Can We Bring Our Fur Babies?


Short answer: Yes. Long answer: YES, absolutely yes.


Your pets are part of your family—and I’m always thrilled when clients want to include them in their session. Whether it’s your energetic puppy or your old-soul golden retriever, I’m here for it. Pets bring personality, spontaneity, and the kind of joy that can’t be faked.

But before we dive into a full dog-friendly session, there are a few things to know so we can keep the experience smooth, safe, and stress-free for everyone involved (including your pup).


Give Me a Heads-Up

Please let me know in advance if you plan to bring your dog (or dogs!). This helps me prepare for your session, recommend suitable locations, and make sure we’re following any venue or park rules regarding pets.


Safety First

For everyone’s safety (including mine!), if your dog doesn’t do well with strangers, is reactive in new environments, or tends to be overly anxious or aggressive, I kindly ask that you leave them at home. We want your session to be fun, relaxed, and comfortable—and that starts with knowing your pup’s limits.


Location, Location, Location

Before you bring your dog along, let’s make sure the spot we’re shooting at allows pets. Some private venues and parks have restrictions, while others are super pet-friendly. I can help guide you to the right spot once I know your vision!


Session-Day Tips for Bringing Your Dog

Here’s your fur baby checklist to help the session run smoothly:

  • 🐾 Lint roller (because dog hair will happen)
  • 💧 Water + portable bowl (especially in warm months)
  • 🍖 Treats (helps with focus and bribery… er, positive reinforcement)
  • 💩 Waste bags (clean-up is a must)
  • 🦮 Leash (even if your dog is well-behaved, we’ll want it handy between shots)
  • 🧍‍♀️ A helper (bring a friend or family member who knows your dog well and can hold them when they’re not in the shot)
  • 🕒 Arrive early (give your dog 15–20 minutes to sniff around and settle in before the session starts)

Expectations = Everyone Wins

Let’s be honest: your pup probably won’t be perfectly posed in every photo—and that’s okay! The goal isn’t perfection; it’s personality. Some of the best moments happen when they’re just doing their dog thing—jumping, yawning, being a total ham.

If you’re planning to bring your dog, choose outfits that allow you to move freely, kneel, squat, and cuddle up without stress. We’ll work in the pet shots early, then hand them off to your helper so we can get a few clean, paw-free portraits too.


Let’s Make It Fun

Including your pet adds something so special to your session—it’s real life. It’s love. And it’s just plain fun. So yes, bring the dog. Bring the energy. Bring the treats. And I’ll bring the camera. Let’s make some magic.


Want to see examples of sessions with pets? Head to my Instagram or portfolio to see how past fur babies have totally stolen the show.

📩 Ready to plan your session (with or without your four-legged BFF)? Fill out my contact form and let’s get something on the books!

Happy couple walking in golden field holding small brown and white dog during sunset.
Golden retriever wearing a bandana sits in a grassy field on a warm evening while being embraced.
A couple walks hand in hand through a grassy field at sunset with their golden retriever dog running alongside them.
A couple shares a kiss while holding their beagle mix dog in front of a semi truck during golden hour.
A couple stands with their black dog near autumn trees by a lake during golden hour.
A brown and white dog lies playfully stretched out on grass with tall pine trees in the background.
Two people sitting together holding hands intimately in a black and white photograph.
Person in pink checkered shirt holds small dog wearing bandana in grassy field at sunset.
A black and brindle mixed breed dog resting on a fallen log in a wooded area during autumn.
A young family shares a tender moment with their small baby wearing a bow and fluffy white dog.
Woman in white t-shirt holds spotted Chihuahua mix dog in sunny field at golden hour.
Close-up portrait of a black and white dog with soulful eyes staring in profile against a blurred outdoor background.
Two dogs standing on fallen tree trunk in autumn forest during sunny day.
A person in a plaid flannel shirt holds a happy brown Shiba Inu dog outdoors in autumn foliage.
A brown and white Shiba Inu dog sits contentedly between two people on a couch.