Professional Pet Photographer in Cleveland, OH
Affordable Dog & Cat Photoshoots Throughout Cuyahoga County
Tired of generic pet photos that don't do your furry friend justice? As a pet photographer in Cleveland, I specialize in capturing authentic moments that showcase your pet's unique personality.
Elevate your pet's portrait game with an in-home dog and cat photography session throughout Cleveland & Cuyahoga County.
From playful pups to graceful cats; my approach will capture the essence of your pet's personality. By doing sessions in your home, we’ll create a stress-free environment that lets your pet shine.
I offer professional pet photography sessions throughout Cleveland, OH, and the surrounding areas in Cuyahoga County. Whether you're looking for dog photography or cat photography in Lakewood, Tremont, Ohio City, University Circle, Shaker Heights, or Westlake, I bring a creative and personalized approach to capturing your pet(s). As an experienced Cleveland pet photographer, I also serve nearby communities including Rocky River, Parma, Avon, Fairview Park, Strongsville, Solon, Lyndhurst, Mentor, Euclid, South Euclid, Beachwood, Garfield Heights, and more. I'm ready to travel across Northeast Ohio to ensure every pet gets a pet photoshoot that highlights their unique personality.
About Matt Rutter: Your Cleveland Pet Photographer
Hi, I’m Matt Rutter, a professional pet photographer serving Cleveland, OH and the surrounding Northeast Ohio area. I specialize in dog photography and cat photography, offering relaxed, in-home pet photoshoots that capture pets as they truly are: comfortable, expressive, and deeply connected to their people.
My work in pet photography is deeply personal. After losing our first dog, Remy, in 2018, my wife and I began walking dogs at the Cleveland APL. I started taking photos of the dogs we walked and sharing them on social media, hoping better images might help them get noticed and adopted. That experience reshaped how I viewed pet photography, not just as portraits, but as a way to tell stories that matter.
When our next dog Leo later became sick, I invested in professional equipment so I could create meaningful photos of him, images that captured his personality, strength, and presence during a difficult chapter. Those photographs became some of our most treasured keepsakes, and they’re a big reason I now offer professional pet photography to others.
Today, my goal is to pass that experience on to fellow pet parents across Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Whether your pet is young with many years ahead, newly adopted, or enjoying their senior years, I believe every pet deserves thoughtful, beautiful images that honor their place in your life.
I’m proud to support the local animal community through my work. Several times a year I donate portion of proceeds in honor of the pets we’ve lost to the Cleveland APL. When you book a pet photoshoot with me, you’re not only receiving professional photos, you’re also helping support animals and rescue efforts throughout Northeast Ohio.
If you’re located in Lakewood, Shaker Heights, Westlake, or anywhere in Cuyahoga County, I’d be honored to help capture your pet’s story through professional dog and cat photography you’ll cherish for years to come.
risk-free pet photoshoot Packages
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Package Includes:
30-Minute Photo Session: Capture your furry friend’s personality in the comfort of your home. Limit to 1 Pet.
Digital Edits: High-quality digital edits, including color grading and retouching. Limit to 1 re-edit.
Risk-Free Guarantee:
Receive watermarked previews of the edited photos.
Ensure you’re happy with the results before paying the remaining balance.
$25 Deposit Required: The deposit is non-refundable, but secures your session date and time.
Balance Due: Upon your approval of the preview photos, pay the remaining $50 to receive the high-resolution, unwatermarked digital files.
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Package Includes:
30-Minute Photo Session: Capture your furry friend’s personality in the comfort of your home. Limit to 2 Pets from the same household.
Digital Edits: High-quality digital edits, including color grading and retouching. Limit to 1 re-edit per pet.
Risk-Free Guarantee:
Receive watermarked previews of the edited photos.
Ensure you’re happy with the results before paying the remaining balance.
$25 Deposit Required: The deposit is non-refundable, but secures your session date and time.
Balance Due: Upon your approval of the preview photos, pay the remaining $75 to receive the high-resolution, unwatermarked digital files.
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$25 per extra pet (add-on to Deluxe Package).
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Qty (1) 8×10 print on high-quality metallic photo paper which brings out sharp details, beautifully saturated colors, and rich blacks for better contrast.
Includes print, tax, and shipping directly to your address.
$5 for each additional print.
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For sessions located more than 10 miles from Ohio City (in Cleveland), a small time/travel fee of $1 per mile will be added to the total package pricing.
