How to Include Pets in Family and Newborn Sessions (Without Losing Your Session Flow or the Shot)

If you’ve ever had a toddler giggle uncontrollably while a golden retriever licked their toes mid-session—welcome, friend. You’re in good company. As photographers, we know pets aren’t just pets. They’re family. And when a client asks, “Can we bring our dog?” the answer for me is always a big YES… just with a few thoughtful steps to help everyone stay calm, safe, and happy. If you’re looking for how to navigate your family portraits with pets, tips for channeling the chaos, or poses that feel natural, this one’s for you.

1. Pet Prep: What to Do Before the Session

A little prep? Goes a loooong way.
Here’s how to help your clients show up ready—with pup in tow:

• In your pre-session questionnaire, include a space for pet info: breed, age, temperament, and any quirks (ahem, loves chasing shadows but terrified of squeaky toys? Noted).
• Encourage clients to take their pet for a walk or run before the session. That post-zoomie calm? Chef’s kiss.
• Remind them to pack high-value treats (you know, the really good stuff) and bring along a toy or blanket the pet is familiar with—it’s like comfort food, but cuter.
• For indoor or studio sessions, ask that pets arrive freshly groomed with clean paws. Your backdrops, studio floors, and post-session editing will thank you.

Bonus touch: Send a “Pet Prep Checklist” the week of the session. It sets expectations beautifully and helps avoid the dreaded “we forgot the leash” text an hour before go-time.

2. Safety First: When Kids, Babies + Pets Mix

We love a good tail wag and nose nuzzle, but safety takes the front seat—especially with littles involved.

• For outdoor or park sessions, ask your client to assign a designated adult to be the pet wrangler. (Pro tip: Not Mom or Dad.)
• Keep pets leashed and nearby until their moment to shine.
• Never leave a newborn and pet alone—ever.
• Use props like cribs, bassinets, or even a cozy couch to create a little distance between baby and furry sibling.
• For toddlers, stick with side-by-side over face-to-face. Surprise kisses might be sweet in real life, but they’re tricky to capture mid-sneeze.

When in doubt? Distance + interaction > perfection. Every single time.

3. Family Portraits with Pets That Feel Natural (and Actually Work)

Now for the fun part—those melt-your-heart moments that make it all worth it.
If you’re looking for family portrait with dog ideas that don’t feel stiff or staged, try these:

For Families:

• Let the dog sit calmly at their feet while the family cozies up on a blanket.
• Invite older siblings to gently hug or lean on their pet.
• Try this prompt: “Can you whisper what you think your dog is thinking to Mom?” Cue the sweetest little side smiles.

For Newborns:

• Lay baby in a crib while the dog sits nearby—watching curiously through the slats in the crib or just doing their floppy-eared thing.
• Have parents stand and hold baby in the nursery while the dog stretches out at their feet.
• And close-ups? Yes please. Shoot wide, get in close, and capture those tiny details—baby toes and furry paws are magic.

For Siblings + Pets:

• “Can you show me how your puppy gives kisses?”
• Let them walk the dog or sit together without the pressure to pose.
• Tip: Keep that camera ready. The gold usually shows up right after the “prompt” ends.

4. Flexibility Is Your Best Friend when Photographing Family Portraits with Pets

Pets (and toddlers, honestly) have about a 10-minute window before the wiggles win. So:

• Plan pet-inclusive shots at the very beginning or the very end of your session.
• If the dog is high-energy? Lean in. A little motion blur tells the story.
• Didn’t get “the shot”? That’s okay. There is always permission to pivot. Try switching it up—maybe documenting the family interacting in the entryway or letting the pet do their thing in the background for a more organic, lifestyle feel.

5. Editing 

Keeping post-processing in mind:

• You’ll aim for a few frame-worthy pet moments, but animals are like toddlers—they do what they want.
• Post-processing can help clean up a leash or remove distractions. If it is a tricky edit, try generative fill in Photoshop or outsource to retouchup.com.
• And those bloopers? Sometimes the mid-sneeze dog or the lick-your-face moment is the one they laugh at (and love) the most.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a pet into your family or newborn session adds heart, warmth, and a whole lot of personality.
But with a little prep, clear communication, and maybe even a stash of treats tucked in your pocket, you’ll capture the kind of images that feel like home for your clients. 

Want more session tips or posing ideas? Be sure you’re on my email list—I share free resources like this one, plus behind-the-scenes peeks, updates, and a few surprise goodies along the way.

Hey there! I’m Haley Kinzie, your go-to Family and Newborn Photographer in Oklahoma City and Edmond. I’m all about serving families who want a relaxed yet fun experience while capturing their beautiful moments. Whether you’re celebrating your first pregnancy, soaking in those tender newborn snuggles, or cherishing the chaos of little ones, it fills my heart with joy to tell your family’s unique story through stunning images. My mission? To deliver a gallery you’ll treasure for years to come!

Want to see more of my work? Check out my Instagram! Ready to learn more about me or inquire about a session? Let’s chat!