Before almost every session we shoot I check in to see if there will be a pet involved in the session. There are a couple reasons for this. First of all, I’m 100% always hoping that I get to snuggle a dog or cat or bunny or whatever you have! Secondly, it’s super important to make sure your session location is pet friendly!
Today I want to share some tips and tricks for including your pets in your session!
![including pets in family pictures](https://lytlephotoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Best-of-2020-by-lehigh-valley-wedding-and-lifestyle-photographers-lytle-photography-company_0089-688x1024.jpg)
1. Bring an extra friend to help take care of your pet!
Your pet won’t be in every single image during your session, so bring someone who’s familiar with your pet along to take care of them in the in between times when they aren’t in the shots! We also always try to let your extra person take your pet for a little walk around the area when you get there to get them familiar with the location so that they’ll be a little less excited to explore when it comes time for them to be in the shots!
![including pets in family pictures](https://lytlephotoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Best-of-2020-by-lehigh-valley-wedding-and-lifestyle-photographers-lytle-photography-company_0090-1024x688.jpg)
2. Bring lots of treats!!!
A little bit of bribery goes a long way with your pets!! Bring your pet’s most favorite treat along to your session so that I can use it to get their attention during shots!
![including pets in family pictures](https://lytlephotoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Best-of-2020-by-lehigh-valley-wedding-and-lifestyle-photographers-lytle-photography-company_0093-688x1024.jpg)
3. Bring their favorite toy!
New environments can be a little bit of sensory overload for some pets. Bringing their favorite toy or a familiar blanket along for your session can help keep them calm.
![including pets in family pictures](https://lytlephotoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Best-of-2020-by-lehigh-valley-wedding-and-lifestyle-photographers-lytle-photography-company_0092-1024x688.jpg)
4. Bring poo-bags to clean up after your pet!
This point seems self explanatory! Just make sure you’re prepared to clean up after your pet!
![](https://lytlephotoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Best-of-2020-by-lehigh-valley-wedding-and-lifestyle-photographers-lytle-photography-company_0094-1024x688.jpg)
5. Bring lots of water and a bowl!
This is especially important during hot summer sessions! We don’t want your pet to get overheated during their session, so bring water to keep them well hydrated!
![](https://lytlephotoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Best-of-2020-by-lehigh-valley-wedding-and-lifestyle-photographers-lytle-photography-company_0097-1024x688.jpg)
6. Be flexible!
If your pup is calm and relaxed right away that’s great! But if they’re hyper and need to run and explore for a little while too, that’s fine as well! If you get stressed out about your pet “performing” during your session, your pet will feel that anxiety and it will make your session so much more tense!
If you enjoyed this tip, click here for more session tips and tricks!
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