Pawprints are just that, an outline or impression of an animal's feet in a moldable substance. In the wild, pawprints can easily be seen in the mud around drinking water locations.
When a loved pet passes away or is put down to ease their suffering, some veterinarians offer a clay molding of their pawprints to their owners as a rememberance. While losing a pet can be almost as traumatic as losing a family member, this method is a safe reminder of the presence of the pet in one's life.
In the wild, people can specialize in pawprints, especially park rangers. They can track different animals, and they can teach others how to tell the difference between species. Hunters will also become familiar with the pawprints of the animals they're hunting, especially if the animals return to a particular area on a regular basis.