For many pet owners, it’s a struggle they know all too well. And that’s where Pawever Memories comes in.
Founded by photographer Amanda Tan, the business is built on a simple yet meaningful idea: helping pet parents capture moments they might one day wish they had.
“Growing up, I had two dogs that I never thought of taking photos with. Then they passed away and I realised I didn’t have those memories to look back on. So, I thought it would be a good idea to help pet parents achieve that goal. Don’t wait until they’re gone and regret it,” Tan told FMT Lifestyle.
The business name itself is a play on the words “paw” and “forever”, reflecting her hope that each photo becomes a keepsake furparents can hold on to.
The 27-year-old didn’t always specialise in pet photography. She previously ran Cxpturing Souls Studios, focusing on human subjects.
However, when the pandemic hit, her work took a new direction when she began volunteering with animal shelter My Pets Haven, photographing rescue animals to help them find homes.
Working with these animals gave Tan valuable experience and eventually led to the birth of Pawever Memories in March 2023. Today, she runs both Pawever Memories and Cxpturing Souls Studios.
Through Pawever Memories, Tan offers sessions in three settings – outdoors, at her Petaling Jaya studio or in the pet’s home.
While her four-legged clients are mostly dogs and cats, she is open to just about anything – and has even photographed rabbits and a hedgehog.
“I’m pretty open, as long as pet owners understand their pet’s behaviour – whether they’re stressed or comfortable. For pets that haven’t done photo sessions before or are in a new environment, it can be stressful,” Tan explained.
So, how does she get animals to cooperate for the perfect shot? Treats, squeaky toys and familiar commands do the trick for dogs, while food and teaser toys work best for cats.
For more energetic pets, she recommends letting them burn off excess energy before a session – a walk or some playtime can make all the difference.
Before every shoot, Tan also takes time to speak with furparents to better understand their pets. And sometimes, building trust with her four-legged clients begins in the most unlikely ways.
“Once, a pet owner told me ‘You need to hug me when we arrive so my dog knows we’re friends’. So that’s what I did – when I opened the door, we hugged and her dog was okay,” recalled Tan with a smile.
Over time, Tan has witnessed a wide range of moments through her lens. Some clients come to mark milestones such as expecting a child, wanting to include their pets as part of the growing family. Others, however, arrive for more bittersweet reasons.
“We’ve had a few sessions with animals approaching the end of their lives. A few months later, the owners would message to say their pet had passed on. It’s a bit sad, but looking back on their photos is very touching and holds a lot of meaning,” said Tan.
“Hearing how much the photos mean to pet owners is what really, really drives me. Seeing how happy they are makes me very happy as well.”
Through Pawever Memories, Tan also gives back to the animal welfare community. A portion of the proceeds from her photo sessions goes to animal shelters and independent rescuers, with the beneficiaries changing from time to time.
She also continues to photograph rescue animals for free to help boost their chances of finding a furever home.
Indeed, through Tan’s lens, fleeting moments – a glance, a wag, a quiet cuddle – are turned into something lasting. Because for many pet owners, these are not just photographs – they are memories they will one day hold on to.
Thinking of capturing a forever moment with your pet? Send a WhatsApp message to 016-236 0209. Follow Pawever Memories on Instagram and Facebook.