Pet Policy

We adore pets and believe they are an important part of your family’s story. To ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable portrait experience for everyone including your fur babies. We kindly ask that all clients follow the guidelines below.

These policies help us maintain a calm environment, protect our studio, ensure the safety of all guests, and create the best possible portraits for you and your family.

General Pet Requirements

Pets must remain supervised at all times inside the studio.

  • A leash, harness or carrier is required except during the moment they are being photographed.

  • Pets must be clean, groomed and free of fleas.

  • All pets must be up to date on vaccinations and flea prevention.

  • We do not photograph pets alone unless we have first photographed them with their owners.

  • Any animal that appears unsafe, aggressive, unwell or overly distressed may not be permitted to enter or may require rescheduling.

Please note: Any reschedule due to a sick pet within our 14-day rescheduling window requires a note from a licensed veterinarian.

Dogs

We welcome dogs of all sizes and personalities, and we want them to enjoy their experience. To ensure a smooth session:

Pet Handler Requirement

Families must bring an additional adult (not being photographed) to serve as the dedicated pet handler. This helps sessions run safely and allows you to relax and enjoy the process.

Studio Behavior & Safety

  • Dogs must remain leashed at all times unless being photographed.

  • Dogs too large for handheld crates must wait outside with their handler until their turn.

  • Dogs may not roam freely inside the studio, lobby, or building.

  • Dogs are not permitted on studio furniture unless specifically directed by your photographer.

  • Please be mindful of shedding, as other families with allergies may be visiting the studio.

Cats

We love photographing cats, and with the right preparation they can create stunning portraits.

Carrier & Handling Requirements

  • Cats must remain in their carrier at all times unless they are actively being photographed.

  • Owners must hold their cats during portrait moments or as directed by the photographer.

  • Carriers must include an absorbent pad and must remain off studio furniture.

  • We require full control of the carrier at all times — please do not leave it unattended.

Grooming & Comfort

  • Cats must be clean, groomed, flea-free and up to date on vaccinations.

  • If grooming, please schedule it at least one week before your session.

  • Cats may encounter other families, dogs or children while passing through — please ensure your cat is comfortable with this.

Limit

We can photograph up to three cats per family per session.

Safety, Comfort & Studio Environment

Our goal is a calm, safe environment for all guests - children, families and pets alike.

We may modify, pause or reschedule a session if a pet:

  • shows signs of illness

  • becomes aggressive or unsafe

  • is excessively anxious or distressed

  • poses a risk to equipment, furniture or another client

These policies are in place to protect your pet, your family and other studio guests.

Our Commitment to Your Fur Family

We genuinely love photographing pets and go above and beyond to make their experience enjoyable. These guidelines allow us to create beautiful, heirloom portraits while ensuring safety, comfort and professionalism at every step.

Thank you for helping us keep our environment welcoming for all families - furry ones included.

FAQs for Pets

  • Yes. We welcome pets and frequently photograph dogs and cats as part of family or individual portraits.

  • Yes. Dogs must remain leashed at all times unless they are being photographed.

  • Yes. A separate adult handler is required so you can enjoy your session without managing your dog alone.

  • Pets are photographed with their owners first. Solo portraits can be created afterward.

  • Yes. Cats must remain in their carriers until they are being photographed and must be held by their owners during the session.

  • We allow up to two dogs or three cats per family. Additional pets may require prior approval.

  • We may adjust the session or reschedule to ensure safety and comfort for everyone.

Book Your Session

This Pet Policy outlines the safety, supervision and handling requirements for dogs and cats during fine-art portrait sessions at Haus of Portraiture in Santa Monica. It includes guidelines for leashes, carriers, grooming, handler requirements, session behavior, limits on number of pets and health considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable studio experience.