2025 International Pet Photography Awards Celebrate Pets in Stunning Portraits

The 2025 International Pet Photography Awards once again proved that pets of every shape and size can shine in front of the camera. From heartwarming portraits of rescue dogs to striking studio shots of snakes, this year’s winners highlight the creativity and passion behind modern pet photography.

One of the standout photographers was St. Louis-based Brockman, who used her own dogs and former foster animals as models. “The dog in two of these images is my own dog, Caldwell, who has been my best model since I started photography,” she shared. “The others were foster pets, and I wanted to show that rescue animals make not only loving family members, but amazing models too.”

While dogs dominated the competition, followed by cats and horses, the entries went far beyond the usual. Pigs, parrots, rabbits, frogs, lizards, and even goldfish made appearances. A highlight came from Ellen Reus, whose beautiful portrait of a snake won the new Open Portrait category. “I’m so proud,” she said. “It shows that even if your pet is a snake, you can still capture stunning portraits. Snakes are incredibly photogenic!”

From playful to poignant, the winning pet portraits capture the bond between people and their animals in unforgettable ways. The 2025 competition reminds us that every pet has a story worth telling—and a face worth photographing.

Scroll down to see some of our favorite winners, and check out the official website for the full gallery and top 100 finalists.