Print a lost pet poster with the whole pet in view
A clear face helps neighbours recognise your pet. A full-body view shows coat markings, shape and collar details. Before printing, choose the layout that keeps those details visible, then match the PDF to your paper.
Make a photo-first poster — free
No account or payment. Your photo and contact details stay in your browser. This tool creates files; it does not post a lost-pet report or notify local shelters.
Which photo layout should I use?
The preview updates on your device. Try the same photo in each layout before downloading; a portrait, a wide photo and a close-up can use the available space differently.
| Layout | When to choose it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| One large photo | A simple close-up with plenty of space around the animal. | The frame fills with your photo. Its edges may be cropped: check ears, paws and markings. |
| Two photos: face + full body | One face photo plus another view showing size, coat or a distinctive marking. | Both images fit without cropping. Each gets less width than a single photo. |
| Photo-first: whole pet, no crop | One photo where details near the edges matter. | The complete image fits in a larger photo area, with compact text below. Space may remain beside a tall or wide image. |
Use a recent, sharp image with enough contrast between the animal and the background. Avoid filters that change coat colour. Do not add a second image of a different animal. A poster works best when its photos and description tell the same story.
Start a dog poster · Start a cat poster · Start a found-pet poster
Letter, A4, A3 or 11×17?
Choose the size your printer or print shop actually supports. Selecting A3 in the maker creates an A3 PDF; your print dialog still needs to use matching paper.
| Paper | Physical size | Before printing |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 8.5 × 11 in | Select Letter in both the maker and printer. |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | Select A4; check that the printer has A4 paper. |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | Confirm your printer or shop supports A3. |
| 11×17 (Tabloid) | 11 × 17 in | Use Tabloid paper, not Letter enlarged by accident. |
Download PDF (print) for a page with a fixed physical size. PNG is useful when a printer or editor specifically asks for an image. The square image is intended for online sharing, rather than a paper-size match.
Start with actual size or 100% in the print dialog. If your printer clips the outer edge, use its printable-area fit option and check the result; most home printers cannot print to every edge. A larger sheet does not restore detail missing from a blurry original photo.
A one-copy check before making more
- Check the preview. Can you see the face and important markings? Is the animal species correct? Does LOST or FOUND match what happened?
- Read the contact number twice. Download one copy and check the phone number, location and date. Use cross streets or a general area rather than your full home address.
- Test the QR code. Scan your printed copy with a phone and inspect the proposed call number. The code opens a call prompt; it does not track your pet.
- Check text at the intended viewing distance. Keep the description short. If details are too small, remove optional wording or use larger paper.
- Ask before posting. Contact clinics, shops or community boards for permission. Replace copies that become unreadable.
For a found animal, keep one identifying detail private so a claimant can describe it. For any reported sighting, do not send money to an unknown caller.
The file is ready. Who should see it?
Share the square image with nearby community groups that allow lost-and-found posts, and contact local shelters or animal control. Include the date and general location in your message. A printed poster and a local report serve different purposes; creating this file does not submit a report anywhere.
Useful independent resources: Pet FBI's public flyer tool and report links and PawBoost's explanation of local lost-and-found alerts. Availability varies by area.