Pet Casting Training UK
Learn 3D Paw Casting With Real Dogs, in One or Two Days
This pet casting training is open to students from across the UK and abroad. You learn in my private studio in Dorset, working hands-on with real dogs from the first session. Pickle, my cockapoo, works alongside other dogs I arrange. Because every session is hands-on, by the end you can handle, cast and finish a paw with confidence. Every first conversation is informal and without obligation.
“In our first month offering paw castings, we achieved over £6,000 in sales. The training exceeded every expectation and has been a wonderful addition to our business.”
Jodie, Legacy Pet Cremation Services
Why Choose This Pet Casting Training
- Real dogs, arranged for you. You do not need to find animals, because Pickle works alongside other dogs I arrange. They vary in breed, size and temperament.
- Live animal handling. Dogs move, but fur hides fine detail. So you learn the timing, positioning and release that capture every paw detail.
- Professional airbrushing. A good cast is only half the job, but a refined finish sells it. On Day 2, you learn airbrushing for a premium finish.
- No ongoing costs. Training is a one-off payment, so there are no surprises. There are no required purchases, and you are not tied to any system.
- Lifetime support. I stay on WhatsApp and email whenever questions come up while you work with clients.
Choose Your Pet Casting Training
There is no fixed package. Choose the day or days that suit you, and I will help you decide before you book.
Day 1: Pet Casting Foundations (£550)
Day 1 suits anyone new to pet casting. It also suits experienced casters who want to add animals to their range, since animal work is a different skill. Because you work with Pickle and other dogs I arrange, every dog teaches you something different. By the end, you can cast a clean, detailed 3D paw with confidence.
What you learn:
- Safe handling and positioning for different breeds
- Alginate mixing, ratios and timing for animal skin and fur
- Creating clean, detailed 3D paw casts with real dogs
- Basic cast cleaning and preparation
Days 1 and 2: Foundations Plus Advanced Casting and Airbrushing (£1,100)
Day 2 builds on Day 1, but it asks more of you. You work with more challenging animals, then learn a handclasp composition with a pet and an adult. This needs a different technique, because two subjects move at once. You finish with professional airbrushing.
What you learn on Day 2:
- Casting more challenging animals
- A handclasp composition with a pet and an adult
- Preparing, reinforcing and finishing your casts
- Professional airbrushing
- Client session workflow, pricing considerations and studio setup
Want airbrushing but only have one day? You can add the half-day Airbrush Masterclass (£350). If you are unsure, tell me about your experience and I will advise honestly.
| Option | What it covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pet casting foundations with real dogs | £550 |
| Days 1 and 2 | Foundations, advanced casting, handclasp with a pet and an adult, airbrushing | £1,100 |
| Airbrush Masterclass (half day) | Add-on for one-day students | £350 |
Who Pet Casting Training Suits
Pet casting sits well alongside many businesses that already work with animals and their owners. These are the groups who often join me:
- Dog groomers, walkers and pet sitters: offer clients a lasting keepsake alongside services they already trust you for.
- Vet nurses and veterinary receptionists: support pet owners in a new, personal way.
- Pet cremation and bereavement services: offer families a detailed 3D paw keepsake of a much-loved pet.
- Animal rescue volunteers: create keepsakes when a pet finds a new home.
- Pet photographers: expand into physical keepsakes, since clients already love their photos.
- Wedding pet chaperones: paw casts make memorable additions to wedding days.
- Existing human casters: learn the different techniques that animal paws, fur and movement need.
- Pet lovers starting something new: build a flexible, creative business around animals.
What Students Say About Pet Casting Training
“Nine years after training with Glenda, I’ve built Love Casting into a successful business in Jersey, working with dog charities and pet cremation services. What makes Glenda’s training special is that the support doesn’t end when you leave — she’s still there whenever I need advice.”
Nicole, Love Casting, Jersey
Working With Pickle and the Dogs
Louise travelled from Ireland for the three-day masterclass, where she worked with baby models and a dog model. She now runs Forever Held By Lou alongside her hospice work.
