step saves a lot of back and forth. If any of this feels unclear, just tell me what you do know and I will guide you through the rest. If you are still choosing a picture, my post on how to choose the best photo for your pet portrait tattoo will help.

How should I look after myself in the 24 hours before the appointment?

A tattoo session asks a lot of your body, so I recommend treating the day before like a day before an exam. Please avoid heavy drinking and blood thinning medicine for 24 hours before your session. Rest well the night before, drink enough water and eat something before you come.

It sounds simple, and it is. Clients who arrive rested and fed tend to sit more comfortably, and that makes the whole session smoother for both of us.

How much time should I set aside for a pet tattoo session?

Plan more time than you think you need. How the session goes, whether it feels rushed or well prepared, directly affects the care I can put into your tattoo, and that shapes how it looks for the rest of your life. If you have a time limit, tell me when you book. I will not rush a tattoo under any circumstances, so if we run out of time we would need to book a second session, and extra charges may apply.

My advice is to keep your schedule clear after the appointment as well. Avoid planning anything strenuous or water-based straight afterwards, such as a swim or a hard workout.

What happens on the day?

You arrive at a private, solo-artist studio, so there are no crowds and no one waiting behind you. We go over the design together, and I will answer any questions about placement and size before I begin. Because so many of my clients are first timers, I am happy to explain each step as we go. Take your time and ask whatever you like.

Your deposit is deducted from the total on the day, so you only pay the remaining balance. The deposit is non-refundable, since it covers the time I spend creating your design (the full details are in my post on how booking and deposits work at Onuby Ink), so please make sure you are comfortable with your choice of artist before you transfer it. If you need to cancel or reschedule, I ask for at least 72 hours' notice, otherwise the deposit is forfeited unless it is an emergency. If you are feeling unwell on the day, let me know.

What do I do after leaving the studio?

I give you aftercare instructions once the session is done. In short, the second skin stays on for about 24 hours, you avoid submerging the tattoo in water for the first 2 weeks, and you avoid scratching or picking at scabs. Moisturise with unscented lotion when the skin looks or feels dry, and skip thick products like vaseline. Light exercise is fine, but avoid stretching the area, and there are no dietary restrictions.

Please be patient with how it looks early on. A new tattoo takes around 1 to 1.5 months to settle. If the tattoo looks infected, see a doctor. For the full routine, I wrote a day-by-day guide on tattoo aftercare and healing for a new pet portrait tattoo.

If you are getting a tattoo in memory of a pet who has passed, you may want a little extra time and space on the day. I explain what that appointment is like in my post on pet memorial tattoo ideas in Singapore.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat before my tattoo appointment?

Yes, please do. I recommend eating something, drinking water and getting a good night's rest before you come in.

Should I avoid alcohol before getting a tattoo?

Yes. Avoid heavy drinking and blood thinning medicine for 24 hours before your session.

Do I get a touch-up if my pet tattoo needs one?

Yes. If a touch-up is needed after healing, message me and I will arrange a complimentary touch-up session.

Is it okay to get a pet portrait tattoo as my first tattoo?

Absolutely. Many of my clients are getting their first tattoo, and I guide them through placement, sizing, the design process and aftercare so they know what to expect.

Ready to book your pet portrait tattoo in Singapore?

If you are ready to start, send me your pet's photo, your preferred size and placement through WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram @onubyink, and I will guide you from there