You know that look your dog gives you when you grab the leash. The joy, the trust, the excitement of going somewhere together. That’s the feeling we’re honoring in A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix.
This book is a celebration of local dogs and the places they love most. From treat runs to favorite trails and weekend patios, we’re telling the story of Phoenix through the eyes of its four-legged residents.
Each featured dog will be photographed at one of our hand-picked, dog-friendly locations across the Valley. These spots are scouted for their beauty, safety, and the kind of natural light that lets your pup shine. We’ll pair their portrait with their name, age, and their favorite thing to do in Phoenix.
And we’d love for your dog to be part of it.
A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix is the next book project from Pup + Me Photo. It’s designed as a coffee table–style keepsake filled with:
50 local dogs photographed at stunning outdoor locations
Dog-friendly businesses and service providers across the city
Personal features with each pup’s favorite Phoenix thing
Fifty percent of your session fee is donated to a nonprofit doing impactful work in our community — for dogs, people, or both.
Our past projects (Tails of Phoenix and Stay Golden) raised thousands for rescue partners and created lasting artwork for families across the Valley. This one is our most community-connected project yet.
This is for dog lovers who want to celebrate their pup and help support local charities at the same time. You’re invited to apply if:
You live in the Phoenix area
Your dog is part of your family (all breeds, ages, and stories welcome)
You’re excited to be part of a purposeful project that gives back
“What an incredible experience from start to finish! Monica is such a talented professional. Getting started with her was a breeze and the photo session was such a calm and happy time for the humans and the dogs!”
- Sara S.
A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix: Portraits with Purpose
Be part of a one-of-a-kind coffee table book celebrating Phoenix's most beloved dogs. Capture your pup in a heartfelt, professional portrait session, support local rescue dogs, and get featured in print.
Early bird (first 5 bookings): $195 session fee
After that: $400 session fee
In both cases, 50% of your session fee is donated to a nonprofit , and the full amount becomes a credit toward your artwork.
How It Works
Step 1: Apply
Tell us about your dog and why you'd love to be part of the book. If selected, you’ll choose a session date and pay your session fee.
Step 2: Book a Planning Chat
If your application is selected, we’ll invite you to a quick session planning call. This is where we talk through the project, answer your questions, and get to know more about your family.
Step 3: Reserve Your Spot
After your planning chat, you’ll officially be invited to join the book. You’ll pay your session fee to reserve your session date. Half of your session fee goes to a non-profit, and the full amount becomes credit toward artwork.
Step 4: The Session + Gallery
Enjoy a relaxed, dog-led outdoor photo session at one of our beautiful Phoenix locations. It’s all about connection, movement, and the unique spirit of your pup. A few weeks later, we’ll deliver your slideshow and you’ll choose a collection you love.
What’s Included:
A personalized outdoor photo session at one of our pre-scouted, dog-friendly locations
A guaranteed feature in A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix, including your dog’s name, age, and favorite thing to do in the city
The opportunity to view and purchase wall art, digital files, and heirloom keepsakes from your gallery after the session via collections
Your full session fee applied as credit toward your artwork collection
The Investment:
$195 if you book one of the first 5 spots
$400 after early bird is filled
Your session fee supports a non-profit and also becomes credit toward your collection.
Artwork collections start at $1900. There is no obligation to purchase, but most families fall in love with their images and spend an average of $5500.
Digital files and printed products are not included in the session fee and may be purchased after viewing your gallery via collections.
Ready to join A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix book?
Apply below to be considered for one of the exclusive sessions.
(scroll down within this form to complete the application)
At Pup + Me Photo we focus on documenting the relationship between you and your pup, at gorgeous Phoenix locations, creating images you'll love alongside archival grade artwork that last for generations.
Most Pup + Me clients invest around $5500 on their favorite portraits; however, some spend less and some more. Your total investment depends on how many images you desire and how you wish to enjoy them after your session.
Your registration fee does not include digital or printed products, and while there is no obligation to purchase anything following your session, you will have the opportunity to do so after your session.
Click the button below to learn more about our pricing and products.
