Pet art and craft ideas to try at home

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Our pets bring so much joy, colour, and character to our lives, so why not celebrate them with a little creativity? Whether you’re crafting with the kids on a rainy day or making a keepsake to treasure, pet-themed art and craft is a lovely way to honour your four-legged family member.

From paw prints to portraits, here are some fun pet art and craft ideas to try at home, along with the all-important safety tips to keep your pet comfortable and out of harm’s way while you get creative.

Table of contents

• A few safety rules for happy crafting
• Paw print keepsakes
• Paint a pet portrait
• Make a personalised pet toy
• Create a photo display or memory frame
• Craft a custom pet tag
• Pet crafts the kids can get involved in
• A note on keepsakes and remembering pets
• When craft time doesn’t go to plan: the difference pet insurance can make

A few safety rules for happy crafting

Before the creativity begins, let’s talk about keeping our furry friends safe. After all, crafting should be fun for everyone, including our four-legged family members.

A few things to keep in mind before you get started:

• Keep it pet-safe. Choose non-toxic materials that are specifically labelled as safe for pets. And if you’re not sure whether something is safe for your pet, it’s best not to use it.
• Let your pet set the pace. Never force contact, and if your pet seems uncomfortable or stressed, don’t push it.
• Watch out for little hazards. Keep string, ribbon, glue, and other craft supplies out of reach. Swallowed string or ribbon can cause painful intestinal obstructions, and some glues can cause a gut obstruction or irritate the skin, mouth, gut, or eyes.
• Keep it positive. Follow your pet’s lead and reward them with praise or a favourite treat.
• Don’t forget the clean-up. If you’re using pet-safe ink or paint for paw prints, gently wash it off straight afterwards.

With that covered, let’s get crafting.

Paw print keepsakes

A classic for good reason, there’s something special about capturing your pet’s unique little paw. You can use a pet-safe ink pad or paint to press a print onto paper or card, or try an air-dry clay or salt-dough impression for a 3D keepsake (just make sure your pet doesn’t nibble the dough).

The trick? Keep it quick, gentle, and positive. One little paw press, a tasty reward, and you’re done. And if your pet isn’t feeling particularly cooperative? A photo of those adorable paws works just as well.

Paint a pet portrait

You don’t need to be the next Picasso to create a masterpiece inspired by your pet. In fact, the wonkier the whiskers, the more personality it might have!

Grab your favourite photo of your furry friend and try your hand at painting or sketching their portrait. Whether it’s a colourful canvas, a simple pencil drawing, or something wonderfully abstract, it’s a lovely way to celebrate your best mate.

The best part? Your pet can snooze happily while you do all the hard work.

Make a personalised pet toy

There’s something extra special about making a toy just for your pet. But when it comes to homemade toys, safety should always come first. Choose safe, durable materials in a size that suits your pet, and avoid anything with sharp edges, loose parts, or pieces that could splinter, break off, or become tangled.

A simple snuffle mat made from old towels, T-shirts, or fleece might be a fun project for a dog who loves sniffing out treats, provided it’s used under close supervision.

Remember, even the most thoughtfully made toy needs a watchful eye. Always supervise playtime, check regularly for signs of wear and tear, and throw away anything that’s starting to come apart.

Create a photo display or memory frame

Let’s face it, our camera rolls are probably full of pet photos. So why not give a few of those adorable snaps the spotlight they deserve?

Create a mini gallery wall, decorate a picture frame, or put together a collection of your favourite moments. Think muddy adventures, sleepy cuddles, and those wonderfully silly expressions only your pet can pull off. Add their name, a little painted decoration, or even a pet-safe paw print to make it extra personal.

Craft a custom pet tag

Personalising your pet’s ID tag can be a fun project, but keep the important details front and centre. Collars and tags are still recommended alongside a microchip, so make sure the tag is clear and legible, with your current contact details. And don’t forget to keep their microchip details up to date, too.

Pet crafts the kids can get involved in

Looking for a rainy-day activity to keep little hands busy? Pet-inspired crafts can be a wonderful way for kids to get creative while celebrating their furry best friends.

Try painting a pet portrait, decorating a photo frame, or making a little clay model of the family dog or cat. Projects that don’t involve handling your pet are a great choice, especially when paints, glue, and other craft materials are involved.

It’s also a lovely opportunity to teach children about caring for animals, from recognising when a pet needs space, to understanding why gentle, respectful interactions matter.

A note on keepsakes and remembering pets

The love we share with our pets doesn’t disappear when they’re no longer by our side. For those remembering a much-loved companion, creating something by hand can be a great way to celebrate the memories you’ve shared.

A framed paw print, a painted portrait, or a small memory box filled with favourite photos and treasured keepsakes can be a beautiful reminder of a very special bond. There’s no right or wrong way to remember a pet. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that mean the most.

When craft time doesn’t go to plan: the difference pet insurance can make

You might have the perfect craft project planned, but your pet? Well, they might have other ideas. A curious sniff, a cheeky nibble, or a paw where it shouldn’t be, could lead to an unexpected trip to the vet.

That’s why it helps to be prepared. Pet insurance can help cover eligible vet expenses for accidents and illnesses, giving you one less thing to worry about when your pet needs care. And with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your pet’s cover to suit their needs and your budget.

And there’s more to feel good about: every RSPCA Pet Insurance policy helps support vital RSPCA animal welfare work, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts across Australia.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References

[1] RSPCA Australia. How can I create low-cost DIY enrichment for my cat or dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog

[2] RSPCA Australia. Why is enrichment important for dogs? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/why-is-enrichment-important-for-dogs

[3] RSPCA Australia. Why is it important to ensure my pet is microchipped? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/why-is-it-important-to-ensure-my-pet-is-microchipped

[4] RSPCA Australia. What are common household dangers for pets? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets

[5] RSPCA Australia. What is reward-based dog training and why does the RSPCA support it? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/training/what-is-reward-based-dog-training-and-why-does-the-rspca-support-it

[6] RSPCA Australia. Pets and kids. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/blog/2022/pets-and-kids

[7] RSPCA Australia. Importance of microchipping pets. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/importance-microchipping-pets/

[8] RSPCA Australia. Making playtime a good time for you and your pet. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/blog/2019/making-playtime-good-time-you-and-your-pet