To use this T - shirt, simply put it on and show off your love for pets! When it comes to washing, you can safely toss it in the washing machine. However, it's a good idea to use a gentle cycle to keep the colors bright and the fabric in good shape. Also, follow the general temperature recommendations for cotton or cotton - polyester blends. As for the color difference, don't be surprised if the actual shirt looks a bit different from the preview. It's normal because of the lighting during the product photo shoot and your monitor settings. Just enjoy your personalized T - shirt!