Can We Include Our Pets in Family Photos?

If your pets are part of your family, it makes sense to wonder if they can join your session. The answer is yes. As a pet-friendly photographer in Austin, I often include dogs, and sometimes cats, in my clients’ lifestyle family photos.

Pets are part of everyday life. They are there during morning routines, quiet afternoons, and playtime in the backyard. Including them in your photos is a way to capture those moments and show what family life really looks like right now.

Having pets along also helps everyone feel at ease. Parents relax when the dog is nearby. Kids light up when they can snuggle a puppy or toss a ball. With pets around, the focus shifts away from the camera, and the photos show more of your family’s natural energy.

In this post, I will share simple ways to make pets in family photos work smoothly. From planning ahead to choosing the right setting, these tips will help you feel confident about bringing them along.

Why Pets Belong in Family Photos

Including pets in your session brings out moments you cannot plan for. A dog tilting its head, a cat jumping onto a lap, or even a playful tug on a leash often becomes the photo everyone remembers most. These interactions add variety and make the gallery feel full of life.

Pets also highlight the unique personality of your family. Each one has its own quirks, whether it is a puppy full of energy or an older dog content to sit at your feet. Those traits come through in photos and become part of the story you will look back on.

Having pets along can also shift the energy in a helpful way. When attention turns to the dog or cat, families often relax. The focus is less on “posing” and more on simply being together, which leads to natural, connected images.

Tips for Bringing Dogs to Your Family Session

Dogs are the most common pets I see in sessions, and they often love being part of the action. With a little preparation, you can make the experience smooth and enjoyable for both your family and your pet.

• Exercise beforehand: A short walk or play session helps your dog release extra energy so they arrive calmer and more relaxed.
• Bring a leash and treats: Even well-trained pets respond better with a few gentle reminders and small rewards. Treats also help capture their attention when we need it.
• Keep it natural: Do not worry about getting your dog to sit perfectly. Let them move, play, and interact with the family. Some of the best photos come from unscripted moments, like a quick lick on the cheek or a wagging tail.
• Know your pet’s limits: Younger dogs may need breaks to burn off energy. Older dogs might prefer quieter moments like sitting together on the porch or relaxing on the couch. Planning around your dog’s needs keeps everyone comfortable.
• Bring someone along: Sometimes it’s helpful to bring someone else along to be with the dog when they aren’t in the photos.

What About Cats or Other Pets?

Most of the families I photograph have a dog, so they tend to be the pet I see most often. But cats and other pets can be included, too. Cats usually do best in at-home sessions where they feel comfortable. If they wander in and out, that is completely fine. It adds to the natural flow of the photos.

Smaller pets, like rabbits or hamsters, can also be part of the session if it feels right for your family. The main goal is to keep things stress-free and simple, so the photos reflect your life as it really is.

Choosing Pet-Friendly Locations in Austin

If you want outdoor photos, there are plenty of pet-friendly photography locations in Austin. Parks, open fields, or your own backyard can be great options for dogs, especially if they enjoy space to move around. A favorite walking trail or neighborhood spot can also make the photos feel more personal to your family.

An in-home session can work just as well, and in many cases even better. Pets are often more relaxed in their own environment, which makes it easier to capture natural moments. A dog lounging on the couch, a cat perched in a window, or kids playing with their pet in the backyard all tell the story of your family in a genuine way.

What matters most is that your pet feels safe and comfortable, so the location supports both your family and your pet. When they are at ease, the photos will reflect the real connection you share.

Final Thought on Including Pets in Lifestyle Family Photos

Your pets are part of your story, and they absolutely can be part of your photos. With a little planning, they add warmth, personality, and fun to your session.

What matters most is that your photos reflect real life, not just how your family looks, but how you spend your time together. Pets bring out unplanned moments, shift the focus away from posing, and help everyone relax. They add another layer to your story, reminding you not only of the season you are in but also of the bonds that make your family unique.

Whether it is dogs, cats, or smaller pets, the goal is always the same: creating lifestyle family photos that feel natural, connected, and true to your family.

Ready to capture your whole family, paws included?

Alissa is an award-winning brand, maternity, newborn and family photographer + documentary filmmaker in Austin, Texas. She serves the Austin and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in a maternity, newborn or family session with Alissa Cordoba Photography you can find all of the details here and full pricing information here. You can contact Alissa here or email her directly at alissa@alissacordoba.com