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How to Prepare for a Pet Photography Session

May 21 2026 | By: sandra mccarthy photography

How to Prepare for a Pet Photography Session

One of the most common questions I get from clients before their session is:

“What should I bring with me?”

The good news is that preparing for your pet photography session is very simple. My goal is to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience for both you and your dog whether we’re in the studio, exploring the outdoors, or heading out on an adventure session somewhere beautiful in New Hampshire.

You do not need a perfectly trained dog, and you certainly do not need to stress. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, we can create beautiful artwork together.

A Few Essentials to Bring

Your Dog’s Favorite Treats

Treats are one of the best tools we have during a session. Bringing your dog’s favorite high-value treats helps keep them engaged, motivated, and focused.

One tip: bring your pup slightly hungry if possible. A full belly can sometimes make dogs less interested in working for treats.

A Favorite Toy

Some dogs respond better to toys than treats, so bringing a favorite squeaky toy or ball can be incredibly helpful for capturing alert expressions and playful moments.

Every dog is different, and I always tailor the session to what motivates your dog best.

A Plain Leash and Favorite Buckle Collar

I strongly recommend bringing a simple leash and your dog’s favorite buckle collar.

Most dogs are photographed safely on leash — and that’s completely okay. In fact, many of my clients initially worry because their dog “can’t be off leash.”

Please don’t stress about that.

I edit leashes out of final images all the time. I only need a second or two to create magical images.

Simple collars and leashes photograph cleanly and help keep the focus on your dog rather than distracting equipment. Of course, if your dog has a special collar, please use it!

Before the session begins, I also recommend removing:

  • dangling dog tags
  • electronic collars
  • training collars

These items tend to distract from the final portrait and can be difficult to remove naturally in editing.

 

Australian Shepherd in the Tulips

Preparing Your Dog Before the Session

One of the best things you can do before arriving is take your dog for a short walk.

We want your pup relaxed and settled but not exhausted. A little energy burned off helps dogs focus without becoming sleepy during the session.

If your dog is freshly groomed, that’s wonderful too. Just try to avoid scheduling a dramatic haircut immediately before your session. Giving the coat a little time to settle often photographs more naturally.

“But My Dog Won’t Sit Still…”

I hear this all the time. Truly.

Most dogs are excited, curious, distracted, or wiggly during at least part of their session. That is completely normal and absolutely expected.

I don’t expect perfection. I have plenty of patience.

Years of experience photographing dogs has taught me that I only need tiny moments , sometimes just a second or two to create stunning portraits. I work patiently and at your dog’s pace throughout the session.

And yes… I have plenty of attention-getting noise makers ready to help.

Adventure Session Extras

For outdoor and adventure sessions, I also recommend bringing:

  • water for both you and your dog
  • bug spray depending on the location
  • towels if we may encounter water, mud, or wet grass
  • comfortable footwear for yourself

If we’re photographing multiple dogs, I also typically recommend bringing along an extra person to help handle dogs when needed.

The Most Important Thing to Bring

The most important thing to bring is a willingness to have fun.

Some dogs pose beautifully right away. Others need time to explore, sniff, and settle in. Both are perfectly okay.

The best images often come from embracing your dog’s personality exactly as they are.

My job is to guide the experience, keep things relaxed, and create artwork you’ll treasure for years to come.

Quick Session Checklist

Before you leave for your session, make sure you have:

  • Favorite treats
  • Favorite toy
  • Plain leash
  • Buckle collar
  • Water
  • Towels (if needed)
  • Bug spray for outdoor sessions
  • Extra helper for multiple dogs
  • Dog tags removed
  • Electronic collars removed
  • A relaxed attitude

Your dog does not need to be perfect to create beautiful images.

Now that you've seen how to prepare, is there still something holding you back. Be sure to check out my blog post called My Dog would never be able to do a photo session!

Want to see examples of one of my sessions, check out my blog post showcasing Behind the Scenes. 

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