Paw Print Keepsakes: How to Take a Clear Print at Home
By PDSA Pet Store | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to take a paw print at home with clear, step-by-step instructions for clay and ink kits, including tips to keep your pet calm and get a lasting keepsake.
Quick answer
To take a clear paw print at home, work on a flat, non-slip surface with a calm pet, press the paw evenly into soft clay or use a mess-free ink pad, and clean the paw immediately after. For cats, a high-value treat like Optixcare L-Lysine Chews can help keep them still during the process. Always have a damp cloth and towel ready before you start.
Choose the right method for your pet
Clay kits capture a three-dimensional impression and work well for dogs with thick pads or long fur, but they require a steady press and a few minutes of drying time. Ink kits are faster and produce a flat, detailed print on paper, which is easier for cats or anxious pets who won't tolerate a prolonged hold. If your pet is highly nervous, consider a two-person approach: one person gently holds the pet while the other presses the paw. For pets that need help staying calm, a natural calming spray like Pet Remedy Mini / Travel Calming Spray can be used on a bandana or bedding before the session. Avoid using it directly on the paw you plan to print, as the scent may encourage licking and smudge the impression.
Prepare the workspace and your pet
Set up on a table or floor where your pet feels secure. Lay down a wipeable mat or newspaper to catch stray clay or ink. Have a bowl of warm water, pet-safe soap, and several soft towels within reach. Trim any long fur between the paw pads before you start; this prevents fur from blurring the print and keeps cleanup easier. If your pet has digestive sensitivities and you're using treats as rewards, a gentle food like ROYAL CANIN® Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food can be used for kittens, but for adult cats or dogs use their regular treats. The key is to keep the session positive and short—no more than two or three attempts.
Step-by-step: taking the paw print
- 1. Gather supplies and set up: Place clay or ink pad on a flat, stable surface. Have damp cloths, towels, and treats ready. Keep the area well-lit. Checkpoint: everything within arm's reach so you never leave your pet unattended.
- 2. Calm your pet: Let your pet sniff the materials. If they seem anxious, use a calming spray on a bandana or spend a few minutes petting them before starting. Mistake to avoid: rushing straight into the print without letting your pet adjust.
- 3. Position the paw: Gently hold the paw and press it evenly into the clay or onto the ink pad. For clay, press down firmly but not so hard that the print goes through. For ink, roll the paw from heel to toe. Checkpoint: the print should show all pads clearly; if not, you can smooth the clay and try once more.
- 4. Lift and check: Lift the paw straight up to avoid smudging. For ink, press the paw onto paper immediately. For clay, inspect the impression and re-press if needed. Mistake to avoid: dragging the paw sideways, which blurs the edges.
- 5. Clean the paw: Wipe the paw with a damp cloth and mild pet-safe soap, then dry thoroughly. Offer a treat and praise. Checkpoint: no clay or ink left between the pads, which could irritate skin.
- 6. Finish and preserve: Let clay air-dry for 24–48 hours, then seal with a clear acrylic spray if desired. For ink prints, store in a dry, flat place away from sunlight. Next step: date the back of the keepsake and store it safely.
Products that can help
- Optixcare® L-Lysine Chews for Cats: Optixcare® L-Lysine Chews for Cats provide 500 mg of L-Lysine per chew, a high-potency nutritional soft chew for cats and kittens. A high-value treat can distract a cat during a paw print session, making it easier to get a clear impression without a struggle.
- ROYAL CANIN® Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food: ROYAL CANIN® Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food is formulated to support digestive health in kittens and is available in 400 g or 2 kg bags. If you're using food rewards during the paw print process, this gentle formula is a suitable option for kittens with sensitive stomachs.
- Pet Remedy Mini / Travel Calming Spray - 15ml: Pet Remedy Mini / Travel Calming Spray is a natural formula using low-concentration Valerian essential oil blended with Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Sage, designed to tackle anxiety and stress in pets. Spraying it on a bandana or bedding before the session can help take the edge off for nervous pets, reducing movement that causes blurry prints.
