Passport Photo for Dogs

Frame the Muzzle and Both Ears

Get down to your dog’s eye level so the nose does not dominate the picture. Let a seated dog look towards a toy held beside the lens, rather than lifting the chin. Leave room beside floppy ears and above upright ears. A close portrait should include the head and upper chest, not just the nose.

Photograph Dark and Light Coats Clearly

Use soft light from in front or slightly to one side. For a black dog, check that the eyes remain visible; for a white dog, keep detail in the fur instead of turning it into a bright patch. Take several pictures during a quiet moment and choose one without motion blur around the mouth or ears.

Our guide to taking photos with a smartphone explains the camera basics. Use the advice on lighting a passport-style photo to keep the face clear, and read about preparing a plain photo background when checking the outline. These general photography tips help you prepare a clear source image; human biometric posing rules do not apply to your pet.

Check Your Dog Portrait

We use your photo as a reference to generate a front-facing portrait and prepare its background. Compare the muzzle length, ear shape and coat markings with your original. Check long hair around the ears and the outline under the chin before ordering.

Select the country in the upload button to choose the photo dimensions. Check the preview at that size before ordering. This is a personal passport-style photo, not a travel document or biometric approval. If you plan to put it in a record or document, check the size and instructions provided by its issuer.

Digital Photos and Prints from …

Your digital photo costs … and includes a printable photo sheet. We use the same products and prices as our normal passport photos. Our comparison of digital and printed photos explains the two formats; see digital delivery and downloads for receiving your files. Compare the digital and printed photo packages for the available options; the displayed amount follows your selected currency.

For another animal, read our cats photo guide or ferrets photo tips. You can find every animal in the pet passport photo overview.