Halloween means one thing: dressing the dog up just for fun! (And something about kids, too). But if you’re going to work that hard creating a clever costume for your pup – or hours in the pet store selecting one – there’s only one thing left to do: photos.
Share those pics on social media. Even better: enter costume contests. Or sign up for Halloween-themed photoshoots benefiting local rescues.
That’s a lot of options for one crazy holiday whose genesis lies in evil spirit deflection. But if you’re in the spirit, here’s some suggestions for capturing the moment with your pooch: photo opts, suggested photo tips and even pumpkin drop-off when it’s all over.
Halloween Dog 8 Photo Tips and Tricks
Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography #yourfavoritepetphotographer. Check out pics of my previous dog two years ago here.
PHOTO TIP: Start with a professional lighting and prop set up. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: Over-the-shoulder works for celebrities … and pups. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: Tongues happen. Just go with it. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: You can try and pose a puppy, but sometimes the best pose is their own – be ready. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: Nose down. Holding food works, but not high up. Kneel level with the photographer. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: If she wants the ball, give her the ball. Let a puppy play in the set. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: If your set is edible, it likely will be chewed. Bring extra props. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography 
PHOTO TIP: Squeaky toys will get attention, but you’ll get more teeth than eyes in the photo. Get lower. Photo by Ray Williams, Bow Wow Wow Photography
Halloween Pet Photos in Ontario, Canada
Thorold: Head to the Fall Photoshoot Event at the Love 4 Paws Niagara Spa & Boutique, 543 Allanburg Road, Thorold, Ontario to get a fall-themed photo of your pup dressed up or not. Photos are $15 each or $20 for two images by R&R Photography. Book your time slot by emailing @love4pawsniagara@gmail.com. Benefits Niagara Dog Rescue. October 30, 11 am to 2 pm.
Bowmanville: If you’ve got a costume (or not), go to the Halloween Photo fundraiser benefitting the Benevolent Bully Rescue at the Pet Valu, 2379 Highway #2, Bowmanville. October 23, noon to 5 pm.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com 
Photo by Sam Lion on Pexels.com 
Photo by Veronica on Pexels.com
Halloween Pet Photos in New York State, USA
Buffalo: Check out Pixie Mamas Rescue Fall & Halloween themed photo shoot at Flying Buffalo Brewing Co., 840 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY. Raffle prizes supporting this local rescue on Oct. 23, 2021, 1 to 5 pm.
Robbinsville: If you’re near New Jersey, check out Halloween pet photos with backdrop for $10 at the Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa at 8 Sharon Rd., Robbinsville, New Jersey on Oct. 28 and 29, 2021. Call to reserve a spot.
Looking for more US Pet Events? Check out this listing of Dog Halloween Events compiled by our friends at Dog Tripper!
Similarly, if you’re in the Seattle, Washington State area, check out these dog events from You Did What with Your Wiener?
Halloween Dog Photo Contest
Got a great dog costume idea? An event better photo? Enter photos of your dogs only (no people) to one or more online Halloween Pet photo contests. Fidose of Reality, a pet site featuring all things Cocker Spaniel, is offering up to $400 worth of prizes to 10 lucky winners. Enter by October 27, 2021 and check out the specific rules here.
Pet Renu, a company producing natural pet shampoos and grooming products, is hosting a Pet Renu Halloween Pet Costume contest (presumably for well-groomed pooches). The company will award three winners, in three categories: Spookiest, Cleverist, and Cutest! First prize is a bucket of Pet Renu products and be featured in an ad! Second and Third will also win Pet Renu products. Email your photo of your pet to sales@renuchem.com by October 31, 2021. 11:59pm.
Ladybird animal rescue is hosting its Halloween Photo Contest 2021. Submit your Halloween-themed pet photo for a chance to win a Ladybird prize pack! Until October 25th, post your super cute, spooky, or funny Halloween themed pet photo on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #ladybirdhalloween2021. Contest rules here.
Halloween Pumpkin Drop Off
After Halloween, don’t throw your pumpkin in the garbage, if it’s not rotten. Plenty of animals can make a meal of it. Note, however, some places want whole pumpkins only and of course they can’t be bleached, glued or decorated in any way.
Norfolk, Ontario: Ian and Shannon’s Little Farm, 1472 Concession 2 Townsend, Norfolk, Ontario is hosting the Annual Pumpkin Drop-off for the pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and cows. November 5 to 7, 2021.
Brantford, Ontario: Brant-Brantford Twin Valley Zoo is accepting pumpkins for food and enrichment activities for their animals. After Halloween, drop of pumpkins at 84 Langford Church Road, Brantford. Attach your name to each pumpkin in enter a draw for one of five family day passes.
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[…] This week, hopefully, everyone will be taking some time to spend with their dogs, cats, and any other family member that makes the list. Around Christmas 2021, there were understandably fewer options to get your pet’s holiday photo taken, but we managed to find a good one – same photographer who took our Halloween images here. […]
[…] rescue. For more opportunities to get images of your own pup this year, check out last week’s Halloween article here. […]