Newborn Photography with Pets in Edmonton: What Parents Should Know

Many parents in Edmonton think of their pets as their first babies, so it is completely natural to want to include them in a newborn photography session. Whether you want to bring your dog, cat, or another fur baby to your newborn photoshoot, there are a few important things to know before planning a pet-friendly newborn session.

As a newborn photographer in Edmonton who has photographed several newborn sessions with pets, here are some tips that can help you prepare for newborn photos with your dog or cat while keeping your baby safe and comfortable.

1. Find a Pet-Friendly Newborn Photographer in Edmonton

As a newborn photographer, I totally understand why some photographers do not allow pets in the studio. After all, some babies may have serious allergies to pets.

I highly recommend checking your favourite newborn photographer’s portfolio first and seeing if there are any pets in their work. Usually, if there are pets in the portfolio, it means the photographer welcomes pets in newborn sessions.

Then ask the photographer how they clean the studio after newborn sessions with pets. I know this sounds picky, but your baby might not be allergic to your dog or cat, but may be allergic to someone else’s pet. I personally have two cats, and I am allergic to one of them. Strange, right? I know.

After every newborn photography session with pets, I usually do a deep cleaning in the studio. I vacuum the floor, walls, and even the ceiling. Pet hair is so light, it can literally go anywhere. Vacuuming everything helps make sure the studio is clean for the next family.

Then I open up the windows for at least two hours, even when it is -30 outside. I know Edmonton is cold, but trust me, opening the studio windows is one of the most effective ways to freshen up the studio for the next babies and families.

2. Plan Your Newborn Session with Pets Ahead of Time

I always tell parents that their pet will need to leave after their part of the newborn session is done. We can put the family photos at the beginning or the end of the session. The same idea applies to adding toddlers to your newborn session as well.

I know this brings extra work for parents, but during the newborn photoshoot, me and my assistant will focus on your baby almost the entire time. As tired newborn parents, you will probably fall asleep. Your dog or cat will end up sitting in a warm studio with white noise on and nobody paying attention to them. Not very pet friendly.

It is always better to plan ahead and have a family member or friend take your fur baby home afterward.

I once photographed a family with three dogs. They promised me their dogs were very well behaved and would not bite or pee in the studio. So I let them stay for the entire two-hour maternity session.

Well, unsurprisingly, I later found chewing marks and pee in the studio. I had to replace some things and do a very deep cleaning afterward.

I do not blame them at all. Pets are pets.

When I photograph newborns, all my attention is on the little human infant in front of me. What if a cat suddenly jumps toward your baby’s face? Or a dog rushes into the wood backdrop and knocks it over near your baby?

As a pet parent myself, I think my fur kids are very well behaved too. But pets are still pets. I would not be surprised if they suddenly did something unexpected.

For your newborn’s safety, let’s move all potential hazards away from your baby once the pet portion of the newborn photography session is done.

3. Not All Pets Are Comfortable During Newborn Photos

Let’s face the truth — not all pets are photo friendly.

Some pets are very food motivated and will do anything for treats. Some are independent little creatures. Some listen, some do not.

Dogs are usually easier to photograph than cats. But even some dogs, depending on their breed and personality, are naturally not the best choice for newborn photos.

The first thing I ask parents when they say they want to bring their pets to a newborn session is:
“Do they listen to you?”

Usually parents know the answer immediately.

When parents know their pet is not very cooperative, they often already hesitate about bringing them. I will explain honestly what a newborn photography session looks like and what the process is like. Then they can decide whether their pet is a good fit for the session.

4. Have Realistic Expectations for Newborn Photos with Pets

I usually tell parents to have realistic expectations, but with pets, I say: do not expect everything to turn out perfectly.

Pets are pets. They do not understand complicated directions. They may sit for you, but they will never understand things like:
“Can you move slightly to the left?”

So instead of spending a few hours trying to perfect one image, I usually do the best I can within the time we have.

Honestly, this is the only time I do not chase perfection during newborn photography.

I do not tell myself:
“I wish this dog would gently place a paw on the newborn while the baby smiles.”

