How do I make a holiday card with my pet?

Take or choose a good photo of your pet, create an artistic portrait using an AI app like PawFav (try styles like Renaissance royal, pop art, or watercolor), then order cards from services like Shutterfly, Minted, Canva Print, or use Walgreens or CVS for same-day printing. Start in early November for a relaxed timeline, or do it as late as December 20th with same-day printing.

When should I send pet holiday cards?

Aim to mail cards between December 10-15 so they arrive before the holiday. Start planning in early November with photos, create your design mid-November, order cards late November, and address them in early December. For last-minute cards, use same-day printing at Walgreens or CVS.

Where can I print pet holiday cards?

Popular printing options include Shutterfly (great templates, frequent sales), Minted (unique designs, higher-end), Canva Print (design your own), Costco Photo (budget-friendly), Walgreens or CVS (same-day pickup), and Artifact Uprising (premium quality, eco-friendly). For last-minute needs, Walgreens and CVS offer same-day card printing.

Pet Holiday Cards That Actually Get Saved: A Complete Guide

Q: What should I write on a pet holiday card?

Funny options include 'Happy Howlidays from our pack to yours' or 'This is the only child we're having. Happy Holidays!' Warm options include 'Sending love and wet-nose kisses this holiday season' or 'Grateful for friends, family, and four-legged family.' Short options include 'Peace, love, and belly rubs' or 'Cheers to the good stuff.'

Pet holiday cards outperform traditional family photos because they're universally loved, memorable, and easier to produce. Top creative concepts include AI-generated royal portraits, hilarious outtake cards, fake movie posters, and newspaper-style front pages. Plan by taking photos in early November, designing mid-November, ordering late November, and mailing by December 10–15. For last-minute cards, use same-day printing at Walgreens or CVS. Popular printing services include Shutterfly, Minted, Canva Print, and Costco Photo.

Let's be honest: most holiday cards go straight to the recycling bin by January 2nd.

But the ones with pets? Those get saved. Displayed on fridges. Shared in group chats with "OMG LOOK AT THIS." Kept in boxes of treasured memories.

This year, skip the awkward matching pajama photo. Let your pet take center stage. Here's how to create holiday cards that people actually want to keep.

Why Pet Holiday Cards Win

Think about the last holiday card that made you smile. Chances are, it had a pet in it.

Universally loved: Not everyone has kids, but everyone loves a cute pet photo
Conversation starters: "Is that your cat dressed as an elf?!" gets way more engagement than "Nice family photo"
No coordinating humans: Just one subject to photograph = way easier
Personality shines: Pets have no filter, and that authenticity is charming
Memorable: People remember the card with the grumpy cat in a Santa hat

"Every year, my Aunt Linda's dog holiday card is the only one I actually put on my fridge." — Literally everyone

Creative Concepts for Your Card

🎨 The Royal Portrait

Transform your pet into Renaissance royalty using PawFav, then add a simple holiday message. The contrast between the regal portrait and a playful greeting is perfection.

"Wishing you a magnificent holiday season. — Duke Theodore Wellington III (Teddy)"

📸 The Outtake Card

Instead of the "perfect" shot, use the hilarious blurry one where they're mid-sneeze or running away. Add a caption that leans into the chaos.

"Things didn't go as planned this year. Wishing you a holiday that does. — The Murphy Family + Chaos (our dog)"

🎬 The Movie Poster

Create a fake movie poster starring your pet. Holiday action movie? Romantic comedy? The possibilities are endless.

"JINGLE PAWS: One dog. One mission. All the treats. Coming to a living room near you. Happy Holidays!"

📰 The Newspaper

Design it like a newspaper front page with your pet as the headline. "Local Dog Voted Goodest Boy for 5th Consecutive Year."

"THE HOLIDAY HERALD: Sources confirm this cat has been nice. Mostly."

🖼️ The Before & After

Show a "January" photo vs "December" photo. Same pet, same chaos, full year of love.

"365 days of this face. Wouldn't have it any other way. Happy New Year!"

Timeline: Planning Your Card

📅 Don't Panic. Here's Your Schedule.

Early Nov Take photos or choose your favorite from this year. Good lighting, clear face.

Mid Nov Create your portrait or design in PawFav. Try multiple styles until one clicks.

Late Nov Order cards from Shutterfly, Minted, Canva Print, or your favorite printer.

Early Dec Address and stamp. Put on a holiday movie. Make it an event.

Dec 10-15 Mail them out! Gives time for arrival before the holiday.

⚡ Running Late?

Create your portrait in PawFav, then use Walgreens or CVS same-day printing for cards. You can literally do this on December 20th.

Message Ideas

The right message can make a good card great. Here are some options:

Funny & Playful

"Happy Howlidays from our pack to yours!"

"Feliz Navi-dog! (Or Meowy Christmas, we don't discriminate.)"

"Santa Paws is coming to town..."

"This is the only child we're having. Happy Holidays!"

Warm & Sincere

"Sending love and wet-nose kisses this holiday season."

"Grateful for friends, family, and four-legged family. Wishing you warmth and joy."

"Home is wherever we're together. Even when it's covered in fur."

"Another year of unconditional love. Wishing you the same."

Short & Sweet

"Peace, love, and belly rubs."

"Cheers to the good stuff. 🐾"

"All is calm. All is bright. (JK, it's chaos. Happy Holidays.)"

"Wishing you treats, naps, and zero Monday energy."

Photography Tips for Holiday Shots

Natural light always: Near a window, overcast day = soft, flattering light
Get on their level: Eye-level shots are more engaging than looking down
Bribery is acceptable: Treats, squeaky toys, weird sounds—whatever gets their attention
Minimal props: A simple bow or bandana is better than a full Santa suit that makes them miserable
Take 100 photos: You'll use one. That's fine. That's the process.
Action is okay: A slightly blurry mid-jump can be funnier than a stiff posed shot

Skip the Photoshoot Drama

Here's a secret: you probably already have the perfect photo on your phone.

That candid shot from the park. The one where they're making a weird face. The cozy couch moment. Run it through PawFav, transform it into art, and suddenly it's card-ready.

No professional photographer. No wrestling your cat into a sweater. No holiday-themed backdrop that cost $40 and looks terrible.

Just your pet, looking like themselves—which is exactly what people want to see.

Where to Print

🖨️ Popular Options

Shutterfly: Great templates, frequent sales, reliable quality
Minted: More unique designs, higher-end feel, pricier
Canva Print: Design your own, order prints directly
Costco Photo: Budget-friendly, solid quality
Walgreens/CVS: Same-day pickup for procrastinators
Artifact Uprising: Premium quality, eco-friendly options

Make It an Annual Tradition

Some families do matching pajamas. Yours does pet holiday cards.

Start this year and watch it become something people look forward to. "Did you get the Hendersons' cat card yet?" becomes a thing.

Years from now, you'll have a collection of cards documenting your pet's life—from hyper puppy to dignified senior. That's not just a holiday card. That's a legacy.

Create This Year's Card

Start with a portrait. End with a tradition.

Make Your Card