The Internet has pretty well replaced (or at least largely supplemented) visits to the local animal shelter in selecting dogs and cats to adopt. As very active members of the American Maltese Society, Maltese Rescue; we know first-hand how a decent picture will significantly increase the hits on any dog up for adoption.
A member of my organization posted the first picture of Sweet Pea which, although a relatively decent image (many Internet postings have horrible images) it did not generate much interest. Sweet Pea's foster mom visited us and I shot a quickie of Sweet Pea posed on our couch using bounced on camera flash. The new picture immediately began drawing interest and Sweet Pea is now living in her forever home.
Many photographers complain that they don't know what to shoot. Volunteering your time and expertise to your local animal shelter or rescue agency may save the lives of many cats and dogs. You can find the animal shelters in your local phone book and in the USA, you can locate rescue organizations close to you on
www.petfinder.com. I am sure that in the U.K. and "Down Under" there are equivalent Internet sites which list rescue organizations.
Try it, you'll like it. It is good for the soul!