PetSmart Santa Photos – Schedule & Cost 2026
PetSmart’s pet photos with Santa are free, and in 2025 every PetSmart store hosted them on December 13 and 14. You book a time slot on PetSmart.com, and a PetSmart associate dressed as Santa poses with your pet in front of a holiday backdrop.
PetSmart hadn’t announced 2026 dates as of mid-October. Here’s how the event works, how to book, which pets can join and how to get a photo worth framing.
How PetSmart’s Santa Photos Work
PetSmart announced the 2025 event in a November 24 press release. It said every store would take part and that pets of all kinds, including dogs, cats and small pets, were welcome.
The session is free, with no package to buy. Pets could wear holiday outfits, and the photo was taken by a PetSmart associate in a Santa suit.
Why Pet Santa Photos Are So Popular
PetSmart’s 2025 Holiday Survey of 1,452 pet parents found that more than 90% include their pets in family holiday traditions. A Santa photo is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Because the session is free and every store takes part, it’s open to almost any pet owner. That’s also why slots go quickly.
When the Event Happens
In 2025, the photo weekend ran December 13 and 14, a couple of weeks before Christmas. Booking opened after PetSmart’s late-November announcement.
Dates can change from year to year. Check PetSmart.com and the PetSmart app in November, and sign up for PetSmart emails so you hear about it early.
| Year | Event | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Photos with Santa, December 13 to 14 | Free |
| 2026 | Not announced as of mid-October | Check PetSmart.com |
How to Book a Session
- Watch PetSmart.com and the app for the Santa photo announcement
- Open the booking page and enter your ZIP code
- Pick your store, the day and an open time slot
- Add your contact details and confirm the booking
- Arrive a few minutes early on the day
Free slots fill quickly, especially on the first day. Book as soon as reservations open and pick a backup time if you can.
If plans change, cancel your booking so another pet can take the spot. Bring your booking confirmation on your phone.
Which Pets Can Join
The event follows PetSmart’s In-Store Pet Policy. Dogs, cats, birds, small pets, non-venomous reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders and pot-bellied pigs are all allowed when secured.
Dogs need a leash, and smaller pets should come in a secure carrier. Our guide to bringing your dog inside PetSmart covers the full rules.
Pets should be healthy and up to date on vaccines. If your pet is due, the low-cost PetSmart vaccination clinics can help before photo day.
Multiple Pets and Family Photos
Families with more than one pet often want everyone in one shot. Ask staff when you arrive whether your store can fit several pets in the same photo.
Bring a helper so one person can manage each pet. Getting two dogs to look at the camera at once takes teamwork and a lot of treats.
The Holiday Salon Add-On
In 2025, PetSmart salons offered a $10 holiday add-on with any grooming service. It included a plush toy, a festive bandana and a holiday spritz.
Booking a groom a day or two before your photo gets your pet looking its best. Our grooming prices guide lists salon costs.
Preparing Your Pet
- Brush your pet so the coat looks full and tidy
- Trim nails so your pet doesn’t scratch Santa
- Take dogs for a walk before you arrive
- Pack treats, a squeaky toy and waste bags
- Choose a simple bandana or collar over a full costume
Practice sitting still on a bench or lap at home for a few seconds at a time. Reward calm behavior so the real photo feels familiar.
Getting the Best Shot
Stand behind the photographer and squeak a toy or hold a treat to get your pet looking at the camera. Keep your voice calm and upbeat.
Quieter times often mean less waiting and a calmer pet. If your pet gets upset, step aside for a minute and try again.
Puppies, Kittens and Senior Pets
Young pets can join as long as they’re secured and healthy. Keep the visit short, since puppies and kittens tire quickly in a busy store.
Senior pets may find standing or being lifted uncomfortable. Ask if your pet can stay on the floor or on a soft blanket for the photo.
What to Wear if You’re in the Photo
If you’ll be in the picture, plain colors like navy, gray or deep red look best and don’t clash with your pet’s coat. Avoid busy patterns.
Match your pet’s bandana or collar to your outfit for a coordinated holiday card.
