We have been doing this a long time, and we have learned one thing for sure. You can plan the lighting, the backdrop and the props down to the inch, and then a dog walks in and nobody cares about any of it.

Over the years, a lot of animals have shown up at our photo booths, our photo shoots and even one very big parade. Some were invited. Some were the whole reason for the party. All of them were better at posing than we expected!

So here is a little roundup of our favorite furry, feathered and scaly guests.

Stella the Goose Is Working the Door

First up, Stella. Stella is a goose, and Stella has her own Instagram following, which is more than most of us can say.

She made an appearance at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, for the stadium's 100th anniversary. She also posed for our green screen photo booth like a total natural. There's video of her outside the entrance to a VIP lounge, honking and flapping like she's in charge of the guest list. Then a guy walks up holding a roll of paper towels for an unfortunate incident. Hey, it happens to all of us.

Stella clearly had things under control.

A smiling guest in a flat cap, glasses and brown vest holds Stella, a white goose, in front of a green screen, with the Providence Park stands behind him.

May the Fur Be With You

On September 2, 2024, at a gaming and comic convention in Seattle, where we do a lot of trade shows and conventions, a dog showed up with a lightsaber.

That's the whole story. Honestly, it doesn't need any more. We're not saying this dog was a Jedi. We're also not saying this dog wasn't.

A black and white dog in little socks sits in front of a Vagabonds banner with a glowing red lightsaber in its mouth.

Crown, Sash, Rattlesnake

Back in 2018, we were at the Rattlesnake Roundup and got to photograph Miss Texas holding a rattlesnake as is, a Miss Texas tradition. Miss Texas, wearing a crown and sash, smiles while holding a long rattlesnake with both hands. A man in a cowboy hat and red vest stands in the background near more snakes on the ground.

Please take a second and look at her face. She is smiling. She is holding a rattlesnake and she is smiling! Crown on, sash on, not a care in the world. We have seen people get more nervous in front of a ring light.

Longhorns Have the Right of Way

Then there was the San Antonio Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive. We brought our roaming photo booth, so instead of waiting for people to come to us, our team went out into the crowd. Good thing, because the longhorns were not waiting in line for anybody.

Longhorn cattle walk down a downtown street lined with palm trees and spectators, with a cowboy in a hat and vest among them.

Yes, actual longhorns, right down the middle of the street. And over at the rodeo, there were goats. Because of course there were goats.

Here's the video:

You can read our original post about it here: Cattle Drive Roaming Photo Booth in San Antonio

Monkey Business

In August 2018, we posted this one on our Instagram. Yes, that is a monkey at an event. See it on Instagram.

We don't have a lot to add here. Sometimes a monkey shows up and you just roll with it.

Spin Cycle

Some guests get a little shy on a 360 photo booth. Not this one. Cooper sat right up on the platform under the ring lights, tongue out, head up, like the whole place belonged to them.

A brown dog with a white chest sits on a 360 booth platform with its tongue out. A person holding the leash stands behind it, with a ring light and blue uplighting in the background.

Total pro. Some humans could learn a thing or two.

Aussie Approved

At a Petco event, this Aussie took a seat in front of the Petco step-and-repeat and gave us a perfect side profile. Not even looking at the camera. Very high fashion.

An Australian Shepherd with a red collar sits in front of a Petco step-and-repeat backdrop with red and blue balloons, while people and other dogs mingle behind it.

Happy World Dog Day, Vanderpump Dogs!

We also got to celebrate World Dog Day with Vanderpump Dogs, Lisa Vanderpump's organization. Is there a better way to spend World Dog Day? We don't think so.

The reel says it better than we can: Watch it on Instagram.

Poodle, Meet AI Poodle

This poodle came dressed in a yellow sweater, which is already a strong look. Then our AI photo booth took a crack at it and gave us an illustrated version in a yellow gingham shirt.

A fluffy apricot poodle in a yellow corduroy sweater with a gingham pocket looks up at the camera. An AI illustration of a smiling, curly-haired poodle wearing a yellow gingham shirt over a light blue top.

Same color, new outfit. We honestly can't pick a favorite.

Flower Crowns All Around

Not every animal moment happens at a booth. On a horse photo shoot for Botanika in San Antonio, Texas, our little flower girl model in a flower crown reached out and gently touched a horse wearing a big floral garland. It truly was a magical moment!

A young guest in a white dress and flower crown gently touches the nose of a brown horse wearing a large floral garland, holding a small bouquet in her other hand.

Two sets of flowers, one very gentle moment. We still love this one.

And yes, the horse got the full photo shoot treatment too.

Behind the scenes at the horse photo shoot: a photographer in a black T-shirt and checkered cap takes a picture of a horse wearing a floral garland in a grassy field.

The Puppy Party

And now our favorite.

At the Ordergroove trade show in Las Vegas, there was a puppy party. A trade show. With puppies. Somebody deserves a raise. (Planning your own? Here's our Las Vegas trade show photo booth page.)

There's a video from that day that might be the best thing on this whole list.

If you have ever worked a trade show, you know how it goes. Long days, sore feet, a lot of talking, badges flipped around backwards. And then a puppy licks your face and for a second none of that matters.

That's kind of the whole reason we do this. We bring the booths, the backdrops and the lighting, but what we're really there for is that grin. The puppy just got there faster than we did!

That's a Wrap (For Now)

So that's the list, at least for now. We have done a lot of events, and animals still find a way to steal the show. We would not have it any other way!

Thank you to every goose, pup, poodle, longhorn and yes, rattlesnake, who has ever wandered into our frame. And thank you to the people who brought them.

Got an event coming up? Whether it has a goose, a puppy party, a cattle drive or just a room full of great people, we would love to hear about it. Tell us about your event!

Request a Proposal or email us at hello@urbnevents.com.