If there’s one thing I can’t have enough of, it’s photos of my dog. Even better, if they are professional photos of my dog because others do it better than I do – especially when I’m the one keeping her still and focused. So, I’m a big fan of holiday dog photo shoots (including pet photos with Santa and the Grinch), especially those that are fundraising opportunities for pet rescues and shelters.

So, here’s the annual update of places in Ontario offering holiday pet pic opportunities.

Dogs with Santa Photos

Now, I’m obsessed with getting as many studio-staged images of my dog as possible. It started by attending a few ‘dog with Santa’ photo opportunities and morphed into almost weekly (well, weekend) attendance at picture-taking fundraisers starting in October with Halloween-themed sets and extending well into December. I’ve also evolved a photo-preparation routine.

Near me, there’s a holiday dog photo shoot almost every week. I’d love to do a guide to Pet Holiday Photo Shoots in every province in Canada and state in the U.S., but that might take a team of researchers.

Instead, here’s the best I can do: The dogtrotting.net guide to Dog Holiday Photo Shoots in Ontario, Canada from November to December 2025. This is an evolving list starting and options will be added as they are scheduled. If you’re in Ontario, and looking for dog photos with Santa, bookmark this article and check back.

Note: This is a list of events as we discover them throughout the season. Dogtrotting.net is not hosting nor involved in the organization of these events.

Christmas and Holiday Pet Photo Shoots Near You

November 15, 2025 – Photos with Santa, NIAGARA-ON-THE-Lake, Ontario

Soul Dog Collective organizes pics with Santa photoshoot at the winery as a benefit for Human Society of Greater Niagara. $40 for a 10-minute time slot and one digital image. Pre-booking necessary.

Place: Reif Estate Winery, 15608 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Time: 2 to 5 pm

November 15, 2025 – Pet Holiday Mini Sessions, BRANTFORD, Ontario

M&M Photography Minis has partnered with Brantford Raw Pet Holiday Mini Sessions for $25  for a five minute session that includes one edited digital image. Extra images are $10 each.

Place: Brantford Raw, 507 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

November 15, 2025 – Pet Photos with Santa’s Village, RUSSELL, Ontario

Get you dog’s photo taken in Santa’s Village at Village Paws. $15 to $28 options. Prebook.

Place: Village Paws, 191 Caster Street, Russel, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

November 15, 2025 – Holiday Family and Pet Photos, ADJALA-TOSORONTIO, Ontario

The Holiday Family and Pet Photoshoot is a photo shoot fundraiser for the Allister & District Humane Society. Note that photos are taken outside, weather permitting. $45 for a 15-minute time slot.

Place: Allister & District Humane Society, 5545 Concession Road 4, Adjala-Tosorontio, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 3 pm

November 15, 2025 – Photos with Santa, PICTON, Ontario

Pet photos with Santa by photographer Jessie Brown benefiting ROC youth services. Cost is donation to ROC. Call to book.

Place: Country Chiropractic Clinic, 40 Main Street, Picton, Ontario

Time: 12:30 pm to 2 pm

November 15, 2025 – Santa Paws Photos, MONO, Ontario

If you’re near Mono on the weekend, head to Happy Paws Dog Training for Santa Paws photos. For $30, you get a 10-minute session and 3 to 5 digital images with one person and one pet (or one pet) per session.

Place: Happy Paws Dog Training, 675516 Hurontario, Mono, Ontario

Time: 1 to 5 pm

November 15 and 16, 2025 – Holiday Pet Pics, STRATFORD, Ontario

A holiday tradition at the Humane Society of Kitchener, Stratford & Perth, the pre-scheduled holiday photo sessions take place among a wintery wonderland backdrop. Photo packages benefiting the shelter contain 3 digital images for $50 and 1 images for $25 emailed to you two weeks from the time of the event.

Place: Humane Society, 125 Griffith Road, Stratford, Ontario.

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

November 15 & 16, 2025 – Merry Tails Holiday Pet Pics, GUELPH, Ontario

This annual photo event, Merry Tails Holiday Pet event, benefits the Guelph Humane Society. Book a 10-minute time slot with photographer Laura Wombuell. $25 for one digital image.

Place: Guelph Humane Society, 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd., Guelph, Ontario

Time: Nov. 15, 10 am to 3 pm. Nov. 16, noon to 5 pm.

November 15, 22, 23 & 29, December 6, 2025 – Holiday Pet Pics, OAKVILLE, Ontario

The annual Holiday Pet Pic event at the Oakville and Milton Humane Society is back. Karen Dillabough Photography is offering digital images. Sign up to receive registration information.

