A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Dog Tattoos

So in something that I suspect could generate a bit of a furor, Craig Driscoll, a great Canadian tattooist working in Edmonton (and elsewhere) took his puppy Chico in to the vet, had him sedated, and tattooed him. Now, before you go calling the Edmonton Humane Society and telling them to raid DragonFX or something (where he was guest-spotting at the time of this entry), realize that dogs get tattooed all the time and it’s perfectly legal — and as Craig points out, it’s not as bad as cutting the tails off boxers and Rottweilers (or cutting the foreskin off baby humans I guess).

That said, if you’ve got an opinion on the matter, here’s his comment forum. Personally while I’ve got enormous respect for Craig’s artwork, and I’m sure that he loves his dog, I’m really not down with tattooing animals myself.

Comments

24 responses to “Dog Tattoos”

  1. candz Avatar
    candz

    When a human being tattoos thier bod – it’s a choice that he or she has made. An animal cannot make a decision to be tattoo’ed – and NO human is capable of making that decision for them.

    Animal tattoo’ing is extremely wrong in my eyes. You’re causing your animal unnecessary trauma _ I frown upon it!!

  2. candz Avatar
    candz

    When a human being tattoos thier bod – it’s a choice that he or she has made. An animal cannot make a decision to be tattoo’ed – and NO human is capable of making that decision for them.

    Animal tattoo’ing is extremely wrong in my eyes. You’re causing your animal unnecessary trauma _ I frown upon it!!

  3. Kaos Avatar
    Kaos

    how can he be traumatized? he was asleep!!!! and it’s not like he’s doin’ it while he was awake. take your head out your ass and follow the light

  4. Kaos Avatar
    Kaos

    how can he be traumatized? he was asleep!!!! and it’s not like he’s doin’ it while he was awake. take your head out your ass and follow the light

  5. Huggie Bear Avatar
    Huggie Bear

    How can anyone be so irresponsible as to tattoo an animal, I hope he dosnt call himself an animal lover. Craig you should be damm well ashamed of your behaviour, I hope the RSPCA catches up with you causing suffering to a defenceless animal.
    Signed a disgusted animal lover, and yes I treat my animals with the love and respect they deserve.

  6. Huggie Bear Avatar
    Huggie Bear

    How can anyone be so irresponsible as to tattoo an animal, I hope he dosnt call himself an animal lover. Craig you should be damm well ashamed of your behaviour, I hope the RSPCA catches up with you causing suffering to a defenceless animal.
    Signed a disgusted animal lover, and yes I treat my animals with the love and respect they deserve.

  7. lauren Avatar
    lauren

    Because they still crop tails and ears, is not an excuse to tattoo a dog. It is cruel and you should be ashamed for treating an animal like a toy to decorate. What are you Paris Hiltion! Its not ok to take a dog and put him to sleep and mutulate, everytime you put a dog under its heart is weakened, for what tasteless art from tasteless man. Truely unnessary and cruel!!!!!

  8. lauren Avatar
    lauren

    Because they still crop tails and ears, is not an excuse to tattoo a dog. It is cruel and you should be ashamed for treating an animal like a toy to decorate. What are you Paris Hiltion! Its not ok to take a dog and put him to sleep and mutulate, everytime you put a dog under its heart is weakened, for what tasteless art from tasteless man. Truely unnessary and cruel!!!!!

  9. lauren Avatar
    lauren

    oh and any vet who would sedated a dog for a tattoo, should have there lisence revoked, you are supposed to put you patients best interests first!!!!!

  10. lauren Avatar
    lauren

    oh and any vet who would sedated a dog for a tattoo, should have there lisence revoked, you are supposed to put you patients best interests first!!!!!

  11. mandi Avatar
    mandi

    Let me guess… those of u responding to this also disagree with pet identification tattoos as well??

  12. mandi Avatar
    mandi

    Let me guess… those of u responding to this also disagree with pet identification tattoos as well??

  13. Mardy Avatar
    Mardy

    I personally disagree with changing any animal for any reason other then health issues. tattooing a dog for looks is cruel and irresponsible. Not even responsible breeders tattoo dogs anymore. Pet id tattoos are a thing on the past , microchipping is the standard , its safer (no anesthetic ), little to no discomfort , less healing time, and alot less chance of infection. Those who think this sounds like a good idea should never have an animal in your care. As for this stupidity being legal well animal rights laws are ridiculas at best.

  14. Mardy Avatar
    Mardy

    I personally disagree with changing any animal for any reason other then health issues. tattooing a dog for looks is cruel and irresponsible. Not even responsible breeders tattoo dogs anymore. Pet id tattoos are a thing on the past , microchipping is the standard , its safer (no anesthetic ), little to no discomfort , less healing time, and alot less chance of infection. Those who think this sounds like a good idea should never have an animal in your care. As for this stupidity being legal well animal rights laws are ridiculas at best.

