If you’re planning on incorporating your pet into a morning engagement session in Paris, you’ll find everything you need to know here. We absolutely adore doing photoshoots with pets. The results are always heart-meltingly cute! Not to mention how perfectly photogenic animals are! They don’t get stage fright and being-in-front-of-the-camera nerves. They’re just out and about enjoying themselves. Couldn’t we all use more of that energy?
And we’ve done some legendary sessions over the years, including a studio photoshoot with a couple who brought in their beloved tortoise! This one might take the cake for novelty reasons, but we’ve also done our fair share of sessions incorporating dogs (which we just can’t get enough of).
If you love your furry companion and can’t bear the idea of leaving him or her at home alone, we hear you. Bring them along and let’s dive into creating something beautiful, relaxed, and genuinely you.
Why include your pup?
Do I even have to explain it? Because they’re family. Your engagement photos should feel like your life—living, laughing, cuddling, and yes, wagging tails. It’s those joyful interactions that make the images so heartfelt. If your dog(s) is an important part of your relationship and your bond, then we would love nothing more for you to have fun incorporating your pet.
France has such a heartfelt pet culture—where animals really feel like part of the family. As of 2024, around 61% of households in France own a pet, and more than half have at least a cat or a dog.
Many French people celebrate their pets’ birthdays, invest in grooming and special treats, and see them as emotional companions—not just pets. In short, pet parenting in France isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in love, respect, and real connection.
If you’re coming from the U.S., Canada, or elsewhere in Europe, you probably feel the same way about your pet. And since portrait photography is meant to be personal, whatever is important to you is important to us. This means that incorporating your pet is our priority!
What you’ll find in this blog:
- How to Take a Dog on the Paris Metro
- Favorite Paris Locations for Incorporating your pet into a photoshoot
- Guide on Planning a Dog Photoshoot, including what to bring
- What to Expect with a KDP Photographer
- How to Book Your Photoshoot with Us Today
Let’s get into it!
Bringing Your Dog on the Paris Métro
Planning a morning engagement shoot and need to hop on the Métro with your pup?
here’s what you need to know: (Transit to a shoot incorporating your pet)
- Small dogs (under ~45 cm in a bag or basket) may ride free of charge—provided they won’t inconvenience or soil other passengers
- Larger dogs must be muzzled and on leash, and require a reduced‑fare child ticket for both Metro and RER trains
- Guide or assistance dogs travel free of charge, no ticket needed (but documentation may be requested)
In practice, staff are often lenient when dogs are calm and controlled—but it’s best to follow the official rules to avoid potential fines
Paris locations we love for engagement sessions (and where pets are welcome)
All of these spots are used in morning engagement sessions, when the lighting is best and there are less crowds:
- Eiffel Tower / Trocadéro / Bir‑Hakeim Bridge: Iconic structures and paved areas welcome leashed dogs—no grass allowed, but perfect for stylized strolls or candid moments incorporating your pet
- Pont Neuf & Place Dauphine / Banks of the Seine: Beautiful river-side paths where pups are welcome on-leash—ideal for natural walking-portrait shots
- Jardin du Luxembourg: There’s a small area with stunning garden paths where leashed dogs are allowed—great for gentle morning portraits among the trees.
- Palais Royal: Chic architecture and structured colonnades—dogs on-leash are welcome along walkways.
Planning your engagement session: pet edition
Morning perks:
Start between 7–9 AM for gorgeous soft light and cooler temperatures—nice for your pup and calm surroundings. Honestly, I think the less distractions for your dog, the better. Paris is a big, chaotic city. Cutting out some variables will make a big difference, believe me. We don’t need hundreds of people and bicycles rushing around everywhere. An engagement photoshoot – especially while incorporating your pet – should be quiet and uninterrupted in the best way.
pet-permitting rules:
Keep your dog on-leash at all times and stay on paths—not lawns or flowerbeds.
Always carry poop bags and water to stay courteous and comply with local regulations.
Just be aware of being in a public space with a lot of people (Paris is a big city, after all).
What to Bring along on your engagement session with pets:
- Water, bowl, treats, and a favorite toy or leash in neutral tones. I’d recommend thinking ahead about the color of your leash and the outfit you plan to wear. If these are coordinated, you’ll thank me! Think about the weather the day of the shoot. Your pet is a part of your family, after all. Be aware if it’s going to be a really hot summer day, in case you need to bring extra water, rethink the location to provide shade, or even reschedule for another day.
- OPTIONAL: A helper to hold your pup for a few frames without them (e.g., solo couple shots). If you have a friend or family member who would be happy to step in and take care of your dog at times, that can be a huge help! As photographers, we don’t have a way to do both. So we recommend asking a friend for a favor. Besides, who doesn’t love to be a dog handler for a few minutes!
- Patience—short sessions (like our mini session of 1 hour) with breaks keep energy high and tails wagging. Our longer 2 hour shoots might be too long for incorporating your pet. Short and sweet is best.
What to expect with Katie Donnelly Photography’s style
Our approach is typically guided but relaxed: You’ll feel like you’re wandering with a friend—chat, laugh, pose softly, repeat. We LOVE photographing sessions while incorporating your pets. It’s so fun and sweet, and it always leads to some organic and unexpected shots, usually involving huge smiles and laughter. And don’t be afraid to get down and play around with your pet. Give your fur baby some belly rubs and some love. This will bring out their personality in a wonderful way. We love when you can tell the dog is smiling too!
morning light magic for engagement sessions with pets:
Soft tones, cooler temps, and calm surroundings make your pup more comfortable—and photos more magical. Early mornings are just the best time for an engagement photo session and it’s the best time for incorporating your pet.
Because afterwards, you have ALL day to celebrate your love for each other and to have so much fun. These portraits will be lasting memories of your big day.
Ready to book your Photoshoot while incorporating your pet?
Book your engagement portraits with us today!
You can book your session with us HERE at Katie Donnelly Photography and let’s tell your love story—together (tails and all!).
Bring your pup, stroll through iconic Paris locations, and enjoy a morning session that’s real, joyful—and totally you.
I can’t wait to help you choose locations, time it right, and have fun incorporating your pet.
