Some days you just need to keep your toddler busy for 10 minutes so you can sip lukewarm coffee in peace. Other days, you’re all-in on the mess and finger paint because it’s raining, the dog’s barking at shadows, and your kid has already built and destroyed two pillow forts before breakfast.
Pet-themed crafts hit that magical middle ground. They’re easy, cute, and somehow manage to get your toddler talking about animals, shapes, and colors all at once. Bonus: if you’ve got a family dog or cat (or even a turtle who doesn’t do much), your child might actually feel like they’re crafting for someone they know.
This little roundup includes toddler-proof craft ideas that don’t require a trip to the art store. Think simple materials, low mess (okay, lowish), and crafts that double as decor, playtime props, or just a good excuse to break out the googly eyes.
So if you’re looking for preschool-friendly pet crafts that don’t require you to have an art degree or a Pinterest-perfect setup, here are five ideas you can do this week—with a toddler on your hip and a pet stealing the markers.
1. Fluffy Paper Plate Dog with Wiggly Ears
There’s something very charming about turning a plain paper plate into a shaggy little dog with floppy felt ears and a nose that slightly resembles a button. Toddlers love the big movements in this one—smearing glue, sticking cotton balls, and drawing a face that looks mostly like a dog.
Start with a basic white paper plate. Let your toddler cover it in cotton balls (or tissue paper if you want color). Cut out two long doggy ears from felt, paper, or even an old sock if you’re in improv mode. Glue those on the sides, then let your child add a pompom nose, a few button eyes (or googly ones), and maybe a tongue cut from pink card.
Want to level it up? Tape a popsicle stick to the bottom and turn it into a little puppet. You can even make more than one and put on a very chaotic “puppy show” in the living room. This one’s great for daycare, too—it’s easy enough for little hands, but still looks like something you’ll want to keep on the fridge for a week or two.
2. Cat Headband with Paper Ears and Whiskers
This is a toddler crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, wearable, and makes every child instantly feel like they’re in a pretend play zone. All you need is a strip of paper or cardstock for the band, a few triangles for the ears, and some thin paper strips or yarn for whiskers.
Wrap the headband strip around your child’s head to size it (they’ll giggle and probably try to wear it before it’s done). Glue or tape on the ears, then add whiskers and let them draw on a little cat nose or decorate the band with crayons and stickers.
Use black and white for a tuxedo cat, orange for a tabby, or let them go wild with rainbow glitter if your toddler insists their cat is “from the zoo.” This one makes a great pet-themed preschool activity, especially if you follow it with a round of “meow tag” in the garden or playroom. And yes, you’ll probably have to make one for yourself too.
3. Turtle Shell Collage Using Recycled Cardboard
Turtle crafts are ideal for toddlers who love sticking things onto other things. You’re basically making a turtle’s shell with anything you have around—scrap fabric, old wrapping paper, buttons, cereal box bits—then adding a simple head and legs.
Cut out a shell shape from cardboard (a half circle works). Let your toddler paint it or glue on textured pieces however they like. Then cut out legs and a head from green cardstock or foam, and glue them on the underside. You can also draw a little turtle face or let your child stick on eyes and smile.
If you’re in a daycare or preschool setting, this one makes for a beautiful little turtle wall display. Each shell turns out totally different, and it’s a great way to sneak in a short lesson on turtles, reptiles, or even the ocean theme if you’re tying it into a larger summer preschool project. Plus, it’s eco-friendly—hello, recycled masterpiece.
4. Dog Bone Stamping with Toilet Paper Rolls
If your toddler is in that phase where stamping things is the height of joy (right next to throwing Cheerios and hiding socks), this dog bone craft will go down a treat. You just shape an empty toilet paper roll into a bone outline and use it like a stamp with white paint on brown or blue paper.
To make the stamp, press two sides of the tube in to form the bone ends. It’s not perfect, but that’s kinda the point. Pour some white paint into a shallow dish, dip the stamp, and let your toddler go wild. You can add paw prints with fingertips if you’re brave, or glue on a few foam bones afterward for extra dimension.
Add a dog house outline in the corner or a little drawing of your family pet. This one’s good for motor skills, and even better for when your child wants to “do painting” but you don’t want a full-blown art explosion. It dries fast and looks cute, even when it’s a bit chaotic.
5. Pet Rock Painting with Faces and Wiggles
Classic toddler craft? Pet rocks. All you need are some medium-sized smooth stones (bonus if you let your toddler pick them from the yard or park), some washable paints, and maybe some glue-on extras like googly eyes or bits of yarn for tails.
Lay down newspaper or a plastic mat, and let your toddler paint their rocks however they want. Once dry, help them glue on eyes, maybe a felt ear or two, or even wrap a small pipe cleaner around the back for a lizard or puppy tail. You can give them a shoebox “home” for their new pet, or line them up on a windowsill.
Pet rocks are great for open-ended play. Some kids will name them and carry them everywhere. Others will use them to make a pretend vet clinic. Either way, it’s a hit. Plus, it works well in both home and daycare environments, since it scales up easily for groups.
Final Thoughts
Not every day needs to be a Pinterest masterpiece. Sometimes, the best crafts are the ones that leave your kid giggling, your pet confused, and your heart a little fuller. These five pet crafts for toddlers are fun, flexible, and just the right amount of messy. They spark imagination, build little hands’ skills, and help turn “I’m bored” into “Let’s make a cat hat!” Which, honestly, sounds like a pretty great afternoon.