“Pup + Me Photo is fantastic and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to capture a moment in time with their pup(s)! The pre-shoot scheduling was easy, and Monica communicates clearly and thoroughly. The shoot itself was really fun. My dogs aren’t the most cooperative, but Monica still caught some amazing moments. Plus, Evan is a dog whisperer with the treats and my boy was willing to do all the paw shakes and tricks he could for whatever goodies were in his bag. It only took one week to get the photos back (in a lovely slideshow set to music) and I was able to have digital copies that same day! I can’t recommend Pup + Me Photo enough. Thank you for capturing this moment in time for us and making it really special.”
- Sarah S.
Why it matters
You’re giving back: half of every session fee goes to a nonprofit making a difference — from dog rescue to youth mental health to reproductive care. You choose the cause that matters most to you.
You’re investing in art: this isn’t just a page in a book; it’s a doorway into permanent artwork you’ll cherish
You’re part of a community: join Phoenix’s most pet-passionate project
The Details:
A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix is a self-published coffee table book that celebrates the dogs of Phoenix, their unique personalities, and the places they love most. Through meaningful portraits and short features, this book highlights the deep bond between dogs and their people, alongside some of the best dog-friendly spots in the Valley.
All Phoenix-area dogs are welcome to apply.
Before we finalize your session, we’ll schedule a quick planning call. This gives us a chance to meet, talk through your pup’s personality, and make sure the project is a great fit.
A $400 session fee secures your spot and includes a feature in A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix — plus, you’ll receive a $400 credit to use toward artwork after your session. Early bird pricing: First 5 participants can join for just $195 (also donated + credited toward artwork).
Fifty percent of your session fee will be donated to a nonprofit of your choice. Charities were nominated by our community and chosen based on their values and impact. Session fees are non-refundable.Book project sessions will take place at pre-scouted, dog-friendly locations throughout the greater Phoenix area. Sessions will begin in summer 2025 and continue into 2026.
A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix will be professionally designed and printed and available for purchase once complete.
Each session is designed for your whole household. Yes, that means all the dogs and their people! If you’ve got more than one pup, no problem at all, they’re absolutely welcome. These are full family sessions, and we’ll guide the experience to make sure everyone feels comfortable, safe, and seen.
Custom artwork and digital files are available to purchase separately after your session via collections.
This time, we’re supporting more than one rescue. Charities featured in the book were nominated by our community and selected based on their mission, ethics, and impact. Each participating family will choose which organization to support, helping us spread awareness and give back across the Valley.
We’ll be providing promo materials to all selected nonprofits so they can share this project with their communities too.
Calling Local Businesses!
Want to showcase your dog-loving brand to an audience that adores pups?
We're currently seeking standout dog-friendly businesses and service providers to be photographed and featured in our upcoming coffee table book celebrating the special bond between people and their pups.
This fall, we’re also hitting the trails!
We’ll be photographing adoptable dogs on scenic Phoenix-area hikes to highlight local rescues. Keep an eye out for our rescue partner application launching later this year!
FAQs
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Submit one application for your household.
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Yes you can! We welcome all Phoenix dogs to get involved in A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix to help support their fellow Phoenix pups in need.
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Your dog does not need to be still during our session. Your dog doesn’t need to know any cues, yes that is right! We practice our dog photography with force free methods. What does “force free” mean? It’s also referred to as R+, which is positive reward based methods. It means that we will not be punishing your dog in any way, we won’t be forcing them to do anything that they do not want to do. We will be allowing them to make their own choices and encourage them to be themselves so that we can capture them as they are. Your dog will lead the session, if they want to look off in to the distance, then you will look off in to the distance with them, if they want to plop and rollover for belly rubs, then we give belly rubs.
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Yes, all dogs who apply and are accepted for this book project are promised a feature in A Dog’s Guide to Pheonix; however, sessions are strictly limited and will sell out quickly. If you'd like to jump in and be a part of this one-of-a-kind fundraiser coffee table book, be sure to apply soon!
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No, this book will be photographed by Pup + Me.
The experience.
