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
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.
📸 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.
🎬 The Movie Poster
Create a fake movie poster starring your pet. Holiday action movie? Romantic comedy? The possibilities are endless.
📰 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 Before & After
Show a "January" photo vs "December" photo. Same pet, same chaos, full year of love.
Timeline: Planning Your Card
📅 Don't Panic. Here's Your Schedule.
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
Warm & Sincere
Short & Sweet
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
- 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.