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These packages cannot be combined or shared between multiple clients, households, or separate pet owners. All pets included in a session must belong to the same owner and be photographed at the same time and location.
Frequently ASked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a pet photoshoot cost in Cleveland?
In-home Cleveland pet photography sessions start at $100 for 1 pet (with a small deposit to reserve your time). Additional pets are just $25 each, making professional pet photography simple, fair, and pet-friendly.
What’s included in the session price?
Every session includes:
A relaxed, in-home photoshoot where your pet feels comfortable
Professional photo edits
A risk-free guarantee (more on that below)
You won’t pay extra just to see your photos first.
Do I have to pay the full amount before seeing the photos?
No! You only pay the balance after you see your edited images.
Here’s how it works:
A small deposit holds your session date and time
You’ll receive watermarked previews of your edited photos
If you love them, you pay the balance and get full-resolution images
If you don’t love them, you simply don’t pay the balance (but will not receive full-resolution images)
This puts no risk on you, you only pay for photos you truly adore.
WHAT IF MY DOG OR CAT DOESN'T COOPERATE DURING THE SESSION?
Pets are unpredictable, and that’s okay. That’s precisely why these are in-home sessions, where your pet feels safest and behaves most naturally. There’s no pressure, no strange studio lights, and no stressful car rides. A calm environment means better photos of your pet being them.
If you still feel the session didn’t capture your pet’s true personality, we can either:
Try again at a later date, or
You pay nothing beyond the deposit
Your satisfaction matters just as much as my craft. That's what sets my Cleveland pet photography service apart.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO I GET FROM MY PET PHOTOSHOOT?
Final photo count varies based on your pet’s personality and how many beloved moments we capture together, targeting at least 3 quality photos, but in most cases somewhere between 6-15 photos. You’ll review the edited gallery first and only pay for photos you love.
There’s no minimum purchase, no expensive product bundles, and no obligation to buy prints.
Do you offer printed products or wall art?
Yes! While digital images are the foundation of every session, prints and keepsakes are available starting at $20 that ship directly to you.
How long until I receive my photos?
Edited photos are typically delivered within 1–2 days after your in-home session.
Fast turnaround means you get to enjoy your pet’s portraits without a long wait.
WHERE DO YOU OFFER PET PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES IN CLEVELAND?
I proudly serve Cleveland, OH as a dedicated pet photographer, including neighborhoods and surrounding areas like:
Lakewood
Ohio City
Tremont
Cleveland Heights
Shaker Heights
Westlake
Rocky River
And much of Northeast Ohio
Your pet's comfort matters, so I come to you rather than asking you to travel. This in-home approach to pet photography ensures your dog or cat feels relaxed and natural. For sessions located more than 10 miles from Ohio City (in Cleveland), a small time/travel fee of $1 per mile will be added to the total package pricing.
Can I add family members or humans to the photos?
Absolutely! While the pricing above focuses on pets, including people in the session is possible at no extra cost. Just reach out when booking so I can plan accordingly and make sure everyone shines.
WHY IS YOUR PRICING LOWER THAN OTHER PET PHOTOGRAPHERS IN CLEVELAND?
When you search for pet photographers in Cleveland, many established photographers price sessions that include fixed collections, studio fees, and minimum purchase requirements, which can make the investment $300–$700+ before you even see your photos.
I chose a different path: accessible pricing, honest transparency, and a risk-free guarantee. My goal isn't to match every high-end package. It's to make professional pet photography available to more Cleveland families without sacrificing quality. Whether you're looking for dog photography, cat photography, or pet portraits, you'll get the same professional service at a fair price.
HOW DO I BOOK A PET PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION IN CLEVELAND?
Booking is simple:
Contact me through the Book Now form
Tell me your preferred date and time
Pay a small deposit to secure your session
We’ll capture beautiful moments of your pet in the comfort of your home
Because I travel throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio for pet photoshoots, scheduling can fill up, especially on weekends, so early booking is encouraged.
Still Have Questions?
Feel free to reach out directly if you’re unsure about anything, session length, pricing, pets with special needs, or creative ideas you have in mind. I’m here to make this experience joyful for both you and your animal companions.
let’s bring your pet's personality to life
Interested in scheduling a photoshoot for your pet in Cleveland or nearby? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly!