If you need a fun family portrait and want to include your fur kids, we’ve found all the pet-friendly stores that typically offer pet photos with Santa each year. Most options are 100% free because it’s the store’s way to get you in the doors during the busy holiday shopping season.
Before we dig into the full list, you’ll want to make sure your pup is leashed, vaccinated, and comfortable around people. Overall, just keep your pet’s temperament in mind when you plan your holiday photos with Santa. It’ll be less stressful for you and your pet. And bring along some treats (even better — we’ve got coupons for dog treats).
If your cat or dog is ready for their close-up, get out their most festive holiday finery (and your own ugly Christmas sweater) and plan to cheese it up with Santa at any of the stores on this list.
Where to Get Free Pet Photos With Santa (2024)
See the dates, details, and reservation info we've confirmed so far listed below this graphic.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's (Confirmed)
When: Sunday, Nov. 3 - Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024; photo sessions available daily from 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
What's free: Each family gets one free 4x6 print, plus a shareable video sent to your email. There are lots of additional freebies and activities for kids, as we explain in our full guide to the Bass Pro Santa freebie.
Reservation info: Reservations are recommended and can be booked on BassProShop.com or Cabelas.com.
KCL TIP: Most Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations are pet-friendly, except for select locations in Dania Beach, Florida and Mesa, Arizona.
PetSmart (Confirmed)
When: Saturday, Dec. 14 - Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024; photo sessions available every 30 minutes from 2 - 6 p.m.
What's free: During PetSmart's "Yappy Hour with Santa," pets can pose for a free photo with Santa, plus get 3X Treats rewards points for all purchases made in store. Make sure you book online and check in online on the event day to unlock your special offers.
Reservations required? Reservations are recommended. You can find out if your store participates and book your photo session on their website.
Pet Supplies Plus (Confirmed at select locations)
When: Many Pet Supplies Plus locations across the U.S. are hosting an in-store "Howl-iday" celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1 - 4 p.m. See your local store's event schedule to confirm it's happening in your area.
What's free: Look for free samples, special in-store deals, and photo ops during the Howl-iday celebration. Some locations may charge a $10 minimum donation for photos printed on-site, based on what they've done in years past.
Reservations required? Varies; check your local store's website.
Earthwise Pet (Varies by location)
When: Since Earthwise is part of a franchise, the availability and offerings for holiday dog photos varies by location. So far in 2024, we've heard that an event is happening on Sunday, Dec. 15, in Yorkville, Illinois.
What's free: Many stores will offer free Santa or Grinch pet photo pop-ups, or they may ask for a small donation to local pet rescues in exchange for the photo. Families have also been given a free goodie bag with samples in the past.
Reservation info: Varies; check your local store's website.
Your local Humane Society (Varies by location)
When: To fundraise during the holidays, many Humane Society locations offer holiday festivals and photo ops during the month of December. Just search "humane society near me" to find your closest location and see if they're offering pet photos with Santa in 2024.
What's free: For a small donation (we’ve seen them range from $5 – $20 for a photo), you can get a holiday keepsake and know you’re helping a good cause.
Reservations required? Varies; check your local humane society's website.
Woof Gang Bakery (Varies by location)
When: We've seen Woof Gang Bakery locations offer photos with "Santa Paws" during the month of November. So far in 2024, we've heard that an event is happening on Dec. 7 from noon - 3 p.m. at a location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What's free: In years past, we’ve seen their holiday pet photos with Santa range from free to $10, but prices may vary per location. Some locations may accept toy donations for local shelters.
Reservations required? Availability and pricing will vary by location, but you should find what’s offered on your local store’s website or Facebook page.
Your local mall (Varies by location)
When: Many malls still do big events for holiday photos, and occasionally they will allow pets too (like the Simon Mall franchise, just to name one).
I've found that searching your location on WhereIsSanta.com is helpful for finding mall photo shoots. Your mall’s Facebook page and Google are also good places to find updated information. Just be sure to verify that pets are allowed.
What's free: In our experience, mall Santas typically charge a fee for photos, so your best bet is to snap the photo yourself using your own camera.
Reservations required? Varies, but usually not required.
Stores NOT Offering Pet Photos With Santa in 2024
Petco
Last year, Petco only held photo sessions on two Saturdays in December (Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 from 1 - 3 p.m.), but I've confirmed that they're not hosting Petco pet photos with Santa in 2024.
Related Reading:
Tell us what you think