How to Capture Your Dog's Paw or Nose Print at Home for a Custom Gold Keepsake
There's nothing quite like the bond you share with your dog — the quiet companionship, the greeting at the door, the familiar press of a paw against your hand. At Matanai, we transform that paw or nose print into a piece of solid gold you can hold onto forever. And it all begins with capturing a clear, detailed impression at home.
A paw print carries the shape of the companion who walked beside you. A nose print is every bit as personal — each dog's nose has its own pattern of ridges and creases, as unique as a fingerprint. You can capture either one, or both, with the same kit.
Below are the ways to do it, from the method that gives the most beautiful result to the gentlest option for a beloved companion who has already passed.
Method 1: The Wax Kit (Our Recommended Method)
When you order, we send you a wax impression kit — this is the method that captures the most detail and gives your finished piece its depth and character. A little preparation goes a long way toward a flawless print.
For a paw print:
- Start with clean, dry paws. Wax picks up fur, dirt, and moisture, so gently wipe the paw and let it dry fully before you begin.
- Trim the fur around the pads. For fluffier dogs, a careful trim with pet-safe scissors keeps the impression crisp and prevents stray hairs from blurring the detail.
- Add a light touch of oil. A thin coat of coconut or vegetable oil on the pads helps the paw release cleanly without tugging on sensitive fur.
- Press with intention. Push the center pad into the wax first, then, without lifting, press each toe pad and nail. This gives us the deep, complete impression we need.
For a nose print:
- Pat the nose dry right before you start. Dogs' noses are naturally moist, and moisture blurs the fine texture. Gently dab with a soft cloth, then work quickly before it dampens again.
- Warm the wax first. Roll it between your palms until it's soft and smooth, so it takes the impression with only light pressure.
- Bring the wax to the nose, not the nose to the wax. Hold the wax steady and lift it gently to your dog's nose, rather than pushing their face into it.
- Keep it light and quick. A soft, brief press captures the pattern beautifully. Pressing too hard flattens the delicate ridges.
For either print, choose a calm moment when your dog is relaxed and resting. A second person to gently steady your pup — and a few treats nearby — works wonders. And don't worry if it takes a few tries; simply reshape the wax and begin again. Once you're happy with your impression, mail the kit back to us.
Method 2: An Existing Clay Impression
Already have a clay paw or nose print — perhaps one taken at your vet's office? We can work beautifully from that too. You have two options:
- Mail us your clay impression, and we'll carefully extract the print using our own process, then return your original to you safely.
- Request our special kit, take the impression yourself at home, and mail it back.
Method 3: Ink Prints — A Loving Option for Pets Who Have Passed
If your beloved companion has already crossed the rainbow bridge and you never had the chance to take a molded impression, please know there is still a way to hold them close.
From an ink paw or nose print on paper, we can still create a piece as beautiful and meaningful as any other. Here's the part that brings so many of our customers comfort: we don't simply stamp your print flat onto metal. We still cast the piece in wax, so it emerges with the same natural, dimensional shape our molded pieces have. We then hand-engrave the print and hand-polish every surface, so the final keepsake looks soft, organic, and true to life — never flat or mechanical. It becomes a piece as full of warmth as your memories of them.
Holding On to What Matters Most
Whichever method is right for you, our goal is the same: to turn a simple paw or nose print into an heirloom you'll treasure for a lifetime. If you have any questions along the way, we're always here to help.