How to Take a Dog Nose Print (Photo or Ink) for Jewellery

A dog nose print is one of the most personal things you can keep of your dog. Like fingerprints, the ridges and creases on a dog's nose are unique to each dog, which is why a clear print makes such a meaningful piece of jewellery.

The good news is that you don't need a special kit. You can get a usable print two ways: a phone photo, or ink and paper. Here's how to do both, plus tips for cats and for pets who have already passed.

Option 1: a dog nose print photo

For engraving, a sharp photo often captures more detail than ink, because it records every ridge without smudging. It's also less fuss for your dog, so it's where most people start.

What you need

• A phone with a decent camera
• Soft daylight, ideally near a window or outside in the shade
• A few treats, and a helper if you can find one

Steps

1. Pick a calm moment. After a walk or a meal, when your dog is relaxed and a bit sleepy, is ideal.
2. Find soft, even light. Bright shade or indirect window light works best. Harsh midday sun throws dark shadows into the creases.
3. Turn the flash off. Flash bounces off a moist nose and turns the ridges into white glare.
4. Gently dab the nose. A slightly damp nose is normal, but a very wet, shiny one reflects light. Pat it lightly with a soft, dry cloth just before you shoot.
5. Get close and straight on. Let the nose fill most of the frame, shooting face on rather than from the side. Move the phone closer rather than zooming a long way in.
6. Tap to focus on the nose. Hold still, and use burst mode if your phone has it. Take lots; you only need one sharp one.
7. Check it. Zoom in on the photo. You should see individual ridges clearly, not a soft blur.

What to avoid

• Blur. The most common problem by far. If the ridges look fuzzy when you zoom in, try again.
• Filters, portrait mode and beauty modes. These smooth out texture, which is exactly the detail that matters.
• Screenshots and photos forwarded through messaging apps. These are often compressed. Upload the original file from your camera roll where you can.
• Your own shadow. Leaning over your dog can block the light. Shift to the side of the window if the nose looks dark.

Option 2: an ink nose print

An ink print gives you a physical keepsake on paper as well. It takes a bit more patience, and some dogs simply won't have it, which is fine. Many dog nose print kits come with a pet-safe ink pad, but a simple home setup works too.

What you need

• A non-toxic, water-based ink pad (check the label)
• Smooth white paper or card
• A damp cloth for cleaning up
• Treats, for bribery and for thanks

Steps

1. Wipe and dry the nose. A clean, dry nose takes ink more evenly.
2. Apply ink lightly. Dab the pad gently on the nose rather than pressing the nose into the pad. Too much ink fills the creases and hides the pattern.
3. Bring the paper to the nose. Curve the paper slightly and press it gently against the nose. Think of it as a gentle boop, not a push.
4. Lift straight off. Sliding the paper smudges the print.
5. Try a few times. The first print is often too dark. The second or third is usually the clearest.
6. Clean up. Wipe the nose with the damp cloth, and hand over the treat.

Once you have a clear print, photograph or scan it flat in good light, with the whole print in frame and in focus. That image is what you'll upload.

How to take a cat nose print

A cat nose print is smaller, and cats are, as a rule, less cooperative. The easiest approach is a photo taken while your cat is napping in daylight: relaxed, still, and usually happy to ignore you. Approach slowly, get close, and take several shots without flash. Ink is possible with a very calm cat, but most people find a photo far less stressful for everyone involved.

If your pet has passed away

This is one of the questions we're asked most, and there are often more options than people expect.

• Look through old photos. A close-up where the nose is in focus may work, even if it wasn't taken for this purpose. Check photos from lazy afternoons on the couch or car trips, when your pet was close to the camera. Originals from your camera roll are better than copies saved from social media.
• Ask your vet or cremation service. Some vets and pet cremation services take nose or paw prints, sometimes as part of their service. It's worth asking, even afterwards.
• Send what you have. You don't need to be sure it will work. Upload it, and we'll look at it and tell you honestly.

For other ways to remember a pet, see our guide to pet memorial gifts.

How to take a nose print for Nose Print Co. jewellery

When you order, you upload your photo or ink print scan directly on the product page, for example on our dog nose print ring. No photo yet? Tick the option to email it later, and reply to your order confirmation email when you're ready.

We check every print and email you within 24 hours to confirm your print, size and engraving details. Nothing is engraved until you approve it. If a photo isn't clear enough, we'll say so and help you get a better one. The full process is on our how it works page.

Quick checklist

• Daylight, no flash
• Nose gently dabbed dry
• Close, straight on, nose filling most of the frame
• Sharp ridges when you zoom in
• No filters; upload the original file
• For ink: a non-toxic, water-based pad, a light touch, white paper and several attempts

Got a print you're happy with? Have a look through our nose print jewellery and choose a ring, bracelet or pendant to engrave it on.

Photographing a cat instead? See our tips on cat nose print jewellery.