What to pack when you bring your pets

Treats: Advise bringing small, easily swallowed treats that their pet loves (cheese, freeze-dried liver, or hot dogs work wonders).

Favorite Toys & Squeakers: A noisy toy or ball helps capture their attention and direct their gaze toward the camera for head tilts and perk ears.

Neutral Leash & Collar: Suggest a plain leather, neutral fabric, or slip leash. Avoid bright nylon, bulky harnesses, or retractor leashes, as they can be difficult to edit out or visually distracting.

Grooming Essentials: A brush for quick touch-ups, wet wipes for dirty paws or drool, and extra waste bags are must-haves in the bag.

During the session

Designate a Handler: If the session involves family or kids, bring a friend, handler, or family member who isn't in every photo to hold the leash and look after the pet between shots.

Keep Energy Calm & Positive: Pets pick up on human emotions. Remind owners to relax, laugh, and focus on loving their pet rather than trying to force perfect posing.

Capture Natural Interactions: Focus on candid moments—cuddles, walking together, belly rubs, and natural play—rather than expecting the pet to look straight at the lens the whole time.

Patience & Breaks: Give the pet frequent rest breaks to explore or drink water. If they get overwhelmed, switch up the posture or prompt to reset the vibe