A calm, step-by-step guide to getting a clear paw print from your dog or cat at home, with inkless, clay and paint methods compared.
A paw print is one of the simplest keepsakes you can make, and one of the most treasured. Whether you want to remember a new puppy's tiny feet or keep something of an older friend, you can get a clear print at home in a few minutes. Here is what works, what doesn't, and how to make it easier on your pet.
Which method should you use?
There are three common ways to take a paw print at home.
- Inkless kits. You press the paw onto a treated pad, then onto special paper, and the print appears. Nothing ends up on the fur, so there is no washing afterwards. This is the easiest option for wriggly pets.
- Air-dry or salt dough clay. Gives you a 3D impression you can hang or display. It needs a firm, steady press and takes a day or two to dry.
- Pet-safe paint or ink. Can look lovely on card, but it is messy, needs washing off straight away, and smudges easily if your pet moves.
If you only get one chance, for example with an elderly or poorly pet, an inkless kit is usually the least stressful choice.
Before you start
- Pick a quiet moment. After a walk or a meal, when your pet is relaxed and sleepy, works best.
- Get a helper. One person holds and reassures, the other handles the paw and the paper.
- Trim long fur between the pads if your groomer usually does, as it can blur the print.
- Have treats ready and keep the whole thing short and positive.
Step by step: taking an inkless paw print
- Lay the paper on a firm, flat surface such as a hardback book.
- Hold the paw gently by the leg, not the toes, and press it onto the pad for a second or two.
- Place the paw straight down onto the paper. Press gently on the top of the foot so each toe pad makes contact.
- Lift straight up. Don't slide or roll the paw.
- Wait a few moments for the print to appear fully, then let it dry flat.
Most people need two or three goes to get one they love, so it helps to have spare paper.
Tips for a clearer print
- Front paws are usually easier than back paws, and most pets tolerate them better.
- For cats, try while they are dozing. A cat that is wide awake will rarely let you hold a paw for long.
- For large dogs, bring the paper to the paw rather than lifting the leg high.
- Don't force it. If your pet is getting stressed, stop and try another day.
What to do with the print
A paw print looks lovely in a simple frame with your pet's name and a date. You can also scan or photograph it to use on cards, or have it engraved onto jewellery. Many people take a fresh print every year to see how their puppy or kitten has grown.
Ready to try?
Our inkless paw print keepsake kit is designed for exactly this. No ink touches the paw, so it's quick and clean. If you'd like to keep a little fur too, the keepsake gift set pairs the paw print kit with a fur capsule keyring.