Which Paw Printing Method is Best? I Tried Them All...

Spoiler alert: none of them beat a photo.

The Best Ways to Capture Your Pet's Paw Prints: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Preserving your pet's paw print is a meaningful way to hold on to the bond you share. Whether you're looking to create a heartfelt keepsake or a thoughtful pet memorial gift, there are several methods available for paws printing. I tested four of the most common options—an inkless kit, a foam imprint kit, a clay print from the vet’s office, and Flutterbye Prints’ photo-based method—to see how they really compare.


While every method offers a special way to remember a beloved pet, one clearly stands out for ease, detail, and long-term preservation. Here’s how I rank them, from best to least effective and hardest to use.

🥇 #1 – Flutterbye Prints' Photo-Based Paw Print Keepsake

The first on this list is Flutterbye Prints’ photo-based method, because it’s the easiest, most detailed, and most flexible option—making it the best choice for creating a lasting, high-quality pet memorial gift.

Pros:
    •    Easiest for both pet and owner—just take a photo
    •    No mess, stress, or struggling with paws
    •    Can capture prints from multiple pets or pets who have already passed
    •    Review the design before printing to avoid spelling errors or choose a different color
    •    Capture the most details, including unique patterns and features
    •    Wide variety of product formats: art prints, ornaments, digital copies and more

Cons:
    •    Requires a clear photo (though step-by-step instructions are provided)
    •    Slight turnaround time to receive proof and final art

    •    No 3-D quality

Ideal for: Pet owners who want a clean, customizable, and detailed keepsake that can be created anytime—even after they've crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

This is a photo of my dog Penny's paw. She has a few color variations that make unique patterns on her paw pads. 

Here's the final paw print captured from her paw photo.  Fur and dirt have been edited out and some of the color patterns have been captured.

🥈 #2 – Clay Imprint at the Vet’s Office

The second is a clay imprint taken at the vet, because it’s often offered at a critical moment and provides a solid, physical reminder—but it tends to lack fine detail and personalization.


I had these made for two of my pets after they passed away. It was comforting during those difficult moments, and I appreciated the gesture. However, one of the names was misspelled (“FIONA” instead of “FIONNA”), and neither impression captured much detail. 


Pros:
    •    Often done by a caring vet staff
    •    Available at many vet offices as part of end-of-life care
    •    Provides a solid, tangible keepsake
    •    Cheapest option


Cons:
    •    Not always available unless your pet is at the end of life
    •    Prone to cracking over time
    •    Less detailed and can appear rushed
    •    No chance to review or fix errors

Ideal for: Memorializing a pet at the time of passing when other options aren't available.

We adopted Fionna as a kitten and she was with us for 18 years ❤️  I was pretty heartbroken to get her cat paw print memorial back with her name spelled wrong and the paint on the imprint looking messy.

Fortunately, Fionna was one of my first tests when I was developing my method for paw printing from a photo.  I had taken a picture of her paw before she passed away. After doing hundreds of cat prints, I am able to get even more detail now, but I'm so glad to have her little paw memento. 

🥉 #3 – Inkless Paw Print Kit

The third is the inkless paw print kit, which is less messy than traditional ink and can work well for calm pets—but results can be inconsistent and there are few options for customization or display.  I was also disappointed that there is no mention of how long the print is supposed to last, some customer reviews noted that the prints can smudge or fade.


I tested this with one of my dogs, Penny. She’s excitable and hates having her paws touched, which made it hard to get a clean impression. With only two sheets (two attempts) included, we didn’t get a print I loved. 


I used this inkless paw print kit: Pearhead Paw Print Clean Touch Ink Pad Kit


Pros:
    •    Clean and relatively mess-free
    •    Easy to use at home
    •    Safe and non-toxic for pets

    •    Cheaper upfront, but lower precision


Cons:
    •    Often too light to capture detail
    •    Requires pet cooperation and stillness
    •    Limited in paper quality and product format

    •    No info or guarantee on ink longevity
 

Ideal for: A quick and clean method for paws printing if your pet is cooperative and you’re okay with a basic result.

