Paw Print Keepsake Training Course

Paw print tile training is one of the most popular skills in the keepsake industry — and this private 1:1 course in Dorset is the only dedicated paw print tile training in the UK taught entirely with real animals. Beautiful, tactile and lasting, paw print tiles can be offered as a standalone service or alongside other pet work. Perfect for anyone who loves animals and wants to build something meaningful around that passion.

⭐ TripAdvisor People’s Choice Award 2025 & 2026 — 5.0 from over 100 five-star reviews ⭐

No pressure, no obligation — just a friendly chat about what you’re hoping to do and whether this course is right for you.

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What makes this paw print tile training special

Every animal on the day is arranged for you — including Pickle, my cockapoo, and other animals brought in for the day. You work with real pets throughout, which means you leave with genuine confidence in handling different temperaments, breeds and sizes. No plastic paws, no practising on inanimate objects. Just real animals and real impressions from the very first session.

The day covers dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and more — because your future clients will have all kinds of animals and you need to feel confident with all of them. By the end, you will have a range of beautiful tiles to take home and show potential clients, plus everything you need to start offering this service professionally.

Who this course is for

This course suits a wonderfully wide range of people — and if you love animals, you will feel right at home:

• Groomers and dog walkers wanting to add a keepsake service
• Pet sitters and doggy daycare providers
• Vet nurses and veterinary receptionists
• Animal rescue volunteers
• Pet photographers expanding into keepsakes
• Wedding pet chaperones — paw print tiles make beautiful wedding day keepsakes
• Creative entrepreneurs wanting a flexible, animal-friendly business
• Stay-at-home parents wanting an income that fits around family life
• Anyone wanting to add a popular pet service to an existing keepsake business

No experience is needed. The day is fully tailored to your level — whether you have never made a keepsake before or are already working with animals in another capacity.

What this paw print tile training covers

• How to take safe, clean and detailed paw print impressions from dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and more
• Handling techniques for nervous, excited or wriggly animals
• Preparing clay and materials correctly — the most common source of problems
• Pouring and finishing tiles to a professional standard
• Colour and framing techniques
• Pricing your work confidently and profitably
• Workflow for a home-based or studio practice
• How to present and package your tiles beautifully

Common mistakes this paw print tile training will fix

• Clay that is too soft or too firm — affects detail and finish
• Not supporting the paw correctly — leads to distortion
• Pressing too hard or at the wrong angle
• Losing detail during smoothing
• Uneven pouring or air bubbles
• Rushing the drying or curing stage

What students say

“The 1:1 experience with real wriggling animals — which Glenda organises — was invaluable. I came away with a new skillset and real confidence in my ability.”

— Julie, Scotland

“The training exceeded my expectations. It has been a wonderful addition to our business and helped our clients through difficult times.”

— Jodie, Legacy Pet Cremation Services

“I wasn’t sure where to start my journey adding keepsakes to my business but after a lovely chat with Glenda we worked out a plan and started with the 2D training day. I was a complete beginner but the day was so well set out it never felt rushed. Every step of the process was covered and explained in detail — Glenda also took photos and videos throughout which was really helpful to look back on. I had two lovely furry helpers supplied by Glenda so it was great to actually practise with real animals. Everything was supplied and leaving with my work was very exciting. Really looking forward to my next day at Precious Memories.”

• Helen W, Together Fur Ever Weddings, Dog Concierge

Nicole from Love Casting Jersey trained with me working with Pickle and horses — one of many students who have travelled from further afield specifically for the variety of animals and hands-on experience this course offers.

What you take home

You leave with a collection of beautiful paw print tiles created during the day — ready to photograph and show potential clients immediately. In addition, you take home comprehensive notes, photos and videos from the session, a trusted supplier list with exclusive trade discount codes, your certificate, and lifetime WhatsApp support. Everything you need to start offering this service straight away.

The practical bits

Investment: £550 • Duration: One day, 9:30am – 3:30pm

The studio is in Lytchett Matravers, Dorset — about 15 minutes from Poole and 30 minutes from Bournemouth, with free parking right outside. All materials are provided on the day. A 50% deposit holds your date, with the balance due the week before.

Students travel from across the UK to learn this skill — I am happy to help with local accommodation and can accept international payments via Wise if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any experience?
No — the course is fully tailored to your level, whether you are a complete beginner or already working with animals.

What animals will I work with?
Pickle my cockapoo is always there as your first model, and extra animals come in for the day so you work with different breeds and temperaments.  You will also learn techniques for cats, rabbits, horses and more.

Can I work from home after training?
Absolutely — I will guide you on setting up a home-based practice, pricing your work, and finding your first clients.

Is this the same as the human raised tile course?
No — this course is dedicated entirely to pet paw prints. If you want to offer both human and pet tiles, take a look at the Raised Hand & Foot Tile Training which can be adapted to include pets.

Ready to begin?

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No pressure, no obligation — just a friendly chat about what you’re hoping to do. I reply personally to every message.

Other courses you might be interested in

• Raised Hand & Foot Tile Training — the human equivalent, can be adapted to include pets
• 3D Pet Casting Training — including memorial pet casting specialisation
• Pet Print Jewellery Training — silver paw and nose keepsakes