How to Make Your Own Dog Holiday Stocking

From hanging a wreath on the door to decorating a festive tree, traditions are what make Christmas special. So why not let your dog get in on the action? A fun way to do this is to hang your pup’s own stocking on the mantle so that Santa can fill it with lots of goodies on Christmas Eve—just like he does for the humans in the house.

Sure, you could go out and purchase a stocking from the store—but making your own pet stocking is a joyful, hands-on project—especially when you involve your dog in the process. All it takes is gathering a few crafty materials, choosing a mess-friendly spot in your home, and getting creative together.

A cheerful dog sitting beside a blank red stocking laid flat on a covered table with craft supplies nearby

Materials You’ll Need

  • 1 plain stocking (canvas or felt works best)
  • Fabric paint (non-toxic, pet-safe)
  • Glitter (non-toxic, pet-safe)
  • Fabric markers or squeezable fabric paint
  • A tarp or newspaper to protect your workspace
  • Paper plates
  • Paper towels
  • 1 sponge
  • Dog treats and toys to fill the stocking
  • Your pup—the star collaborator!

Where to Get Everything

You can pick up the stocking, paper towels, paper plates, and sponge at your local discount retail store. For the glitter, fabric pens, paint, and markers, visit a craft store—or shop conveniently online at furpetvo.com, where you’ll find a curated selection of pet-safe crafting supplies and holiday-themed dog goodies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace. Choose an area you can afford to get a little messy—like a garage, patio, or tiled kitchen floor. Cover the surface with a tarp or several layers of newspaper or brown grocery bags.
  2. Create paw-print art. Squeeze a small amount of red, non-toxic fabric paint onto a paper plate. Gently lift your dog’s paw and press it into the paint. Then carefully guide their paw onto the stocking to leave a clear print. Immediately sprinkle matching red glitter over the wet paint—work quickly before it dries.
  3. Add more prints. Repeat the process until your dog has decorated the stocking with several playful paw prints. Let your pup set the pace—and reward with praise and a treat between prints!
  4. Switch colors. Once you’re happy with the red prints, switch to green fabric paint and a different color of glitter. Continue adding prints, alternating colors for a festive, personalized look.
  5. Let it dry. Lay the stocking flat in a well-ventilated area and allow all prints to dry completely—usually 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results.
  6. Add the finishing touch. Once dry, use a fabric marker or fine-tip fabric paint to write your dog’s name across the top of the stocking. Practice first on scrap paper to get the lettering just right.
  7. Display & fill. Hang the stocking proudly on the mantle alongside the rest of the family’s. On Christmas Eve, fill it with an array of treats, toys, and dog-approved holiday surprises—like peppermint-scented chews, plush holiday squeakers, and festive rope toys—all available at furpetvo.com.
Close-up of a finished dog stocking hung on a mantel next to human stockings, adorned with red and green paw prints and the dog's name embroidered at the top

Making a holiday stocking together isn’t just about the final product—it’s about shared moments, laughter, and celebrating your dog as a beloved member of the family. Plus, every time you see that stocking on the mantel, you’ll remember the joyful chaos and love that went into creating it.

A happy dog sitting beside their filled holiday stocking, tail wagging, with a few treats and a plush toy spilling out