I can’t imagine a better way to start my day than to look at cute pet photos; just need to be careful not to get hooked on too much. Luckily, today we are spoiled yet again as the International Pet Photography Awards just released their list of finalists, and the gallery is too adorable to ignore.
More than half of the world’s population owns a pet; in the US alone, that amounts to 86.9 million homes, with the most common companions being – you guessed right – dogs and cats, with freshwater fish coming in at third place (according to the American Pet Products Association).
We rely on our furry, scaly and feathery friends for companionship and emotional support, with many considering them part of their family. It’s not surprising that owners want to celebrate them, and that’s where pet photographers come in. It is a genre in photography that requires a special type of skill set, as you need to understand animal behaviour alongside portraiture, action photography and even documentary work.
Established in 2019, the International Pet Photography Awards is the largest professional pet photography competition in the world. It accepts entries from all around the world, with a single entry starting from $25. This year, the judges had to sort through 4,220 entries from 48 different countries to select the finalists.
There were 12 categories available to enter with four new categories added this year to better reflect the current photography scene. Commissioned Portfolio, In-Camera Artistry, Phone and Studio joined the existing Action, Canine Portrait, Creative, Documentary, Equine Portrait, Feline Portrait, Open Portrait and Pets and People categories.
The winner will be announced on the 1st of August, with the overall winner awarded the International Pet Photographer of the Year 2026 title alongside a $500 cash prize and private mentoring, while category winners can expect a $250 cash prize. All winners receive a year-long membership to Unleashed Education and the Professional Photography Business Network alongside a trophy and digital certificate.
Most venture into pet photography because of their passion for their own animals. If you are inspired to start taking pet portraits, we have a guide to pet photography with helpful camera settings and accessories.
For hands-on advice from several leading pet photographers, covering everything you need to know from posing, lighting, action shots, studio work and working with nervous animals, so you can learn how to take better pet photographs.
Browse our handpicked finalists below for inspiration.
Action Category
Images in this category should depict a pet in action, running, playing or in some way conveying a sense of movement.
Canine Portrait Category
This category includes canine subject or subjects. Images may be posed or candid, studio or location based, full body or closer.
For those who want to focus their efforts photographing dogs, judge Rhian White’s tips will prove invaluable for impactful dog photography.
Commissioned Portfolio Category
New for 2026, the Commissioned Portfolio Category showcases a complete body of work from a real client session, submitted as a 10-image set. This category rewards photographers who can deliver variety while maintaining a cohesive style, reflecting the high standard of work clients expect from professionals.
Creative Category
Images must depict either pets, or pets and people. This category is designed to showcase creative shooting and editing techniques, highlighting conceptual, illustrative or story driven images.
Documentary Category
Images must depict either pets, or pets and people, in real-life situations such as shelter or rescue organisations, humanitarian causes, working animals, animal sports or images of pets in their daily life. Staged or manipulated situations that alter the truth are not permitted in this category.
Equine Portrait Category Finalists
Images must depict an equine subject or subjects. Images may be posed or candid, studio or location based, full body or closer.
Feline Portrait Category
Images must depict a feline subject or subjects. Images may be posed or candid, studio or location based, full body or closer.
In-Camera Artistry Category
New for 2026, the In-Camera Artistry Category celebrates photographers who create exceptional images straight out of camera, with no editing permitted. This category rewards true shooting skill, from light and composition to timing and technical precision.
Open Portrait Category
This category is for portraits that don’t feature dogs, cats, or horses as the main subject. It also includes images that show multiple species. Images may be posed or candid, studio or location based, full body or closer.
Pets and People Category
Images must depict at least one pet and one person, either in part or in full. Images may be posed or candid, studio or location based.
Phone Category
New for 2026, the Phone Category celebrates standout pet photography captured and edited on phones and mobile devices, proving that great storytelling and strong technique aren’t limited to traditional cameras.
Studio Category
New for 2026, the Studio Category celebrates crafted portraits made in a studio environment, shaped with professional lighting and attention to detail. This category rewards polish, creativity, and technical control.
International Pet Photographer of the Year Finalists
The highest honour of the International Pet Photography Awards. Our International Pet Photographer of the Year finalists are made up of the five entrants with the highest cumulative scores from their top five entries across any category. Finalists in are Belinda Richards, Callie Soden, Inge Heimensen, Katie Brockman, Mirka Koot.
Related reading:
- How to master animal photography quickly
- Photographing wildlife by studying animal behaviour
- How to be an ethical wildlife photographer
Do you want to win some great prizes for your photography? Enter your photos in our International Amateur Photographer of the Year competition. Free entry for photographers aged 13-21.
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