A paw print is one of the few physical records you can keep of a pet. It takes a few minutes, needs no special skill, and is worth doing while your pet is relaxed — ideally long before you need it.
Written by the COAZEN team
Why take a print now rather than later
A print taken from a calm, healthy pet is simply a better print. The pad is clean, the fur can be trimmed, and you can try again if the first attempt smudges. Prints taken in a hurry at the end of a pet's life are often rushed, and a vet visit is not the moment to be learning the technique.
You do not need a reason to take one. Most people who have a print are glad of it years later, and the ones who regret it are usually the people who meant to do it and never did.
What you need, by method
Three methods cover almost every pet. Choose by temperament first and detail second — a good ink print beats a ruined clay one.
| Method | What you need | Time | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink or paint | Washable, pet-safe ink pad or paint, plain paper, warm water and a cloth | 2–5 minutes | Most pets; the fastest clear outline | Smearing if the paw wriggles; ink on fur |
| Clay or dough | Soft air-drying clay, a flat rolling surface | 5–10 minutes | Pets who will hold still; the deepest impression | Shallow prints if the clay is too firm |
| Photograph | A phone, daylight, a contrasting surface | 1–2 minutes | Pets who refuse ink or clay | Shadow across the pad; shooting at an angle |
Step by step: the ink or paint method
- Pick the moment. Wait until your pet is calm and a little sleepy, usually after a walk or a meal. A relaxed paw spreads properly; a tense one curls its toes and gives you a partial print.
- Set up before you touch the paw. Put the paper down, open the ink pad, and have the cloth within reach. Once the paw is inked you will not have a free hand.
- Ink the pad, not the pet. Press the paw gently onto the pad, then onto the paper. Support the leg at the wrist rather than pulling the paw.
- Press firmly but briefly. One clean press beats several adjustments. Wriggling is what smears a print.
- Take three or four. You can choose the best one later, and a spare is useful if one tears.
- Wipe the paw straight away. Most pet-safe inks come off with warm water and a soft cloth.
- Label it immediately. Write the date on the back before the paper goes anywhere. It is the detail people most often wish they had.
Step by step: the clay or dough method
- Roll the clay flat to about the thickness of a coin, on a surface you can lift without bending it.
- Press the paw straight down and lift straight up, so the edges of the impression stay clean.
- Check the depth. If the impression is shallow, re-roll and try again — the clay stays workable for a while.
- Let it dry away from direct heat, then write the date on the back once it is solid.
Step by step: photographing the paw
- Put the paw flat on a surface that contrasts with the fur — dark fur on pale paper, pale fur on a dark cloth.
- Shoot straight down, not at an angle. Fill the frame with the pad and toes.
- Use daylight and turn the flash off. Flash flattens the pad and hides the outline.
- Take several and keep the sharpest. A clear photograph can be turned into a print or a piece of art later, so nothing is lost — our guide to taking a photo for a pet portrait covers lighting and angles in more detail.
Common problems, and what actually fixes them
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Print is faint or patchy | Too little ink, or the paw was lifted before pressing | Re-ink lightly and press once, firmly, on fresh paper |
| Print is smudged | The pet moved during the press | Take the next one after a treat; two people helps |
| Outline is blurred | Fur between the pads | Trim the fur between the pads beforehand if your pet allows it |
| Only part of the paw shows | Toes curled, or the paw was rolled sideways | Wait for a relaxed paw and press straight down |
| Paper tore | Thin paper, wet ink | Use heavier paper and less ink |
How to store and label a print
Keep paper prints flat, out of sunlight, and away from damp. A plain folder is enough. Write the pet's name and the date on the back of every copy, in pencil if the paper is thin — ink can show through to the front.
If you only have a phone photograph, back it up somewhere that is not the phone. Send it to yourself by email, or save it to cloud storage, the same day.
What to do with the print afterwards
A paper print can be framed as it is, or used as the reference for a keepsake. If you would like the print turned into something you can keep or wear, that is what the pieces in our paw print designs are for. If the print is for a pet who has passed, memorial keepsakes covers the wider range.
If you are unsure whether a particular print is usable, send us a photo of it before you order and we will tell you honestly. If the print is going on a memorial, what to write on a pet memorial covers wording and dates, and our photo and file guide explains how to send images with an order.
Questions people ask before starting
Can I take a paw print after my pet has passed?
Yes, and it is often done at the vet or before a home cremation. The pad may be cooler and less pliable, so a clay impression can be easier than ink. If you are unsure, ask the vet to take one before the appointment ends.
What if my pet will not tolerate having its paw touched?
Use the photograph method. It needs no ink, no clay and only a second or two of contact, and a good photograph can be turned into a print later.
Does the print have to be perfect?
No. Even a smudged print can often be cleaned up digitally, which is why it is worth keeping every attempt rather than discarding the imperfect ones.
Which ink is safe for pets?
Use a washable, non-toxic ink pad sold for children's craft or a pet-safe paint, and wipe the paw clean straight away. If your pet has sensitive skin, test a small area first or use the photograph method instead.
How long does the print last?
On acid-free paper, stored flat and out of sunlight, an ink print will last for years. A clay impression lasts as long as the dried clay is protected from knocks and moisture.
If you take only one thing from this guide: do it on an ordinary day, when nothing is wrong. That is the print you will want.