Place: Ren’s Pets at 4002 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 3 pm.

November 15 & 16, 2025 – Pet Pics with Father Christmas, HAMILTON, Ontario

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary’s popular fundraising event is back: Pet Pics with Santa. No prebooking required. First-come first first-served via a number-taking system. Pets only in the photo. $25 per digital image.

Place: Clifford Brewing Co., 398 Nash Road, #1, Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 12 to 4 pm

November 15 to December 24 – Pet Photo Studio at Yorkdale, TORONTO, Ontario

Head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre for pet photos with Santa – it’s not just for the kids. This professional photographer is offering Pet Photos Saturday and Sunday between November 15 to December 14, 2025, from 10 am to 8 pm; Monday to Sunday, December 15 to 23, 2025, 10 am to 8 pm; and even the day before Christmas, December 24, 10 am to 3 pm. Packages range from $35 to $50. Advanced booking necessary.

Place: Yorkdale Mall, 3401 Dufferin Street (enter A2 entrance with the dog), Toronto, Ontario.

Time: Mall hours 10 am to 8 pm

November 20, 2025 – Santa & Pets Fundraiser, KINGSTON, Ontario

Get your dog’s photo taken with Santa during a fundraiser for the Kingston Animal Rescue. Photographer: Lindsay Foster Photography. $25 per photoshoot for one high-resolution digital image.

Place: PetValu, 1117 Midland Ave, Kingston, Ontario

Time: 6 to 8:30 pm

November 22, 2025 – Pics with Santa, HAMILTON, Ontario

Dream Team is hosting photos with Santa for $20 for digital images (prints available for extra).

Place: PetValu, 610 King Street W., Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 5 pm

November 22, 2025 – Santa Paws Pet Photos, WATERDOWN (Hamilton), Ontario

The Petbarn at 20 Clappison Avenue, Waterdown, Ontario is hosting a Santa Paws Pet Photo event as a benefit for Bark at the Moon Animal Rescue. No appointment is necessary and, for a $10 donation (or more), you’ll receive two to three digital photos within 72 hours of the event.

Place: Petbarn, 20 Clappison Avenue, Waterdown, Ontario

Time: 11:30 am to 2 pm

November 22, 2025 – Christmas Experiences: Pet Photos with Santa, TORONTO, Ontario

As part of its Christmas Experiences, the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto is hosting Pet Photos with Santa. Receive a digital image perfect for holiday cards. Book on Open Table.

Place: The Chelsea Hotel Toronto, 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, Ontario

Time: 1 to 3 pm

November 22, 2025 – Holiday Pet Pics, CANBOROUGH, FONTHILL, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, STEVENSVILLE, WAINFLEET, Ontario

Minor Bros Country Living is hosting a Holiday Pet Pics event at all five locations, benefiting different pet rescues including F.A.B.R. Canine Rescue, Humane Society of Greater Niagara, Sunnyside Farm Animal Sanctuary, a nd Tails of the North Inc., Dog Rescue. They promise to capture the ‘I did not sign up for this’ expression of all pets wearing holiday gear.

Places: Minor Brothers 9 Mill Ave., Dunnville (Canborough), 2705 RR 20, Fonthill; 96 Niagara Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 2736 Stevensville Rd., Stevensville, and 31904 Park St., Wainfleet

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

November 22 & 23 and November 29 & 30, 2025 – Pet Pics with (and without) Santa, LONDON, Ontario

Again, there are four days to bring your dog to a holiday photo session. Note that Santa is only there November 22 and 23. There is a holiday theme, but no Santa, on November 29 and 30. $20 per photo benefitting SCAAR Second Chance Rescue. Book an appointment at scaarphotos.ca.

Place: PetValu, 475 Wharncliffe Road S., London, Ontario

November 22 & 23, 2025 – Pet Photos with Santa, COCHRANE, Ontario

Bring your dog for photos with Santa. $15 for one digital image. Photoshoot benefits NOAWS.

Place: PetValu, Highway 11 West, Cochrane, Ontario.

Time: Nov. 22, Noon to 3 pm. Nov. 23, Noon to 2 pm.

November 23, 2025 – Holiday Pet Portrait Day, DUNDAS (HAMILTON), Ontario

Come to PetValu for a holiday pet portrait with your dog. $30 for a 15-minute time slot and one digital image. Fundraiser for Help Paws Rescue.

Place: Dundas Studio, Davidson Road, Dundas

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

November 22 & 23 and December 6 & 7, 2025 – Holiday Pet Pics, KITCHENER, Ontario

The popular holiday photo fundraiser for the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society is back. Prebook an appointment for a digital photo package of 3 photos for $50 or one image for $25. Note that this is not a ‘Santa’ photo shoot but a wintery wonderland theme.