I secretly tell myself:
“Sam, what are you expecting? This is a newborn and a pet.”

With newborns and pets together, the uncertainty doubles.

In these newborn photography sessions, getting something natural and safe is always more important than getting something perfect.

5. Newborn and Pet Photography Safety Always Comes First

Last but most importantly: safety.

Newborns cannot protect themselves yet. Pets probably do not understand what they should or should not do in a newborn photography studio. Honestly, let’s just assume they do not.

I always tell my assistant:
“Keep your hands ready for the baby.”

Even if the dog jumps, even if something unexpected happens, your eyes and hands stay on the newborn.

At the same time, I ask parents to watch their pets closely. Hold the leash, stay nearby, and step in if the pet becomes too excited.

Having at least two extra adults standing beside the baby and pet is essential during newborn photos with pets.

So if you are trying this at home alone, please never assume your baby is safe just because they are lying on the bed.

You should always have at least one extra person protecting your newborn from excited fur friends.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, pets are family too. Including your fur babies in your newborn photography session can create some of the most meaningful and emotional memories for your family.

The photos may not always turn out perfectly posed, but sometimes the little imperfect moments become the most special ones years later.

With good planning, realistic expectations, and safety always coming first, newborn photos with pets can be absolutely beautiful and unforgettable.

If you are looking for a pet-friendly newborn photographer in Edmonton, make sure you find someone who understands both newborn safety and how unpredictable pets can be during a newborn session. The goal is never perfection — the goal is creating safe, meaningful memories with every member of your family.

FAQ Regarding Pet and Newborn Sessions in Edmonton

What pets have you photographed during newborn sessions?

Mostly dogs — big dogs, small dogs, and occasionally cats.

Dogs are usually easier during newborn photography sessions because they are often more comfortable listening to commands and interacting with people. Cats can absolutely be included too, but they usually take more patience and lower expectations.

What if my pet does not behave during the newborn session?

Honestly, it is important to think about your pet’s usual behaviour before even considering bringing them to the studio.

To be very honest, newborn sessions are already difficult sometimes, especially if baby is older than 14 days. Adding pets into the session makes things even more unpredictable.

I personally do not mind spending extra time trying to create the photos you want. But I always ask parents this:

Will you still enjoy the newborn photography experience if your dog does not react the way you hoped? If you end up with no pet photos at all, will you still feel happy about the session?

Usually dogs behave very similarly to how they act at home. But they can become very excited in a new environment. We usually let them sniff around the newborn photography studio for a few minutes before starting.

Cats are usually harder because they prefer staying in their own environment and routines.

The worst-case scenario is simply ending up with newborn photos without your pet in them. Sometimes we can also create composite or Photoshop images if needed.

But if including your pet is truly important to you, then yes — let’s absolutely try.

Can cats be included in newborn photos?

Yes, but honestly, cats are definitely harder than dogs during newborn photography sessions.

I have two cats myself, so I understand cats very well. Most cats become less active in a new environment or immediately hide under furniture.

If you think your cat is confident enough to tolerate a new environment, then we can definitely try including them in your newborn session.

But we cannot guarantee certain poses or reactions from cats.

Sometimes they simply lie down beside the baby and show us attitude.
Sometimes they only show their side profile.
Sometimes they refuse to appear in front of the camera at all.

And honestly, that is okay.

We never force pets during newborn photography sessions because we do not want to stress them.

So if you are planning newborn photos with cats, I highly recommend keeping your expectations very low and focusing more on natural moments instead of perfect poses.

Can you recreate a specific Pinterest pose with my pet?

That is usually a no… lol.

I totally understand falling in love with a Pinterest photo idea. But my newborn sessions are completely baby-led and pet-led.

I do not force your baby or your pet into poses they are uncomfortable with.

I guide them and help them as much as possible, but if they truly refuse something, then we respect that.

Some Pinterest-style newborn photos with pets are actually created using Photoshop composites as well, especially when safety is involved.

So if you have a specific pose in mind, feel free to show me your inspiration photos first. Then I can honestly let you know whether it is realistic, safe, or may need Photoshop

afterward.