I have no problem with it.  I prefer to have my pastor in my picture.

I've heard a pet is somewhat of a reflection of you....I'd need a pitbull....and it would probably challenge me to a real dog fight!!!!!!!!!!  

allergic.... How about holding an alligator? 

With no offense intended.  

Only if you are selling Dogs... 

I believe a Realtor should be presenting themselves as other professionals that deal with big decisions.  IE. Lawyers, CPA's and Financial Advisers.   I do not think pets, family members, hobbies or pastors have a place in your Profile Photography.  Every Client knows someone on the personal side that sells Real Estate (family and friends).  They are picking agents based on an agents Experience, Professionalism and Knowledge of the Industry.

I do have a dog, family members, hobbies, and pastors... however, I do not want to be choosen as a Professional Realtor because I advertise these things.   

Letting your clients see your personal side should be done once the professional relationship has been solidified. This can be done with future inter action.  I think clients find it more genuine.

His dog is so cute. I can tell you that mine has sold more real estate than the bottom third of agents in our association. I don't care if I turn off people that don't like dogs because I don't want clients that don't like dogs. Fortunately, a lot of people in our area own dogs and love them.

Bend is considered "Dog City USA." Having your pet as part of your profile makes you more accesssible to certain people - especially other pet (dog) owners. However, it may not appeal to others. But if your market is very friendly to dogs, I think it is a plus.

Often they want to deal with him instead of me. Kidding aside thanks for the reference.

I think it adds a personal touch and you will connect with people on another level. It can create instant rapport....looks like I'll need a new business card!

You turn off anyone who isn't a dog/cat or other animal lover (for those who have pet snakes, lizards or bunnies.)  Then again, you signal to those who do have dogs or cats, or others, that you are pet friendly.

I guess I think it is an okay idea....-Kasey

I know of several agents where it was an integral part of their branding. I say if it works for you, go with it.

I think it's great if that's your target audience.  My pet is my golf clubs.

It does not work for me.

Whatever works for you is fine with me! I just prefer NEW photos each year so I can recognize you when I meet you!  LOL

It works for some, my dog did not show up for picture day so it is just me in the profile photo.

I have no issues with it.  Some so called "experts" will say it is a no-no.  I say poo-poo on them 

Roy,

Joe Pryor and Henri are an elegant duo.  I don't mind it.  If it works, don't mess with it.  

I don't see anything wrong with it. There are a lot of pet lovers out there! 

I like it & don't mind it at all. There was an agent here who had 2 labs & her pic was the greatest. I use mine on another site.

I do think it would be stupid to sit next to your pet turtle though ....

Well, whatever makes you feel good about yourself, do it. Many agents have kids or pets on their professional pictures, or do not have a personal pictures at all. 

If I tried to fit my two dogs in the photo with me, there would be no room for my mug.  I like Joe Pryor 's photo.  I bet it is a great conversation starter for him.

whatever works to close DEAL$

Know an agent here who built her brand with her dog over 25 years ago. Now it is very popular as well as dog ownership. Go for it if it is important to you. 

I'm a firm believer in the "You do you" philosophy. If you want a dog in your photo, have a dog in your photo. If you don't, that's fine too.

Our broker has pretty rigid rules regarding out business card photos but doesn't care what we do for profiles, etc.

I like people to show their personality. As long as it's not 20 years old, I'm happy!

You have to be you.

A pet may connect you to other pet owners.

I would never do it professionally as a "head shot", but I do include Peroni, my dog, in a lot of my Blog and Facebook posts

It's OK by me, but my pet lizard won't stay still long enough for a photo.

I have no opinion.

I see nothing wrong with it. I think it shows a softer side of a person.

Why not? My cats refuse to pose, however.

     The master of using "pets" in advertising was the late Cal Worthington.  When I lived in Phoenix, I saw his TV ads for his car dealerships.

My one year old Italian Mastif would love to sit in my lap for a photo shoot.

If you are a pet lover, it may attract other pet lovers. Could scare away some and could attract some?

I love my Brandy but some people do not like animals.

 I have two cats, but prefer only a photo of me.

I know for Joe his pooch is a very special "person", so it's fine. It does tell something about the individual and might break the ice on a cold call. But, it's not for everyone. Can look too "cutesy".

I leave my personal life out of my business life - but that's me

Roy Kelley If it works for you go for it. I do have to agree with Leslie Scholfield on this one. I do have pets at home.

We do not

Not for me personally but whatever floats your boat.

Works for some, but i wouldn't do it. What happens when your pet dies? Do you have to keep replacing it with a look a like pet? Suppose you want a cat after your dog dies? How will that affect your branding?

Roy Kelley - definitely, if your target market is per lovers - why not?

An instant connection you can establish if you have a pet in your profile picture - like what Joe Pryor has.

If it works for you..go for it!!

I am not sure,  I can see it both way

- I love cats/dogs and he/she does too, so lets use them.

- I have a dislike for cats/dogs, so lets not use them.

I realize we want to draw attention to ourselves (stand out), but it can hurt too.

I see nothing wrong with humanizing. Who is that strange guy holding Joe in the photo?

Pet lovers like knowing their agent is a pet lover too. For their marketing or niche it may be what drives business to them and provides a common bond.  

I am not in favor....but that is me

I'm indifferent to the idea.  I think it can appeal to dog lovers, and turn away those who aren't into pets or may find it less than professional.  Win some, lose some.

His could be a stuffed animal and we wouldn't know. On the subject matter itself, the question is: What message is the pet in the picture really saying? Doing? Expecting? Public Relations? Marketing? Life-partner? Cuteness?

Whatever works! To some people that shows their personality and dog lovers may be interested to contact Joe. 

I was going to have a bald eagle and Harambe in my photo, but that was just too much 'Merica! for the internet to handle.