PetSmart’s Free Pet Photos with Santa Program Returns Nationwide

PetSmart’s beloved pet photos with Santa have returned. On December 13 and 14, pet parents nationwide can create joyful memories and sharable moments with a free photo with Santa, open to pets of all kinds, including dogs, cats and other small pets*. With more than 90 percent of pet parents including pets in family holiday traditions,**

PetSmart’s Photos With Santa event has become a favorite way to bring the magic of the holidays to life for pet families.

With every PetSmart store participating, pet parents can now book their free photo session with Santa. PetSmart associates will be on hand to welcome you to the experience, and one special associate will be dressed up as Santa, ready to snap a picture with your pet in front of a seasonal backdrop.

Pets are invited to arrive dressed in picture-perfect holiday attire. To ensure their pets look and feel their best for Santa photos, the PetSmart salon is offering a holiday special add-on for any service. The limited-time package includes a plush toy gift, festive bandana and holiday spritz.

“We’re thrilled to welcome pets and their families to one of our most joyful events of the year,” said Bradley Breuer, senior vice president of marketing at PetSmart. “Watching pets meet Santa is always magical, and we love helping families capture those special moments together. We hope everyone will join us to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with their pets.”

PetSmart also has tips to help pets “sleigh” their holiday photos:

• Dress festive: Dress them up in holiday attire like a festive sweater, a fun reindeer headband, or seasonal inspired costume.
• Practice makes perfect: Introduce pets to their new accessory or outfit ahead of time and practice taking photos at home to ease any picture-day jitters.
• Get their energy out: A quick play session or lap around the store can help pets get their energy out so they are more relaxed during photo time.
• Say cheese with toys and treats: Keep pets focused (and smiling) during their photo session by holding their attention with a festive toy or treat.

During the event, pet parents can also finish their shopping list with holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for their pets. PetSmart’s holiday collection has something for all pet species, from seasonal toys and treats to cozy bedding and apparel.

*Pets are allowed in PetSmart stores in accordance with the in-store pet policy located here.

**The PetSmart 2025 Holiday Survey was fielded amongst a sample of 1,452 pet parent adults, 18 years of age and older. They were identified as having either one or more dogs, one or more cats, or at least one animal other than a cat or dog. This survey was live twice from August 29 to September 5, 2025, with comparative data from 2024 to inform YoY statistics.

(Photo courtesy PetSmart)