How to get your pet's paw print engraved on jewellery

There's something quietly special about wearing a piece of jewellery that carries your pet with you. Not just their name, but the actual shape of their paw, the one that pressed into your hand, your lap, or your heart more times than you can count.

Paw print engraving is one of the most meaningful things we do at The Silver Store, and we get a lot of questions about how it actually works. So here's everything you need to know, from capturing the print at home to uploading it and ordering your piece.

Summary

This guide walks you through how to capture your pet's paw print at home using a simple ink pad, take or prepare a photo that works for engraving, and order a personalised paw print piece from The Silver Store. Includes tips for dogs with longer hair, what to do if your pet is unwell, and how to use an existing photo if you already have one.

The easiest way to capture a paw print: a non-toxic ink pad

This is the method we recommend most often, and the one that gives the clearest, cleanest result for engraving. All you need is a non-toxic, washable ink pad (kids' craft ink pads are perfect), some plain white paper, and a few treats for encouragement. You can find ink pads at Kmart or Officeworks.

Step by step

1. Let your pet sniff the ink pad first so they're not startled by it.

2. If your dog has longer hair around their paws, give them a gentle trim beforehand so the pads are clear.

3. Gently press their paw onto the ink pad. Don't push too hard.

4. Press the paw straight down onto the white paper, then lift straight up to avoid smudging.

5. Wipe their paw clean with a baby wipe or damp cloth, then reward them with a treat (they earned it).

The result should be a clear outline of their paw pad, which is what we use to create the engraving.

Taking the photo to send us

Once you have your ink print, take a clear photo of it before sending it through. Good lighting makes a real difference here. Natural daylight is best, and make sure the image is focused and not blurry. A sharp, well-lit photo gives us the most to work with so we can engrave the design cleanly.

We'll handle the rest, including removing the background so only the paw print remains.

What if I already have a photo of my pet's paw?

If you have an existing photo of your pet's paw, we may still be able to work with it. We can trace the shape of the paw pads from the photo and use that outline for engraving. It won't have quite the same detail as a fresh ink print, but it can still create a beautiful, personal result.

If you're not sure whether your photo will work, send it through and we'll let you know.

If your pet is unwell or you've recently lost them

We know that for many people, this kind of piece is about holding onto someone they love, or honouring a pet they've already lost. If your pet is ill, your vet may be able to produce an ink paw print for you. Many vets do this as a matter of course, and it's always worth asking. Alternatively pet cremation services will produce a paw or nose print for you if you request it. 

We'll take the most care with these pieces, and we're always gentle with the stories that come with them.

How to order your paw print piece

Once you have your paw print ready, ordering is straightforward:

1. Choose the piece you want to engrave, whether that's a necklace, bracelet, keyring, or something else.

2. Add engraving to your order.

3. Select the image option and upload your paw print photo.

If you have any questions along the way, get in touch and we'll help you through it.

A keepsake that's truly one of a kind

No two paw prints are the same, and that's the whole point. Whatever piece you choose, it will carry something that belongs only to your pet and only to you.

That's what makes it worth keeping.

Create your personalised paw print piece 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What do I need to capture my pet’s paw print at home, and is the ink safe?

Short answer: Use a non-toxic, washable ink pad (kids’ craft pads work well), plain white paper, and a baby wipe or damp cloth for cleanup - plus a few treats. Let your pet sniff the pad first, trim longer hair around the paw if needed, press the paw gently onto the ink pad, then press straight down onto the paper and lift straight up to avoid smudging. The result should be a clear outline we can engrave. You can find suitable ink pads at Kmart or Officeworks.

Question: How do I photograph the paw print so it engraves cleanly?

Short answer: Take a sharp, well-lit photo of the ink print in natural daylight, making sure it’s in focus and not blurry. Good lighting and clarity give us the best result. We’ll remove the background so only the print remains.

Question: Can you engrave from an existing photo of my pet’s paw instead of an ink print?

Short answer: Often, yes. We can trace the shape of the paw pads from a photo and use that outline for engraving. It won’t have quite the same detail as a fresh ink print, but it can still look beautifully personal. If you’re unsure whether your photo will work, send it through and we’ll let you know.

Question: What if my pet is unwell or I’ve recently lost them - how can I get a print?

Short answer: If your pet is ill or has recently passed, your vet may be able to produce an ink paw print for you; many vets do this as a matter of course. We’ll take the utmost care with these pieces and the stories that come with them.

Question: How do I order a paw print necklace, bracelet, or keyring from The Silver Store?

Short answer: Once you have your paw print photo ready, choose your piece (necklace, bracelet, keyring, etc.), add engraving to your order, then select the image option and upload your paw print photo. If you have any questions, get in touch and we’ll help you through it.