At Pup + Me Photo we are all about the love and connection between Phoenix dogs and their people, showing you and your pup’s unique relationship through wall art, fine art albums, and other heirloom products.
During our session, we want your dog to be themselves and have the best time. We encourage them to sniff and play during the session, and we use force free methods to make ensure that they feel comfortable. We don’t even ask your dog to sit during the session, yup that’s right! We want them to do what they want, but mostly, we want you to love on them and tell them what a perfect pup they are.
Within a few weeks, you'll have the opportunity to view and purchase your beautiful photos from your session. Be prepared for plenty of happy tears as you see for the first time the portraits that took that show the love between you and your pup.
Nonprofit Partners We're Proud to Support
A Dog’s Guide to Phoenix is about more than just beautiful portraits, it's also about giving back. We're honored to support some truly incredible organizations doing life-changing work for pets and people across Arizona. Below you'll find the wonderful nonprofits that this project is helping fund. Click through to learn more, donate, or get involved.
AZK9 Rescue
Mission: Providing education, spay/neuter support, and rescue services in underserved Arizona communities.
Website: azk9.org
501(c)(3): 46-2309322
Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue
Mission: Saving mama dogs and their pups by providing care, enrichment, and safe forever homes.
Website: almostthererescue.org
501(c)(3): 46-3102120
Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL)
Mission: Promoting humane values and no-kill leadership through excellent animal care and community education.
Website: aawl.org
501(c)(3): 23-7149453
Arizona Humane Society
Mission: To improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.
Website: azhumane.org
501(c)(3): 86‑0135567
Arizona Small Dog Rescue
Mission: A no-kill shelter rescuing, treating, and rehoming small dogs in need across the Valley.
Website: azsmalldog.org
501(c)(3): 26-3993160
Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue
Mission: Rescue, foster, and place purebred Dobermans while educating the public and supporting adopters.
Website: azdoberescue.org
501(c)(3): 27-1352468
Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue
Mission: Finding lifelong homes for displaced Labradors and promoting spay/neuter education.
Website: dlrraz.org
501(c)(3): 31-1706380
Friends for Life Animal Rescue
Mission: Rescuing dogs and cats, providing medical care, and finding forever homes with loving families.
Website: azfriends.org
501(c)(3): 86-0726443
Heidi's Village
Mission: Uniting the animal welfare community to innovate and ensure every pet finds a loving home.
Website: heidisvillage.org
501(c)(3): 81-5189833
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
Mission: Keeping pets and families together during crises through rescue, fostering, and support services.
Website: lostourhome.org
501(c)(3): 37-1589959
Love Pup Foundation
Mission: Keeping dogs off the streets and in loving homes through shelter prevention and outreach.
Website: lovepupfoundation.org
501(c)(3): 82-1977302
Love Them All Sanctuary + Rescue
Mission: Rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in critical need while providing ongoing support to adopters.
Website: lovethemallrescue.org
501(c)(3): 85-0859959
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
Mission: Providing compassionate shelter and public safety services for stray and injured animals in Maricopa County.
Website: maricopa.gov/162/Animal-Care-Control
501(c)(3): Government Agency
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Animal Safety Division
Mission: Enforcing animal welfare laws and supporting safe interactions between pets and the public.
Website: mcso.org/community/mash-story
501(c)(3): Government Agency
P.A.W.S Program
Mission: Our team is committed to providing exceptional training and post-adoption support to ensure that every dog thrives in their forever home.
Website: paws-program.org
501(c)(3): 33-3207415
Sojourner Center
Mission: Overcoming the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking by providing shelter, transitional housing, pet services, and trauma-informed support for survivors and their families.
Website: sojournercenter.org
501(c)(3): 94-2465081
The Trevor Project
Mission: Supporting LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
Website: thetrevorproject.org
501(c)(3): 95-4681287
Planned Parenthood
Mission: Protecting access to inclusive health care for all.
Website: plannedparenthood.org
501(c)(3): 13-1644147
one·n·ten
Mission: Creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in Phoenix.
Website: onenten.org
501(c)(3): 86-0728990