[header] How to take a professional quality portrait of your pet [title] Consider having an assistant or handler for the animal. [step] It is almost impossible to work with the animal, get the pose you want, get back to the camera and get the shot...after checking the focus. [title] Use natural light. 
[step] If you can't go outside, then try using a well lit room, or a patio door with a lot of light coming in from the outside. It is less hot than strobe lights and is less location-dependent.