“I travelled a long way from Ireland to train with Glenda, so choosing the right trainer was really important to me. … One phone call with Glenda and instantly she stood out … She explained the why behind what we were doing and adapted the training around what I needed. … I came home absolutely buzzing and kept looking at the work I’d created thinking, ‘I actually made that!’ … What I really appreciated was that Glenda didn’t try to turn me into a copy of her. She helped me become better at being me.”
Louise, Forever Held By Lou, Ireland — [read her full Tripadvisor review]
Julie travelled from Scotland for three days of 3D casting and 2D tiles. She worked one to one with real babies and with Pickle.
“The 1:1 experience with real wriggling babies and dog … was invaluable.”
Julie A, Scotland
Which Pet Casting Training Course Is Right for You?
Four pet courses run here, so here is how they differ.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Best for | Material | Price |
| 3D Pet Casting (this page) | Detailed 3D paw casts, plus airbrushing on Day 2 | Alginate | From £550 per day |
| Paw Print Keepsake Training | Clay paw tiles | Clay | £550 |
| Pet Print Jewellery Training | Silver paw and nose print jewellery | Art Clay | £550 |
| Memorial Pet Casting Training | Sensitive memorial work for cremation and veterinary clients | Alginate | £650 per day |
For memorial work with pet cremation or veterinary clients, the Memorial Pet Casting Training page covers that specialist route. Ping travelled from Norway to take it.
“Travelling from Norway for this memorial pet casting training was completely worth it. The training was clear, supportive, and professionally delivered. I now have the skills and confidence to create sensitive, high-quality memorial castings.”
Ping, Norway
What You Take Home From Pet Casting Training
- The casts you create during your session
- Photos and videos of your training
- Comprehensive training notes
- A supplier list with exclusive trade discount codes for certain products
- Your certificate of completion
- Lifetime WhatsApp support, so I am here whenever you need me
Travelling to Dorset for Pet Casting Training
If you are travelling, Lytchett Matravers is about 15 minutes from Poole and 30 minutes from Bournemouth. Parking at the studio is free. Bournemouth Airport is roughly 25 minutes away, while Southampton Airport is about 50. Students travel from across the UK and from Norway, Germany, Ireland and beyond. I am happy to advise on accommodation and travel routes. Because I arrange dates around your schedule, mention your travel plans when you get in touch.
The Practical Bits
- Hours: 9:30am to 3:30pm each day
- Location: my private studio in Lytchett Matravers, Dorset
- Format: 1:1 or small group, tailored to you
- Payment: a 50% deposit secures your dates, then the balance is due the week before training. Invoices are available if you are booking for an organisation.
- International students: I accept payments via Wise, so paying from abroad is simple.
Questions About Pet Casting Training
Do I need experience to join?
No. Both options are open to complete beginners. But if you already cast, we talk through your current skills before choosing the right option.
Are the dogs provided?
Yes. I arrange all the dogs, so you meet different breeds, coat types and temperaments. You bring nothing except yourself.
What material do you use?
I teach pet casting with alginate. You learn the mixing ratios and timing that suit animal skin and fur, because both behave differently from human skin.
Is airbrushing included?
Yes, on Day 2. But if you only take one day, you can add the half-day Airbrush Masterclass at £350.
Can I bring a colleague or friend?
Yes. Small groups of colleagues or friends are welcome. Once you tell me how many people are coming, we plan the days together.
Is this suitable for someone who already does human casting?
Absolutely. Pet casting uses different techniques from human casting, so it is a distinct skill set. Many human casters find that Day 2 opens up a new area of their business.
Where is the studio?
Precious Memories Studio is in Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, so it is about 15 minutes from Poole. Free parking is right outside, so arriving is easy.
Ready to Explore Pet Casting Training?
Tell me about your background and what you hope to offer. When I hear from you, I will help you work out which option fits. There is no obligation, and I reply to every message personally, usually within 24 hours on weekdays.