Place: KW Humane Society, 250 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

November 27, 2025 – Christmas Photo Day, HAMILTON, Ontario

JT Pets his hosting a Christmas Photo event. Photos are $25 each and call store to book a time.

Place: JT Pets, 605 Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 7 pm

November 29, 2025 – Christmas Experiences: Pet Photos with Santa, TORONTO, Ontario

As part of its Christmas Experiences, the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto is hosting Pet Photos with Santa. Receive a digital image perfect for holiday cards. Book on Open Table. (Check out our experience at The Chelsea Hotel here). $35 per photo.

Place: The Chelsea Hotel Toronto, 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, Ontario

Time: 1 to 3 pm

November 29, 2025 – Pictures with Santa, SMITHVILLE, Ontario

Get your dog’s photo taken with Santa for a $15 donation and revenue goes to local rescues.

Place: Grooming Lab, 636 Westbrooke Rd., Smithville, Ontario

November 29, 2025 – Photos with Santa, BELLEVILLE, Ontario

Photos with Santa and your pet fundraiser for Dog Guides Lions Foundation of Canada. Book a time slot.

Place: PetValu, 365 N Front St, Belleville, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

November 29, 2025 – Holiday Pet Portraits, MIDLAND, Ontario

This is the opportunity to get two digital photos of your dog in holiday-themed environment for $15. Benefitting the Midland OSPCA. Call to book: 705-209-3095

Place: 255 King Street, Midland, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 3 pm

November 29, 2025 – Santa Photos, BRAMPTON, Ontario

Bring your dog for a photo with Santa – sway bags to those who book appointments (905-495-5531) – but walk-ins welcome. Discounts on purchases in store. $30 benefits pet rescues.

Place: 17 Worthington Ave., Brampton, Ontario

November 29, 2025 – Holiday Pawtraits, ROCKLAND, Ontario

Holiday Pawtraits with photographer Josee Lavoie is a holiday-themed photoshoot with Santa (and bake sale) in support of Ottawa Dog Rescue. $25 donation for one digital photo. $5 for extras. No appointment needed.

Place: PetValu, 2736 Chamberland Street, Rockland, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

November 29 & 30 and December 6 & 7, 2025 – Pet Pics with Santa, WHITBY, Ontario

You’ve got four days to bring your pup for photos with Santa and support the Humane Society of Durham Region. For $25, you get one digital image.

Place: Sheridan Nurseries, 410 Taunton Rd W., Whitby, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 3 pm

November 29 & 30 and December 6 & 7, 2025 – Santa Paws Pics, BOWMANVILLE, Ontario

Photos are my donation during the PetValu Bowmanville photos with Santa pet event. Donations benefit the Golden Rescue.

Place: PetValu, 2379 Hwy 2, Clarington Centre, Bowmanville, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 3 pm

November 30, 2025 – Holiday Pet Portrait Day, DUNDAS (HAMILTON), Ontario

Come to PetValu for a holiday pet portrait with your dog. $30 for a 15-minute time slot and one digital image. Fundraiser for Help Paws Rescue.

Place: PetValu, 86 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

December 5, 2025 – Santa-themed Photos, Hamilton Ontario

Bring your pup for a magical Santa-themed photo shoot at Aquanova Brewery in Hamilton to support New Collar Collective. Book your time slot here. $30 for one digital image. 10 minute time slots.

Place: Aquanova Brewery, 67 Frid Street, Hamilton

Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm

December 6, 2025 – Santa Paws Pet Photos, London, Ontario

Head to Global Pets to get your Santa Paws Pet photo taken. By donation benefiting local pet rescues.

Place: Global Pets, 1876 Oxford Street, W., London, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 5 pm

December 6, 2025 – Pawliday Mini Sessions, BEAMSVILLE, Ontario

Pet Country Market hosts a Pawliday Mini session photoshoot where you can get a pic with your dog for $30. Benefit for Community Care of West Niagara.

Place: Pet Country Market, 4548 Ontario Street, Ontario

Time: 11 am and 3 pm

December 6, 2025 – Grinchmas Pet Photos, OTTAWA, Ontario

If you have too many photos with Santa, here’s a chance to change it up. Get a photo of your dog with the Grinch. Benefiting the It Takes a Village dog rescue. Email for an appointment.

Place: Capital City & Emergency Animal Hospital, 747 Silver Seven Road, Kanata (Ottawa), Ontario.

