Daycare Assessments: Pet Card Photos

Purpose and Scope

Every new dog gets a photo taken on its evaluation day for the kennel system record. This is a quick identification photo, not a portrait: the point is a clear picture of what the dog looks like, not a perfect shot.

Procedure

1. On the dog's evaluation day, take a photo of the dog and enter it into the kennel system record.
2. Keep the photo to one dog only, so it is clear which dog is which.
3. If you can, get the dog looking at the camera and looking happy; a treat works well for this if the dog is allowed to have one.
4. If that is not possible, just make sure the shot clearly shows what the dog looks like.

Decision Points and Exceptions

If a dog will not settle into a happy, camera-facing pose, do not wait it out. Any clear photo that accurately shows the dog is acceptable. This photo is taken as part of the same evaluation-day process covered in Daycare Assessments: How to Introduce the Dogs.

Edge Cases

What happens if a photo doesn't come out clear or happy?

Do not force it. Get whatever clear shot you can that shows what the dog looks like, and move on.

Should the photo be retaken if more than one dog ends up in the frame?

Yes. The photo needs to show only the dog it is for, so the kennel system record stays accurate.

Can treats be used to get the dog's attention for the photo?

Yes, if the dog is allowed to have them. It is a good way to get a camera-facing, happy shot.