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It’s time to start planning your holiday cards and social media posts! If you need a fun family portrait and want to include your fur kids, look no further. We’ve found all the stores that do pet photos with Santa this year to take out the guesswork — plus some cheap pet costumes to dress them up in.

Before we dig into the list, you’ll want to make sure your pupper is potty trained and comfortable around people. If your dog acts a bit shy around strangers or aggressive around other dogs, it may be best to stay home and stage a fun photoshoot in the backyard instead of getting pet pictures with Santa. 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 dog treats (we’ve got coupons for those).

If your cat or dog is ready for their close-up, get out their most festive holiday finery (and your own ugly sweater) and plan to cheese it up with Santa at any of the stores on this list — or maybe all of them!

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Here are all the places to get pet photos with Santa in 2022:

santa claus and puppy touching noses

Macy’s has pet photos at select stores through Dec. 24.

If you live in one of these four big cities — Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, or New York — you can stop in for a pet photo with Santa at Macy’s “Santaland” inside one of their flagship stores. You can book your photos from Nov. 5 – Dec. 24, but spots fill up fast so make a reservation online as soon as you can. You can make your reservation five days in advance.

Additional photo events may be available at your local Macy’s, but plans vary by location and may require you to purchase a commemorative photo. If you’re looking for an entirely virtual experience, Macy’s also offers Santaland online from Nov. 25 – Dec. 24, and this option is completely free!

 

Petco most likely won’t have photos with Santa in 2022.

Petco usually offers pet photos with Santa, but all is quiet on the announcement front. I called my local Petco to check the status on Dec. 8, and they said they’re not planning to host a photo event in 2022. Bummer. It may be worth a call to your local Petco just to check, though.

Related: Here are the latest deals at Petco we handpicked for you.

 

PetSmart has free pet photos on the weekends.

Pet photos with Santa are completely free at PetSmart stores during the first three weekends of December from noon to 3 p.m. And it’s not just dogs they allow. Petsmart’s Pet Policy allows for all “traditional” type pets in their store — from cats and dogs to non-venomous reptiles and pot-bellied pigs.

You can take the photos using your cell phone or via the camera in-store. If you opt for the in-store camera, they’ll email the photos to you. If you’d like to add some additional flair, you can download the PetSmart app (iOS / Android) and find stickers and filters to dress up your photos!

Related: We assembled all the best tips on how to save money at PetSmart.

 

Pet Supplies Plus offers pet photos for a donation.

Pet Supplies Plus is another major chain that often puts on a fun event for your pets around the holidays. Their stores will be hosting Santa photos in the month of December.

While dates and prices may vary by location, most photos cost around $10 and benefit a local shelter. They limit many of the events to just dogs and cats, but call your local store to confirm if reptilian and feathered friends can come along, too.

 

The Humane Society often has pet photos in December.

Help other pets in need and celebrate the holidays with your fur kid. To fundraise during the holidays, many Humane Society locations will offer holiday festivals, pop-ups, and photo ops throughout the month of December.

Be sure to double-check with your local Humane society to see if they limit the event to just cats and dogs. You’ll also want to find out if they have capacity limits for the event. 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.

 

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s have pet photos with Santa through Dec. 24.

Whether or not your dog has gone with you on fishing trips, you can get a dog photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland inside Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s from Nov. 5 – Dec. 24, 2022. While these retailers welcome pets all year round, the stores will be extra festive for the holiday season. Double-check your local Bass Pro Shops location or book an appointment online.

All participants will get a free 4×6 print, but additional copies are available for purchase for around $5 for eight prints.

Related: Even humans can get a free Bass Pro photo with Santa.

 

Your local mall may allow pets for Santa photos.

Now that we have online shopping, malls may not be the destination of years past. But you can still enjoy the holiday tradition of heading to your local mall to take photos with Santa. Some things don’t change!

Overall, if you’re looking for a place that does free or cheap pet photos with Santa, make sure you check what’s happening at the mall near you. Many still do big events for holiday photos for the entire family — pets included. Your mall’s Facebook page and Google are the best places to find updated information.

 

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming often offers pet photos with Santa.

If you’re lucky enough to have a Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming near you — they have over 200 locations in 18 states — stop in for pet photos with Santa. Availability and pricing will vary by location, but you should find what’s offered on your local store’s website or Facebook page.

In years past, we’ve seen their holiday pet photos with Santa range from free to $10, but prices may vary per location. At some locations, your pup may also pose with Santa Paws, the dog version of Santa.

 

Earthwise Pet locations may have photos with Santa.

Earthwise Pet is another chain of pet stores with over 150 locations. Since Earthwise is part of a franchise, the availability and offerings for holiday dog photos may vary by location.

For 2022, look at the Facebook page for the local Earthwise Pet store near you for dates and times. Many stores will offer free Santa pet photo pop-ups for patrons, or they may ask for a small donation to local pet rescues in exchange. Families have also been given a free goodie bag with samples. Pop-up events for photos at Earthwise may be limited to one or two weekends in December, so plan ahead.

Related: Our Ultimate Pet Savings Guide is packed with tips and tricks for how to save on everything for your pet.

 

Cheap Outfits for Pet Photos with Santa

Shop for these accessories and Christmas dog sweaters using the links below.

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Where To Take Your Pet for Photos With Santa in 2022