Let’s be real for a second… if you’ve ever tried to snap a cute holiday card photo with your dog and your toddler at the same time, chances are you’ve ended up sweating, slightly shouting (lovingly, of course 😅), and bribing someone with a treat — and I don’t mean just the pup.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned over years of photographing beautiful, joy-filled families: pets are family. So why wouldn’t they be part of your story?

I’ve had so many sweet dogs (and even the occasional unexpectedly wild kitty 😂) join in on family sessions. While yes, they can be unpredictable, they are almost always the ones who make the session unforgettable — in the best way. So today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to include your beloved fur babe in your next session, without the stress.

Why Including Your Pet in Your Family Photos Can Be Totally Doable (and Adorable!)

Let’s set the scene. You’ve carved out a little pocket of time in your bananas-busy schedule, picked out family outfits (probably with way too many Target runs to count), and found a date that finally works in everyone’s calendars. You’ve got the whole crew ready… and standing there beside you is your floppy-eared, tail-wagging first “baby” who’s wondering why on earth they’re not invited to join.

I see this all the time. And as someone who wholeheartedly believes dogs are family, I’ll forever be team “Bring the dog.”

Yep — I GET it. Including a pet can feel like adding more chaos to a situation that might already feel high-stress (especially if your youngest skipped their nap and your partner is holding onto sanity with caffeine and a prayer 🙃).

But trust me when I say this… with a little planning and the right mindset, it can be one of the most magical parts of the session.

My Favorite Tips for Including Pets in Family Photos

1. Treats, Treats… and More Treats!

This is my number one tip for a reason. Just like having snacks on hand for kiddos, bringing treats (the good ones they actually love) makes all the difference. I’ll absolutely pull out my best squeaky-noise, wild-hand-dance routine to keep your pup’s attention, but some treat bribery gives us that extra edge to grab the cutest shots.

Bonus tip: You can stash them in your pocket, but be careful of smelly ones — trust me, your dog WILL sniff them out mid-shot. 😂

2. Embrace the Chaos (and Let the Dog Do Their Thing)

Here’s my philosophy: pets are like toddlers. Totally adorable. Totally unpredictable. And most of the time, totally worth it.

Instead of stressing to get them into the “perfect” pose, I always encourage families to let their pets be themselves. Let them sniff, wander, cuddle, or play. We’ll work around their energy (or sudden nap attacks) and still capture images full of love, warmth, and real connections.

When we allow room for spontaneity, that’s when the magic happens ✨

3. Bring a Buddy (Even Just for Part of the Session)

If you’re worried about managing a leash while also wrangling kiddos and trying to smile naturally, I feel you. Having a friend, grandparent, or pet sitter tag along to help with your dog can be a total game-changer.

We can grab some sweet shots with your pup early in the session, then let them hang with their human helper for the rest of the shoot so you can relax and focus on your people (and maybe even sneak in some dreamy couple photos!)

4. Coordinate Accessories Without Going Overboard

If you’re curating outfits for the family (hi Pinterest boards!), you might be thinking… wait, does the dog need a bowtie too?

While it’s not mandatory (unless you want it to be haha), a clean, cute collar, a seasonal bandana, or a neutral leash go a long way in keeping the overall look cohesive. Think of your pup as part of the style story too!

5. Keep It Low-Pressure, High-Fun

Just like any family session, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s connection. The goofy expressions, the mid-lick kisses, the way your dog jumps up when your kid giggles — those are the photos you’ll treasure.

So here’s your reminder: don’t stress the small stuff. We’ll go with the flow, laugh through the wild moments, and walk away with a gallery full of real joy (tail wags included 🐶).

These Moments Are Part of Your Story

Here’s why all of this matters. I believe in capturing your life exactly as it is — not curated or forced, but full of love, laughter, and connection.

If your dog has been there through every chapter — the first years of marriage, middle-of-the-night newborn feedings, sticky pancake mornings with toddlers — then they deserve to be in the frame just as much as anyone else.

Your photos aren’t just about how things look — they’re about how they felt.

And when we include the furry, cuddly, occasionally-chaotic members of the family, we’re only making those memories deeper and more honest.

Ready to scroll through some of my favorite family sessions with pups? Here they are ⤵️:

Ready to Plan the Sweetest Family Session (Tail Wags and All)?

If reading this has you nodding along while your dog licks your toes or lounges under your chair (like my pup is doing right now as I type 😆), then let’s do this.

Family photo sessions with pets are some of my absolute favorites, and I’d be honored to help you create relaxed, joy-filled moments that show off everyone you love.

Want to ask a few questions first or check dates? Click here to reach out, or fill out the inquiry form. Let’s make magic — dog slobber and all. 💛