Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Custom Pet Blanket

Introduction

Even when your furry friend isn’t around, having him or her by your side is a special experience. Custom pet blankets can make your beloved dog or cat feel comfortable and intimate, whether you are lounging on the sofa, traveling, or giving it to other pet lovers.

Personalized pet photo blankets have become a popular gift in recent years. Not only are they cute, but they are also practical, warm, and full of memories. From high-quality wool prints to luxurious lambskin backings, a wide range of customization options can suit your style and your pet’s personality.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know before choosing the perfect pet photo blanket, including materials, printing techniques, softness, and how to care for it.

Common materials for custom pet blankets

When it comes to comfort and quality, the material of a personalized pet blanket is crucial. Here are the most common types:

🧶 1. Wool pet blankets

It’s no accident that wool is one of the most popular materials for custom pet blankets.

It’s soft, lightweight, and warm.

Wool pet blankets are perfect for everyday use, whether it's snuggling in bed or keeping your pet cozy in the car.

It's also a great choice if you're looking for an affordable, soft custom dog blanket that's easy to wash.

Most custom dog photo blankets made from wool use sublimation printing technology, which results in vibrant, long-lasting colors.

🐑 2. Sherpa Photo Blanket

If you're looking for a thicker, warmer blanket, a Sherpa photo blanket is a great choice for the colder seasons.

Sherpa typically has two sides: a smooth printed surface on one side and a fluffy, wool-like texture on the other.

It feels luxurious to the touch, making it a great gift for pet lovers during the holiday season.

A personalized Sherpa pet blanket can also add a stylish touch to your home decor.

✨ 3. Velvet or Supermink

For an ultra-smooth feel and a more elegant look, velvet or supermink blankets are also great choices.

These materials have a smooth surface that adds a high-end feel to your custom pet photo blanket.

However, they can sometimes attract pet hair more easily than wool or sherpa, so they may be more suitable for display than daily use.

Each material offers a different feel – whether you want a soft and cozy plush blanket or a plush and luxurious plush blanket, there’s a blanket that’s perfect for your pet.

While the material is what you feel, the printing method determines what you see. A great custom pet photo blanket should not only be soft but also showcase your pet's features clearly—every whisker, every spot, every smile.

Let’s look at the most common printing techniques used in personalized pet blankets:

🎨 Sublimation Printing

Sublimation is the most popular and widely used method for photo printing on pet blankets, especially those made from fleece.

It uses heat to transfer ink deep into the fabric, meaning the colors become part of the material—not just sitting on top.

This results in a sublimation pet blanket that’s vibrant, long-lasting, and soft to the touch.

The image won’t peel, crack, or fade after washing, making it perfect for everyday use.

If you're looking for a fade-resistant personalized blanket that captures the fine details of your dog or cat, sublimation is the way to go.

🖼️ DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing

While less common for blankets, some premium manufacturers may use DTG printing for ultra-high-resolution images.

It works like an inkjet printer, spraying ink directly onto the surface of the fabric.

The results are often sharp and detailed, which is ideal for a detailed cat photo blanket or more artistic designs.

However, DTG is more sensitive to fabric type and washing care, and usually more expensive.

🧵 What About Embroidery?

Embroidery isn’t typically used for full images, but it's a nice touch if you want to add your pet's name or a small icon next to the photo. It adds a dimensional, handmade element to your custom dog blanket, but won’t replace a full-color image print.

✅ Quick Tip:

When choosing your personalized pet blanket, always check if the seller provides a proof or preview. Make sure the image resolution is high enough (ideally 300 DPI) so your dog’s photo blanket looks sharp—not blurry.

Thickness, Softness, and Durability

When you're shopping for a custom pet blanket, looks aren't everything—comfort and durability matter just as much. After all, this isn't just a display piece; it's something you'll cuddle with, toss over the couch, or even share with your pet during nap time.

🧵 Thickness: Lightweight vs Plush

Custom blankets come in a variety of weights and layers.

Lightweight fleece blankets are ideal for warmer climates or layering. They’re breathable and perfect for everyday use pet blankets.