Pets That Don’t Like Crowds
Some pets find a busy store and a stranger in a red suit stressful. Watch for signs like a tucked tail, flattened ears or trying to escape.
Don’t force a nervous pet onto Santa’s lap. A photo of your pet sitting beside Santa, or on your lap, still looks great.
If your pet is very anxious, an at-home holiday photo may be kinder. A calm pet makes a better picture anyway.
Taking Your Own Holiday Photos
You can create a festive photo at home with a plain wall, a few ornaments and soft natural light from a window. Shoot at your pet’s eye level.
Use burst mode on your phone to catch the one frame where everything lines up. Short sessions with lots of treats work better than one long one.
Using Your Santa Photo
A pet Santa photo makes a great holiday card, phone background or framed gift for family. Print shops and phone apps can turn it into cards in a few minutes.
Save the original file in a folder each year. A yearly Santa photo becomes a fun record of how your pet has grown.
Holiday Boarding and Day Camp
If you’re traveling for the holidays, book boarding early, since December dates fill fast. Our PetsHotel guide covers how stays work and what to pack.
Busy days before guests arrive are a good time for Doggie Day Camp. A tired dog is calmer around visitors.
Pet Gift Ideas
- A new toy suited to your pet’s chewing style
- A cozy bed or blanket for winter
- Treats for a holiday stocking
- A festive bandana, collar or sweater
- A PetSmart gift card for a pet-owning friend
PetSmart gift cards work in stores and online. Our PetSmart gift card guide explains the rules and how to check a balance.
Holiday Hours and Shopping
Stores stay busy in December, and hours change around Christmas. PetSmart closes on Christmas Day and closes early on Christmas Eve, as our holiday hours guide explains.
If you’re shopping for pet gifts on photo day, Treats Rewards points add up on toys, treats and stocking stuffers. Our Treats Rewards guide explains how they work.
Making the Trip Easy
Give yourself extra time for parking, since December weekends are busy at most shopping centers. Arriving rushed makes pets tense.
For pets that get carsick, skip food for a couple of hours before the drive. Bring a towel and water for the trip.
Let your dog sniff around outside the store for a few minutes before going in. It helps burn off nervous energy.
After the Photo
Reward your pet with a treat and some praise once the photo is done. Ending on a happy note makes next year’s visit easier.
If your pet seems overwhelmed, skip the shopping and head home. A quiet evening helps it recover from a busy outing.
Adopting a Pet During the Holidays
Many families think about adopting around the holidays. If you do, plan for a calm first week at home, away from parties and lots of visitors.
Pets given as surprise gifts don’t always fit the new owner’s life. It’s usually better to give a gift card or supplies and let the person choose the pet, as our PetSmart adoption guide explains.
Holiday Safety for Pets
- Keep chocolate, xylitol, grapes and fatty leftovers away from pets
- Secure tree ornaments, tinsel and light cords
- Keep lilies and other toxic plants out of reach
- Give your pet a quiet room during parties
If your pet eats something dangerous, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline.
Santa Photo Questions
How much do PetSmart Santa photos cost?
They’re free. PetSmart’s 2025 event offered free sessions at every store.
When are PetSmart Santa photos in 2026?
PetSmart hadn’t announced 2026 dates as of mid-October. In 2025 the event ran December 13 and 14.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, sessions were booked by time slot on PetSmart.com, and spots filled quickly.
Can I bring my cat or rabbit?
Yes, if it’s secured in a carrier or on a harness, following PetSmart’s In-Store Pet Policy.
Who plays Santa at PetSmart?
PetSmart said a store associate dressed as Santa takes the photos in front of a seasonal backdrop.
Do I need to buy anything to get the photo?
No. The photo session was free, and the salon holiday add-on was optional.
What if my pet won’t sit still?
That’s normal. Use treats and a squeaky toy, take a short break, and try again.
How long does the photo take?
Only a few minutes once it’s your turn. Plan extra time for check-in and any line ahead of you.
Can I come without a booking?
Booked time slots get priority. Walk-ins may be turned away when the schedule is full, so reserve ahead.
Can I use my own phone to take photos?
Ask staff on the day. A helper can usually snap a few extra shots from the side.
