Of course your dog has been a very good dog this year! Just listen to what he tells Santa.
And you can capture the moment with a free photo of your pet with Santa at participating PetSmart locations. (Of course, your companion animal doesn’t have to be a dog; if your pot-bellied pig, bunny or ferret is friendly and photogenic, it is welcome in accordance with the store’s pet policy.)

Photo: Deposit Photos
Santa photos are available by reservation in PetSmart stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Enter your ZIP code here to find a store and then book your photo shoot beginning Dec. 5. (Availability by location is subject to change without notice. Photos are not available in PetSmart Groomery locations.)
PetSmart Treats Loyalty Program members are making the “nice” list and have early access to book their Santa photos now. As an extra gift, Treats members will also receive 3X Treats points for purchases made on the day of their appointment when they use their Treats membership email to check in to the event.
Photos can be taken on a personal device or on store device which will then be delivered via email. Download the PetSmart app to use fun photo filters during the event.
Help your pets put their best paws forward
If striking the perfect pose is at the top of your pet’s wish list, PetSmart training expert Jodie Havens, CPDT-KSA shares four tips to ensure your pet looks their best for their holiday photo moment:
- Prep their look: Dress them up for the holiday to create a photo moment you’ll always remember, such as a Santa Claus suit and hat for cats and dogs, striped pajamas for small pets or a hot cocoa ugly sweater for reptiles, or accessorize with items like a reindeer headband for dogs.
- Get their attention: To get them to look at the camera, use a squeaker toy, hold a treat, call their name or make sounds you know they’ll respond to throughout the photo-taking process.
- Play with them: Get them to play with you or take them for a quick spin around PetSmart to get that beautiful pet grin.
- Reward them: Pair the sight of the camera with treats and give them a goodie after a few photo frames. Keep up the treats after the photo session concludes.
Even more pet articles at Living on the Cheap:
- Sniff out ways to save at pet stores
- Free help lines for pet behavior problems
- Free, cheap and homemade toys and gifts for pets
- 10 cheap & easy pet Halloween costumes