CITY CRITTERS

Capturing pets and animals through downtown photography brings a unique blend of charm and character, where the city becomes a vibrant backdrop to the lives of furry friends and urban wildlife. From dogs trotting alongside their humans at the farmers market to curious cats peeking out of apartment windows, each moment reflects the lively connection between animals and city life. Local residents often bring their pets to bustling streets, shaded parks, and colorful market stalls, creating spontaneous scenes full of personality and warmth. Even wild city critters—like pigeons, squirrels, or the occasional raccoon—add their own flair to the urban landscape, making every photo a small story of coexistence, movement, and community in the heart of downtown.

Two dogs greeting each other nose-to-nose during a gathering on the street, with people walking and standing in the background.
Happy Rottweiler sitting on gray pavement with person and stroller in the background.
Close-up of a large, white, fluffy dog with a black nose and brown eyes, on a leash, outdoors on a brick sidewalk.
A large white dog with black markings sitting on a sidewalk outside a fenced patio. The dog is on a red leash held by a person wearing a blue shirt. The dog appears happy with an open mouth. In the background, there are chairs and tables, and the ent
A woman holding a small black dog with a grey collar at an outdoor event.
Downtown Living Des Moines Dog Griz at Annie's Irish Pub
Two people with two dogs at an outdoor market. One dog is large and fluffy white with black markings, and the other is a smaller, curly-haired brown dog on a leash. Stalls with colorful tents and merchandise are in the background.
A small black and white dog with large ears sitting inside a pet stroller with a black and beige frame, on an outdoor patio with outdoor furniture in the background.
White fluffy dog sitting inside a pink pet stroller on a sidewalk.
A brindle-coated dog with its tongue hanging out, sitting on a concrete surface, surrounded by people at what appears to be an outdoor event.
Downtown+Living+Des+Moines+Dog+on+Bike+East+Village.jpg
A young German Shepherd puppy sitting on a bright sidewalk, surrounded by people, some of whom are taking photos or looking at the dog.
Two dogs, one brown and one white with brown spots, standing on a sidewalk with a person's legs and shoes visible in the background. The dogs are leashed and appear to be looking at the camera.
A curly-coated dog sitting on grass with a leash attached, near a stone building with trees in the background.
A middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard, wearing sunglasses and a blue Hawaiian shirt, is holding a small, long-haired dog with a tan collar. They are outdoors at an event with a crowd in the background.
A young girl with red hair smiles while holding a small dog at an outdoor event, with several people and tents in the background.
Close-up of a happy brown and white English Springer Spaniel dog with floppy ears, tongue out, green eyes, wearing a blue bandana decorated with colorful sailboats, on a gray pavement background.
A small brown dog with a pink tongue sticking out, sitting inside a gray pet carrier backpack with a mesh opening at an outdoor event, with people and tents in the background.
A large black Cane Corso dog with a muscular build standing on a street, surrounded by people. The dog is panting with its tongue out and is wearing a harness labeled 'DISABLED.'
A woman holding a box of colorful flowers and standing next to a man with sunglasses, while a large golden retriever sits on the street in front of them during a crowded outdoor event.
Downtown Living Des Moines Farmers Market Bulldog
DOwntown Living Des Moines Farmers Market Boy and Dog
DOwntown Living Des Moines Farmers Market Golden Retrievers
DOwntown Living Des Moines Famers Market Beagles
Downtown Living Des Moines Rabbit at Annie's Irish Pub