i know my border collie is smarter than i am :)

I'm all about my dogs, so my outlook on this totally biased.  I think a dog photo is more interesting than people pics.

I highly recommend it to all of my local competition. 

It shows that you are human, but I would not include them in my profile.  If I specialized in only working with a certain type of pet owner it would make sense.  If I was allergic to pet dander I would choose another professional.

I prefer not to, but some like them.

Hi Roy -- It's not my style but it's also not my profile so if someone wants to do it -- go ahead.   

I don't think pets or children belong in pictures.  But that is just my preference.

It may be useful for branding image for certain agents.  Some potential clients may decide contact you because of the pet.  Alternatively, you may lose potential clients who may decide not to contact you because of the pet.

on an online profile photo I think it's fine. I would never put it on a card or in a print ad

I have seen this marketing work, but I don't do it. It's just not something I'm into doing. 

You're selling the house, not the pets.  If nothing else, it emphasizes the fact the the carpeting may smell like a dog or cat.  There is no place for animals in listings.

Aloha Roy,

It depends, if it's apart of your brand yes, by all means and especially if you have your pooch pal with you all the time. Our office is pet friendly and we provide pet friendly services. However, we choose not to have our pooch pals in our photos because we only occasionally have them at the office or out on the town, as the little darlings can demand attention at inopportune moments that would impede our professionalism. 

a hui hou,

It is not my thing but know agents that get business from doing this. To each his own.

I've never thought it was appropriate, but many seem to love showing their pets and I assume are going after the pet crazy public.

It communicate where one's priorities lie.

It communicates a presumptuous person.

And attracts those of like mind and kindred spirit.

Hats and pets and kids and boats and motorcycles are 'self selection' mechanisms that can be used deliberately. However, if not deliberate, it is presumptuous

As long as it promotes the person and the picture is current why not.

If it is from years ago or the dog is the most visible hell no.

Roy Kelley My personal opinion is including a pet down grades the professionalism of this industry. They should go along the path of the glamor photos a few years back.

I don't think it's the most professional photo one could create....it's casual and opens eyes to a certain degree of  a "personal touch".....I might put that on a AR blog during football season, but that's where it ends...and the pet would have a football shirt on....or a football under his chin!!

I think not in the profile picture, if you want to show of your pets somewhere on your website that is fine. To each their own though, I love my pets.

Roy,

We don't recommend it.  We once worked with an agent who had her prize winning Afghans with her photo.  When they died, she was constantly in tears when someone commented on the dogs...

However, if it makes them happy...A

I prefer to see the person.