Penny is a wiggly pup and didn't want to have her print taken.  This was the best result of only two attempts, with just two papers limiting the option to retake included in the kit.

Penny’s paw print turned into a one-of-a-kind keepsake.  Printed on thick, luxurious fine art paper, which is acid-free to ensure a longer print life compared to other paper options. Printed with aqueous pigment inks that resist fading for over 100 years and help your prints last for generations.

🏅 #4 – Foam Imprint Paw Print Kit

Coming in last is the foam imprint kit - because while it’s marketed as easy with the ability to redo if needed, I found it messy, hard to center, and difficult to re-try I wanted to get a better print.  And for this particular kit, the size was much larger than a normal ornament.  A typical ceramic round ornament is 3", but this kit makes an ornament that is 5".  I'm guessing to accommodate larger paw sizes. 


Unfortunately, dirt and fur got stuck in the foam, and even though the instructions said to roll it out again to retry for a new print, by the third try it was starting to dry out.  You can see in the second photo below how I couldn't get it smooth again. And anyway, she was definitely already over it after just one attempt.


I tested this paw print ornament kit: Pearhead Pet Paw Print Keepsake Ornament Kit


Pros:
    •    Captures better depth and 3-D shape than ink
    •    Often includes display frames
    •    Is a cheaper option


Cons:
    •    Can be messy and require pressure on your pet’s paw
    •    Picks up fur and dirt
    •    Limited reusability before foam degrades 

    •.   Size is larger that standard ornament


Ideal for: Pet owners who want a more tactile, 3D-style paws printing method and don’t mind a more cumbersome process and less precise print.

Attempt #1 - Did not re-roll foam to re-try for a better print.  I didn't realize her paw was a bit dirty and the print was well off-center.

Attempt #2 - Re-rolled foam multiple times in attempts to get a better print.  Foam started to dry out and would no longer roll out smooth. 

Penny's paw print made from her photo used to make a dog paw print ornament.  Paw print can be made in any color and also printed on different keepsakes like pillows and framed prints.

Here's How Paws Printing Methods Compare:

Saving the Paw Prints On Your Heart

No matter which method you choose—whether it’s an inkless kit, a clay imprint, or a photo-based keepsake—capturing your pet’s paw print is a meaningful way to honor your pet. These tiny impressions hold a big place in our hearts, offering a lasting, tangible reminder of the love, loyalty, and memories your pet brought into your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a dog paw print at home?


You can use an inkless or foam kit, but the easiest way is to take a clear photo of your pet’s paw and use Flutterbye Prints’ photo-based method for a mess-free, detailed keepsake.


What’s the best pet paw print kit?


While all kits offer something unique, Flutterbye Prints’ photo-based method stands out for flexibility, customization, and high-quality results—making it ideal for a meaningful pet memorial gift.


Can I get a paw print from a pet that has passed?


Yes. With a clear photo of your pet’s paw or nose, Flutterbye Prints can create a beautiful pet memorial keepsake gift—even if your pet is no longer with you.


Is it safe to use ink on my pet’s paws?


Most inkless kits are pet-safe and non-toxic, but always check the label. If your pet has sensitive paws or you're unsure, a photo-based method is a safer and cleaner alternative.

Key Takeaways

    •    Every paws printing method has value, but Flutterbye Prints’ photo-based keepsake offers the best mix of ease, detail, and product variety.
    •    You don’t have to settle for messy or low-detail impressions.
    •    A high-quality pet memorial gift should reflect your pet’s unique prints and personality.
    •    With photo-based keepsakes, you can capture prints at any stage of your pet’s life—including after they’ve passed.

Ready to create a print that lasts forever?


Try Flutterbye Prints’ photo-based keepsakes and make your memories visible, mess-free, and meaningful.