Time: 9 am to 3 pm

December 6, 2025 – Holiday Photobooth with Santa, MISSISSAUGA, Ontario

Donate $20 of pet food to the Mississauga Humane Society purchased in store and receive a free holiday photo shoot with Val from Val’s Pets.

Place: Global Pets, 1170 Burnhamthorpe Road, W., Mississauga, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 3 pm

December 6, 2025 – Santa Paws & The Grinch Photos, HAMILTON, Ontario

If you have enough images with Santa, how about the Grinch? You can get images of your pet with either Santa Paws or The Grinch for $25 per digital image, and proceeds go to Fur Warriors Rescue. But there’s more. This is a photo contest too – bring your pet in its most festive outfit.

Place: PetValu, 1550 Upper James Street, Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 12:30 to 4:30 pm

December 6, 2025 – Photos with Santa, New Hamburg, Ontario

Head to the Canine Community Corner’s open house on December 6. As part of the event, free digital photos of your pet with Santa will be available to celebrate their one year anniversary.

Place: Canine Community Corner, 96 Huron Street, New Hamburg, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 7 pm

December 6 and 7, 2025 – Photos with Santa, Ajax, Ontario

Bring your pup to Ren’s Pet in Ajax and support the Tail Tracker Search and Rescue organization. One digital photo per session – photos by donation.

Place: Ren’s Pet, 280 Kingston Road, E., Ajax, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 1 pm

December 6 & 7, 2025 – Holiday Pet Photos with Santa Claus, NORTH BAY, Ontario

Willa Bee Photography and the North Bay Humane Society are hosting Holiday Pet Photos with Santa Claus. Get a digital image of your pet (and Santa Claus!) sent to your inbox for a donation of $20 or more. Sign up now by visiting www.nbdhs.ca/petphotos.

Place: North Bay Humane Society, 2060 Main Street West, North Bay, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 2 pm

December 7 and 14, 2025 – Pet Night with Santa at Vaughan Mills, VAUGHAN, Ontario

Vaughan Mills and Santa love your pups too. Bring your dog (and only dogs) on Sunday, December 7th and 14th to take photos with Santa. You will receive a complimentary doggie treat bag from our friends at Global Pet Foods Vaughan. All proceeds from the reservation fee will be donated to The Hospital for Sick Children. Advanced booking requried.

Place: Vaughan Mills, 1 Bass Pro Drive, Vaughan, Ontario

Time: 7 to 9 pm

December 13, 2025 – Christmas Photo Shoot, Breslau, Ontario

Photographer Jacqueline Gori is hosting a Christmas Photo Shoot for your pets. Cost is $50 for two digital images and sessions are 20 minutes long. Time slots start at 9 am. 50% of the proceeds go to Partners with Paws.

Place: 250 Woolwich Street, Unit 101, Breslau, Ontario

Time: 9 am to 5 pm

December 14, 2025 – Santa Photos with your Pet, Mississauga, Ontario

Check out the Truscott Animal Hospital open house on December 14 and get a free digital image of your pup with Santa.

Place: Truscott Animal Hospital, 2425 Truscott Drive, Mississauga, Ontario

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

December 13 and 14, 2025 – PetSmart locations across Canada

Santa is coming to PetSmart – bring your pet (dogs and cats) to any PetSmart location, December 13 or 14 from 2 to 5 pm. Free. Plus exclusive offers for event attendees. Check out locations here.

Place: PetSmart Locations across Canada

Time: 2 to 5 pm

December 22, 2025 – Photos with The Grinch, Hamilton, Ontario

Head to Global Pets on December 22 to get your dog’s photo taken with The Grinch. One digital photo per dog. Photos free. Special in store discounts too.

Place: Global Pets, 1400 Upper James Street, Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 4 to 7:30 pm

December 20, 2025 – Photos with Santa and Pet Portraits, Guelph, Ontario

Come to Ren’s Pets on Saturday, December 20, and participate in a two-for-one – get a free drawn pet photo of your dog (or cat) from 11 am to 2 pm and/or get a photo of your pet with Santa from 2 to 4 pm.

Place: Ren’s Pets, 494 Edinburgh Road, Guelph, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 2 pm (portraits) and 2 to 4 pm (photos with Santa)

December 21, 2025 – Santa is Coming to Be Cafe, Hamilton, Ontario

Santa is coming to the Be Cafe (Formally Bring Your Dog Cafe) on December 21, 2025. Take your own photos at this holiday pop up event, 11 am to 1 pm.

Place: Be Cafe and Barkery, 7 Richwill Road, Hamilton, Ontario

Time: 11 am to 1 pm

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!