  15. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    I’d agree with Craig. BUT, Rots need their tails removed for carting, dogs do not need to be tattooed.

    Pet identification tattoos, and ear clips for feral cats are fine. But the ones of “hello kitty” and shit like that can constitute as abuse.

  16. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    I’d agree with Craig. BUT, Rots need their tails removed for carting, dogs do not need to be tattooed.

    Pet identification tattoos, and ear clips for feral cats are fine. But the ones of “hello kitty” and shit like that can constitute as abuse.

  17. Zar Avatar
    Zar

    i think anyone who would mutilate their pet like that must be a pathetic person.

  18. Zar Avatar
    Zar

    i think anyone who would mutilate their pet like that must be a pathetic person.

  19. briony Avatar
    briony

    for people in the uk apposed to the tattooing of animals i have a petition, please sign it, uk residents only

    http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/banpettattooing/

  20. briony Avatar
    briony

    for people in the uk apposed to the tattooing of animals i have a petition, please sign it, uk residents only

    http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/banpettattooing/

  21. Beckyandbambi Avatar
    Beckyandbambi

    I think it is great and want to get a tattoo on my dog! I believe it would be o.k since I did not cut her tail off or cut her ears! owwwwwwww!

  22. Beckyandbambi Avatar
    Beckyandbambi

    I think it is great and want to get a tattoo on my dog! I believe it would be o.k since I did not cut her tail off or cut her ears! owwwwwwww!

  23. Dog Lover Avatar
    Dog Lover

    Oh wow. Dogs get tattooed every day in Canada (It’s required by the CKC) and in the UK. Give me a break. A tattoo feels just as bad as having road rash, and dogs heal much faster than humans do. The three week heal time for a human tattoo is cut down to almost 4 days.

    Case in point. A woman goes in to get a hysterectomy. She’s laid up in bed for 3-4 weeks. A dog gets spayed (Same thing) and she’s good as gold in 7 days.

    And the person who said “Everytime a dog goes under their heart gets weaker” is a complete moron. I hope you never go for vet tech for veterinarian.

  24. Dog Lover Avatar
    Dog Lover

    Oh wow. Dogs get tattooed every day in Canada (It’s required by the CKC) and in the UK. Give me a break. A tattoo feels just as bad as having road rash, and dogs heal much faster than humans do. The three week heal time for a human tattoo is cut down to almost 4 days.

    Case in point. A woman goes in to get a hysterectomy. She’s laid up in bed for 3-4 weeks. A dog gets spayed (Same thing) and she’s good as gold in 7 days.

    And the person who said “Everytime a dog goes under their heart gets weaker” is a complete moron. I hope you never go for vet tech for veterinarian.

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Tethered in Time
    Some suspensions are planned down to the last detail—others arise suddenly, yet carry just as much meaning. For Kyle and Aly, what began as a spontaneous idea became a deeply symbolic expression of shared history and emotional connection. The number of hooks told a story… Read more: Tethered in Time
  • Held by Hooks, and Each Other
    Facilitators and practitioners—the very people who bring so many suspensions to life—often pour their energy into others, quietly setting aside their own opportunities. Brenton and Brittany are one such example. Traveling all the way from Houston, TX, they came to the Ontario Suspension Convention not… Read more: Held by Hooks, and Each Other
  • When Tongue Piercings Meet Medicine
    In 2010, a German study was published involving subjects with tongue piercings. The tongue piercing was used as part of a device designed to relieve obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder affecting many individuals. Severely affected individuals may suffer from various long-term… Read more: When Tongue Piercings Meet Medicine
  • Suspended, Not Silenced
    There’s something undeniably powerful about watching someone working through the stages of suspension. We all build up ideas about ourselves—what we’re allowed to feel, how much we’re allowed to express, when it’s okay to break. For some, suspension is not about pushing physical limits its… Read more: Suspended, Not Silenced
  • A Nightbird’s Passage
    Some stories take their time, unfolding over decades, through life’s long detours and diversions. But dreams never rest until they’re fully realized. Even after 15 years, Robb knew there was still a suspension experience waiting for him. Something left unfinished, something essential. At the Ontario… Read more: A Nightbird’s Passage
  • What Lifts the Body, Shifts the Soul
    First suspensions are rarely just about the body—they’re a meeting point between the physical and the deeply personal. Stepping into this experience isn’t simply about trying something new, but about stepping outside yourself to a version you had always sensed was waiting. I’ve had a… Read more: What Lifts the Body, Shifts the Soul