(Spoiler: Pretty Much Anytime)

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to get professional photos of your dog, cat, or whatever lovable creature you call family, let me help you out: it’s right now. And also tomorrow. And definitely again next year. Basically, there’s no wrong time.

As a pet photographer and a pet owner, I’ve learned one thing: their stages fly by faster than a Labrador can steal a sandwich off the counter. One minute you’re tripping over puppy zoomies, the next you’re wondering when they suddenly grew grey whiskers.

So let’s break down the best times to capture your furry sidekick:

Puppy Days: AKA “Tiny Terrorist with a Halo”

Puppies are pure chaos wrapped in cuteness. Oversized paws, floppy ears, razor teeth, and an attention span shorter than a TikTok. It’s exhausting—and adorable. You’ll blink, and suddenly that roly-poly goofball doesn’t fit in your lap anymore. Trust me, you’ll want proof they were once that tiny.

The First Birthday: “Survivor’s Edition”

You made it. They made it. Your shoes? Not so much. The one-year mark is worth celebrating with photos because it’s when their personality is locked in—they’re still playful, but not as feral as those puppy months. (Usually. No promises.)

Middle Years: “The Sweet Spot”

This stage gets skipped the most, but honestly? It’s my favorite. This is when your pet is fully them: your adventure buddy, your couch hog, your professional bed-warmer. They’re steady, reliable, and their quirks are in full bloom. These are the golden years where every photo screams, this is my dog, exactly as they are.

Senior Sweethearts: “The Heart-Melters”

Grey whiskers. Slower steps. That wise, knowing look when they curl up beside you. Senior sessions are equal parts hilarious (snoring, anyone?) and emotional. These are the photos you’ll treasure forever, because they capture a lifetime of love in one wag or purr.

The Random Tuesdays

Look, you don’t need a milestone. Sometimes the best reason is no reason at all. Maybe you’re celebrating finally teaching “stay” (well… sorta). Maybe you just want an excuse to dress them in that ridiculous sweater. Or maybe it’s just because you looked at them today and thought, wow, I love this furry potato. That’s reason enough.

Holidays (Any or all of them): Every Season Has Its Magic

Holidays aren’t just dates on the calendar—they’re little markers in your life with your pet. Valentine’s Day snuggles, Fourth of July backyard fun, fall pumpkin patches, Christmas coziness… every season has its own vibe worth remembering. And of course, Halloween might be the most fun of all—because let’s be real, pets in costumes deserve their own photoshoot.

The Bottom Line

The right time to get photos of your pet? Anytime you don’t want to forget.

Want more ideas (and a steady stream of ridiculously cute pet faces)? Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE or join my email list. You’ll never regret having too many photos of your best friend—but you might regret not having enough.