Digital vs. Print Pet Memorial Photo Albums: Why Print Still Matters

Pet ownership comes with so many benefits. That loyal companionship and unconditional love can be so special. And who doesn’t love coming home from a long day at work to their favorite furry friend waiting by the door? It’s enough to make anyone’s heart melt.

So, it’s no surprise that when we lose a pet, it can be so heartbreaking. And naturally, we want to preserve their memory to the best of our ability. But what’s the option? And how do we decide between a digital vs. print pet photobook? 

The truth is that both options work well if a pet photobook is part of your plan. In this article, we’ll walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of both options so that you can choose the best pet memorial photo book to memorialize that special relationship you had with your beloved pet.

Why We Memorialize Our Pets

Before we get into what you want to consider when choosing between a digital vs. print pet photobook, let’s talk about why we memorialize our pets in the first place. 

When we lose a beloved animal, the quiet moments afterward can feel overwhelming. Our pets were part of our routines, our daily conversations, and often our comfort during tough times. And when Fido got the zoomies? It would be wheels off watching him run to and fro like a crazy person. Creating a memorial isn’t just about remembering how they looked. It’s about honoring how they made us feel, especially when they left us in peals of laughter.

Photo albums give us a way to process that grief while celebrating the life we shared. Looking through snapshots of your dog snoozing in the sun or your cat batting at holiday decorations can bring both laughter and tears, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Some people take it a step further with pet photography ideas that capture their pet’s spirit, like a photo shoot at a favorite park or portraits with their go-to toy. Whether it’s a spontaneous snapshot or a professional session, each image tells a part of the story that deserves to be remembered.

Digital Photo Albums: Pros and Cons

A digital pet photobook can be a popular choice for remembering a beloved pet. They’re quick to create, easy to access, and offer a lot of flexibility. If you’re someone who lives online and wants to keep your memories close at hand, or share them widely, this option might be a great fit. But like anything digital, there are trade-offs to consider.

Pros:

• Easily shareable: Send your album to friends and family with a single click

• Multimedia friendly: Include videos, music, and even animations for a more dynamic tribute

• Affordable or free: Many apps and platforms offer free tools to build albums

• Unlimited space: No need to narrow down your photo collection—save it all

Cons:

• Less personal feel: Scrolling on a screen isn’t quite the same as flipping through pages

• Tech risk: Files can be accidentally deleted or lost in a device crash

• Easily buried: Without a physical presence in your home, digital albums may be forgotten in a folder or cloud archive

Digital albums are convenient, but they don’t always offer the same emotional experience as holding a photo book in your hands.

Print Photo Albums: Why They Still Matter

Though digital photo albums are becoming more popular than ever, there’s something to say about a physical album. After all, when Fido finds his way across the rainbow bridge, it can be quite comforting to flip through the pages of his dog photo album. Holding something tangible, something made just for your pet, can offer a sense of connection that screens just can’t match.

Here’s why print still matters:

• Tangible: You can touch, flip, and revisit a printed album whenever you want—no passwords or loading screens required

• Personal: Print albums often become treasured heirlooms, passed down and cherished

• Reliable: No batteries, no cloud storage, no risk of getting lost in a file folder

• Display-Ready: Looks beautiful on a shelf or coffee table and is easy to share with guests

• Emotional permanence: A printed album holds space in your home and your heart—it’s a daily reminder of the bond you shared

Printed albums also pair beautifully with pet portraits. A custom pet portrait from Crown & Paw next to a photo album creates a lovely tribute corner, one that keeps your pet’s memory alive in the warmest, most visible way.

Making the Choice: Digital, Print, or Both?

Here’s the good news. You don’t have to choose just one. For many pet lovers, the best option is using both digital and print formats. Digital albums are great for convenience and easy sharing, while printed albums offer a deeper sense of connection and permanence.

Pet parents take, on average, 400 photos of their pets each year. That’s a lot of sweet, silly, and unforgettable moments. And get this. Almost one-third of pet owners admit to treating their pets like members of a royal family. So why not memorialize them like royalty, too?

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Looking to share? Digital albums are perfect for friends and family

• Want something to hold onto? Print gives you a way to reminisce without screens

• Thinking long-term? Printed albums (and portraits!) preserve memories for future generations

For something truly special, pair your printed album with a dog admiral portrait from Crown & Paw. It’s the perfect mix of heartfelt and hilarious. And let’s be honest, your pup probably thought they ran the house anyway. Whether you laugh or cry while flipping through the pages, both formats help you celebrate a life well-loved.

Crown & Paw Can Help You Commemorate Your Love for Your Pet

Losing a pet is never easy. They’re more than animals. They’re part of the family, and their absence is deeply felt. But preserving their memory through photos can bring comfort, smiles, and a sense of closeness that lasts long after they’re gone.

Whether you choose a digital album, a printed keepsake, or both, what truly matters is the love behind every image.

At Crown & Paw, we’re honored to help pet parents celebrate those unforgettable bonds. Browse our collection of portrait options, custom keepsakes, and thoughtful gift ideas for inspiration. When you’re ready, create a print album or order a personalized item that captures everything your furry friend meant to you.