For colder months or a more premium feel, a thick personalized pet blanket made from sherpa or double-layered fleece offers extra warmth. These are great for both people and pets who love to snuggle up.

Thicker options also tend to look more luxurious—perfect for gifting.

🧸 Softness: Cozy Enough for Humans & Pets

The best soft personalized cat blankets and dog throws should feel plush and gentle against the skin.

Fleece is naturally soft and doesn’t require special treatment to feel good.

Sherpa adds that “cloud-like” fluffiness, but it can feel warmer and heavier.

If softness is your priority, look for blankets labeled as "ultra-soft," "microfiber fleece," or “plush”—these are optimized for comfort.

🛡️ Durability: Will It Hold Up Over Time?

Pets can be rough on fabrics, especially if your dog loves to knead or your cat enjoys nesting.

Choose a durable custom dog throw blanket that uses high-quality stitching and won't fall apart after a few washes.

Good custom blankets are made with pet-safe blanket materials that resist pilling and shedding.

Check if the blanket has been “anti-pilling treated” or features reinforced edges—both are signs of durability.

💡 Pro Tip:

If your pet tends to chew or scratch, avoid overly delicate materials like velveteen. Stick to everyday fleece photo blankets for better longevity and easier maintenance.

One of the biggest concerns pet owners have when buying a custom pet blanket is whether it will shed or pill—especially if your furry friend already sheds a lot.

Shedding and Pet Hair Resistance

Not all blankets are created equal when it comes to resisting pet hair.

High-quality fleece and sherpa blankets usually do a great job at minimizing shedding and trapping pet hair.

Look for a pet blanket that doesn’t shed easily or one labeled as pet hair resistant blanket—these are designed with tighter weaves or special fabric treatments to keep fur from sticking.

Regular washing and lint rolling also help keep blankets fur-free.

Anti-Pilling Properties

Pilling happens when small fabric balls form on the surface after friction, making blankets look worn out.

An anti-pilling fleece dog blanket is treated to resist these fuzz balls, making it more durable and comfortable over time.

This is especially important if your pet likes to knead or dig into the blanket.

Durability for Shedding Dogs

If your dog sheds heavily, choose a durable pet blanket for shedding dogs that can withstand frequent cleaning without losing softness or print quality.

Materials like high-grade fleece or sherpa tend to hold up well.

Avoid delicate fabrics that trap hair or are hard to clean.

Easy Care Tips

Always check if the blanket is machine washable—most easy care personalized pet blankets are.

Use gentle detergents and cold water cycles to maintain fabric quality and print vibrancy.

Avoid high-heat drying to prevent shrinking or damage.

Washing and Care Instructions

To keep your washable custom pet blanket looking fresh and feeling soft, proper care is essential.

Machine Washing

Most machine washable dog photo blankets recommend cold or gentle cycles to preserve the print and fabric.

Use mild detergent without bleach to avoid damaging the colors.

Drying

Air drying is best, but if you use a dryer, set it to low or no heat to prevent shrinkage and fiber damage.

Avoid ironing directly on printed areas.

Storage Tips

Store your blanket in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture buildup and mildew.

If you’re not using it regularly, fold it loosely instead of stuffing it in a tight space.

Best Occasions for Gifting a Personalized Pet Blanket

A personalized pet blanket isn’t just a practical item—it’s a meaningful gift.

Holiday gifts like Christmas or birthdays, where pet owners want to celebrate their furry family.

Pet memorial blankets to cherish the memories of a beloved pet who has passed away.

Matching owner-and-pet gifts, offering cozy comfort and emotional connection.

Great for pet lovers who appreciate custom and sentimental items.

Conclusion

A perfect custom pet blanket combines thoughtful material choice, high-quality printing, and pet-friendly durability. Whether you want a soft personalized cat blanket for cuddles or a thick personalized pet blanket to keep warm, understanding these details will help you make the right choice.

Ready to design your own pet blanket? Explore options and bring your pet’s photo to life in a cozy, lasting way.