Preparing for Pet Photos with Santa

Is your pet on the nice list this year? Regardless of which of Santa’s lists your pet is on, getting their picture with Santa is a great holiday memory. Not only is it an experience that you’ll cherish, but you get fantastic souvenirs of the moment.

Don’t forget to get some extra copies for charming holiday gifts or pet Christmas cards. Your pet’s grandparents will love a photo to show off their furry grandkids. Follow these tips to get the best picture with Santa out of your dog or cat.

Get Your Pet Comfortable with Photos

Before you spend the money on a photo with Santa, make sure your pet is comfortable in their environment. If your pet does not do well around strangers, you may not get a good photo, so socializing your pet prior to the photoshoot is important.

If possible, take your pet to the photo site early so they have time to adjust to their surroundings before you get in line for the photograph. Allowing them to wander the space and sniff the area will reduce distractions when they’re in front of the camera.

If your pet isn’t comfortable being held by other humans, you can get in on the fun! Consider a pose where you are sitting with Santa holding your pet. You still get a fun memory without stressing your pet out or risking Santa’s safety from a nervous scratch or nip.

Groom Your Pet in Advance

Get your pet looking their best before the big photoshoot with a thorough grooming before you step in front of the camera. For some pets, that may mean just a bath the day before, but other pets may require a full blowout and trim.

Think about what you want from your pet and how you want them to look and make it happen in advance. If your pet is particularly adventurous and loves to get dirty, you may want to save the grooming for the day of the photo, so you don’t have to do it twice.

Pack the Essentials for a Stress-Free Visit

Before you head out, gather a small kit of essentials to keep your pet calm, clean, and focused during their Santa photo session. Treats are a must—they help keep your dog or cat engaged and can quickly redirect their attention if they get distracted in a busy environment. A favorite toy or squeaker can also be a lifesaver for getting ears up and eyes on the camera at just the right moment.

For pets prone to stress, consider bringing calming tools like pheromone spray, a familiar blanket, or a cozy carrier cover. Cats especially feel more secure when they stay partially hidden until it’s their turn. Don’t forget practical items like grooming wipes, a lint roller, and a travel water bowl. A quick wipe-down or brush-through can make a big difference in last-minute photos.

If you’re going to a popular Santa event, aim to arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid long lines. Giving your pet breaks, space, and a calm environment helps ensure they walk into the photo area relaxed and ready for their big holiday moment.

Bring Their Bestie

Instead of having just one pet in the photo, if your dog or cat is bonded to another animal, consider having both pets in the photo at the same time. Santa may have to get creative with posing, but if your pets are more comfortable together, you’ll get a better image.

Dress the Part

If your pet will allow it, dress them in their holiday best! This will make your photo extra special, and for animals that enjoy wearing clothes, it’s another way to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Know Your Pet’s Limits (and When to Try Alternatives)

While pet photos with Santa are a fun tradition, some animals simply aren’t suited for crowded malls, bright lights, or long waits. Pay close attention to your pet’s body language—signs of stress like trembling, panting, growling, hiding, or excessive meowing can indicate the experience is too overwhelming. If your pet isn’t enjoying themselves, it’s completely okay to call it quits.

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives that still let you create a festive keepsake. Some shelters and pet stores offer quiet hours specifically for anxious or reactive pets. You can also look for mobile Santa photo events, where the photographer comes to you, or book a studio session during a slower time of day. For pets who prefer the comfort of home, consider using a Santa hat, holiday blanket, or themed backdrop to create your own DIY seasonal photo. You can even add Santa digitally using photo-editing apps or holiday-themed templates.

The goal is to capture a joyful moment—not force your pet into a situation that makes them uncomfortable. Choosing an approach that fits their personality ensures you’ll end up with a photo and a memory you love.

Don’t Limit Yourself

Photos with Santa are dominated by dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a memory with your other pets. If your cat, rabbit, or even pony is comfortable with traveling to meet Santa, don’t hesitate!

Every time you see these photo memories of your pet with Santa, you’ll smile. It’s a fantastic tradition to celebrate the holidays with your pet.