Including your dog, horse, or other beloved pet in your engagement photos is one of the sweetest ways to capture what your love story really looks like. After all, your engagement session should reflect your real life—and if that includes muddy paws, wagging tails, or even the occasional meow, then we say bring it on. As a Dallas-Fort Worth engagement photographer (and proud momma to a few fur babies myself), I’ve seen firsthand how magical and meaningful pet-inclusive sessions can be. That said, there's a little more planning involved when four-legged friends are in the mix. So let’s dive into everything you need to know about including your pet in your engagement photos—without the chaos.
Pet-Inclusive Perfection: How Victoria & Devin Nailed Their Dog-Friendly Engagement Photos
Tori and Devin brought all the cozy vibes—and their adorable pups Wrigley and Oakley—to their fall engagement session at Murrell Park, and it was everything. They showed up in matching chunky sweaters and jeans, the perfect casual look for snuggling their fur babies and chasing that warm, golden hour glow. We kicked things off by letting the dogs explore the lakeside, hopping around the rocks and splashing just enough to make us laugh. The light was dreamy, the love was real, and those wide-open fields gave us the perfect backdrop for candid, sun-soaked portraits. It was the kind of session that felt effortless, fun, and full of heart—exactly what engagement photos should be.
Why Include Your Pet in Your Engagement Session?
Your pet is more than just a sidekick—they’re a big part of your life. Whether they’ve been there through first dates and big moves or you adopted them together, including your fur baby in your engagement shoot is a sweet way to say, “You’re part of the family.”
Plus, pet photos bring a fun, candid energy to your gallery. Expect genuine laughter, surprise kisses, and those perfectly imperfect moments that make your session feel real and personal.
Plan for Safety First: Know Your Pet’s Personality
Let’s start with a gentle but important PSA: not every pet is suited for an engagement session. If your dog is fearful in public, easily overwhelmed, or tends to bolt at loud noises, it might be better to leave them at home. And that’s okay! The goal is to keep your experience stress-free.
Ask yourself:
- Can my pet follow basic commands like sit, stay, or come?
- Are they comfortable around new people and places?
- Are they leash-trained?
- Would they be okay being part of photos for 15–30 minutes?
If the answer is no, skip it. I promise your session will still be beautiful.
Pro Tip: If your pet is nervous or has high energy, consider booking a separate short pet session at home or in a familiar space before or after your main engagement shoot.
Bring a Designated Pet Guardian
One of the most helpful things you can do? Bring a friend or family member to be your pet’s plus-one.
A dedicated handler ensures that:
- You don’t have to juggle posing, snuggling, and leash control
- Your pet has someone to take them home after their portion is done
- You can shift seamlessly into your formal outfit without worrying about dirt, drool, or distractions
Ideally, this should be someone your pet already knows and trusts.
Casual Look First, Formal Look Second
For style and logistics, I always recommend planning two outfits for your engagement session: one casual and one formal.
Here’s how it works:
- Start in your casual look with your fur baby—think cozy sweaters, jeans, flowy dresses, or boho vibes
- Snap all the fun, relaxed pet-friendly photos first
- Hand your pet off to your helper
- Do a quick outfit change into something a little more elevated for those magazine-worthy couple portraits
That way, you get the best of both worlds: playful and polished.
Bonus Tip: Make sure your outfits and pet accessories coordinate. A neutral leash or a bandana in your wedding colors can really pull everything together visually.
What to Pack: Pet Edition
Having a small pet kit on hand keeps things running smoothly. Pack these essentials in a tote:
Pet Essentials Checklist:
- A leash (ideally a neutral one or one that matches your outfit)
- A harness or collar with ID tags
- Small treats for bribery—I mean, rewards
- A portable water bowl and fresh water
- Waste bags (glamorous? No. Necessary? Yes.)
- A favorite squeaky toy to grab their attention
- A lint roller for fur on your outfits
Pro Tip: Avoid squeaky toys until the last few minutes. They can overstimulate or distract your pet early on.
Timing Is Everything
Pets tend to do best early in the shoot when they’re still fresh and excited (but not too hyper). That’s why I schedule their photos during the first 15–30 minutes. After that, they can head home or hang out with their handler.
If we’re shooting outdoors, be mindful of the time of day:
- Morning or sunset is ideal to avoid extreme heat, especially in the Texas summer
- Always check the weather forecast, and bring extra water if temps are high
Looking for the best golden hour pet-friendly photo spots in the DFW area? Check out:
- Murrell Park at Grapevine Lake
- Katy Trail in Dallas
- Trophy Club Park
- Lake Ray Roberts
- Adriatica Village in McKinney
These spots are scenic, pet-friendly, and easy to access.
Keep It Simple with Props
Want to make it Pinterest-worthy? Keep props minimal but meaningful. Some sweet pet-friendly ideas include:
- A “My humans are getting married!” bandana
- A chalkboard sign with your date
- A save-the-date tag for their collar
- A flower collar or small floral accessory to match your outfit
Just make sure anything your pet wears is safe and not too tight or distracting.
Not Sure About It? Do a Trial Run
If you’re not 100% sure how your pet will behave in front of the camera, schedule a mini photo day at home. Let them get used to being posed and treated for sitting still. This can give you peace of mind and help you make the best decision.
What If Your Pet Isn’t the Best Fit?
Don’t worry. If your fur baby would rather stay home, we can still include them symbolically. Some alternatives include:
- A photo charm on your bouquet or boutonniere for the wedding
- A custom pet illustration for your save-the-date
- Engagement photos taken at home where they’re more relaxed
- Matching tattoos or accessories for you and your partner
You’ll still have meaningful nods to your pet without the logistics stress.
How to Feature Your Pet at the Wedding—Even if They Stay Home
Even if your fur baby can’t attend the wedding, there are so many creative ways to include them in your celebration using your engagement photos. One of the most popular? Custom signature drink signs featuring your pet’s portrait and a playful drink name like “The Duke Daiquiri” or “Bailey’s Bourbon Smash.” You can also use those adorable engagement shots as table numbers, mixing romantic photos of the two of you with individual or posed pet pics for a personal, unforgettable touch. Want to dial up the fun? Turn your pet’s photo into oversized cutout heads to use as hilarious photo booth props—or even have your bridal party wave them during the grand entrance. From cake toppers to cocktail napkins, your engagement session with your dog gives you tons of personalized wedding-day possibilities.
Tips for a Smooth Pet-Inclusive Engagement Session
Here’s a quick roundup to help you plan like a pro:
Pet Engagement Session Tips:
- Only bring your pet if they’re calm, trained, and used to new environments
- Have a designated pet handler for transitions and safety
- Pack essentials: PHOTO WORTHY leash, water, treats, cleanup items
- Do all pet photos in the first half of the session
- Choose two outfits: casual for pet photos, formal for just you two
- Coordinate colors with your pet’s accessories
- Keep props simple and meaningful
- Scout pet-friendly photo locations in advance
- Consider the weather and bring water
- Be flexible and go with the flow—fur babies don’t always follow scripts!
Ready to Book Your Pet-Friendly Engagement Session?
Your love story deserves to be captured in a way that feels authentically you—fur babies and all.
At April Pinto Photography, I specialize in storytelling sessions that are relaxed, stylish, and joy-filled. Whether you want to hit the trails at Grapevine Lake, stroll the streets of Downtown Dallas, or cozy up at home with your pup, I’m here to help you plan a session you’ll actually love.
Visit my Engagement Portfolio to see more pet-friendly sessions, or send me a message here to get started.
Let’s make magic—paws, fur, and all.
