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 me – 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), especially those that are fundraising opportunities for pet rescues and shelters.

Granted, some dog holiday photo shoots are actually pet holiday photo shoots with cats and other furry family members welcome (often at a different time slot than dogs). But cats and others tend to be less tolerant of the sit-and-poise in a public place process.

Years ago, before I had a dog, I took my cat Kaitlynn to a ‘pet photos with Santa’ opportunity at PetsMart, and I’m not sure she ever forgave me.

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.

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 2023. 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 frequently.

Note: This is a list of events as I learn about them. Dogtrotting.net is not hosting nor involved in the organization of these events.

Christmas and Dog Holiday Photo Shoots Near You

November 10, 11 & 12, 2023 – Pet Pics with Father Christmas, Hamilton, Ontario

Relax with a beer at the Clifford Brewing Co., while you wait for photo opportunity with Father Christmas and your dog. Friday, 4 to 8 with photographer Michelle Ward; Saturday, noon to 5 pm with photographer Erin Gerard; and Sunday, noon to 5 pm with Fetching Studios. Digital photos are $25 benefiting Ladybird Animal Sanctuary. Clifford Brewing, 398 Nash Road North #1, Hamilton, Ontario.

November 12, 2023 – Pet Photos with Santa, Ottawa, Ontario

Pet photos with Santa are available and you can get prints. Pricing is 4×6 print $14, 5×7 print $18, 8×10 print $28.00, Digital file $28.00, Keychain $14.00, Christmas ornament $26.00, and Snowglobe $28.00. 11 am to 4 pm. Riverside South Pet Valu, 665 River Road, Ottawa, Ontario.

November 10, 11, & 12, 2023 – 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 (no Santa). Photo packages benefiting the shelter contain 3 digital images emailed to you two weeks from the time of the event. 125 Griffith Road, Stratford, Ontario.

November 18, 2023 – Holiday Pet Fundraiser, Scarborough, Ontario

Get pet photos with Santa for a suggested donation of $15 (or more). Coffee, tea, and pupuccinos available. Noon to 4 pm. Rens Pets, 8 Lebovic Ave., Scarborough, Ontario.

November 18, 2023 – Warm Wishes & Wet Kisses, Cobourg, Ontario

Head to this cleverly named annual pet event, Warm Wishes & Wet Kisses, to check out holiday vendors, and baked goods, and get professional pet portraits done with Hooves & Paws Photography. Leashed dogs are welcome at the market. Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer Street E., Cobourg, Ontario. 11 am to 4 pm.

November 18 & 19, 2023 – Fourth Annual Holiday Pet Photos, Milton, Ontario

Kiera’s Hope Rescue and Obsidian Crystal Productions presents its 4th Annual Holiday Pet Portraits opportunity 9 am to 5 pm each day. $50 gets your pet 15 minutes with the photographer and 5 digital images. Canine Crew Co., 775 Steels Ave E., Milton, Ontario. Please prebook an appointment.

November 18 & 19, 2023 – Holiday Pet Photo Shoots, Toronto, Ontario

Join the Toronto Humane Society for holiday-themed photos. $50 gets you 3 digital photos and a fundraising calendar. Sign up for a time slot (note each hour has 8 bookings). 10 am to 5 pm. Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, Toronto, Ontario.

November 25, 2023 – Pet Photos with Santa, Aurora, Ontario

Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa Paws! Photos will be taken by Julie Adams for a $10 donation or more (covers sitting fee and 1 digital photo download). Additional photos can be purchased for $10 each. All proceeds go to Paws Above Rescue. 11 am to 4 pm at Pet Valu, 15340 Bayview Avenue, Aurora, Ontario.

November 25, 2023 – Christmas Photos, Hamilton, Ontario

Join photographer Laura Wombwell at Bring Your Dog Cafe in Hamilton and get Christmas-themed photos of your dog. The event is a fundraiser for Smokey’s Christmas Baskets for Rescue 2023. All guests receive a $5 gift card to the cafe. 9 Richwill Road, Hamilton, Ontario. 10 am to 2 pm.

November 25, 2023 – Pet Photos with Santa, Brockville, Ontario

Pet Photos with Santa, November 25, offers three different-sized prints, along with key chains, snow globes, and ornaments. Please call the store to book 613 342 2422. Prices range from $14 to $28, 10 am to 4 pm at Brockville Pet Valu, 2539 Parkedale Ave, Brockville, Ontario.

November 26 and December 10, 2023 – Santa Paws, Ottawa Christmas Market, Ottawa, Ontario

Bring you dog to the Ottawa Christmas Market because two days at Santa’s Village are dedicated to the ‘Santa Paws’ event. Get photos take of your dog (or you and your dog) with Santa Claus. No registration required, but the lineup will close at 11:45 am. Santa Paws photos run 10 am to noon both days. Admission to the market is free and leashed dogs are permitted. The Ottawa Christmas Market runs every weekend from November 24 to December 23, 2023. Aberdeen Square in Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, Ontario.

November 26, 2023 – Meet Santa, Elora, Ontario

Let your dog meet Santa at Dreamland Pet, 6484 Wellington Road 7, Elora, Ontario. For a donation to the Arthur Animal Rescue, you will receive a 4×6 print image of your dog with Santa. 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call to book your appointment (519) 846-1313.

November 26, 2023 – Santa Paws, Toronto, Ontario

Santa Paws is coming to the Hound & Purr Pet Spa and Lounge. Book for a photography appointment. Walk-ins are permitted but appointments will be given priority. 11 am to 3 pm. Free event but they are collecting donations for the Etobicoke Humane Society. 1181 The Queensway #3, Toronto, Ontario.

December 2, 2023 – Pet Photos with Santa, Ajax, Ontario

Photos of your pet with Santa will be taken by photographer Julie Adams. A minimum $10 donation is required (covers sitting fee and 1 photo download). Additional photos can be purchased for download for $10 each. All proceeds go to Paws Above Rescue. 11 am to 4 pm. Photo sessions are at Ren’s Pets, 280 Kingston Road East, Ajax, Ontario.

December 2, 2023 – Tree Farm Mini Sessions at Drysdales, Egbert, Ontario

Thanks to popular demand, Naughty Spots Photography has added a second day to its popular Tree Farm Mini Sessions on December 2. For $185, you can get three images of your dog among the pine trees at Drysdales tree farm. Pre-booking a time slot is necessary. Note that this is a private venture and not a rescue fundraiser. Drysdales Tree Farm, 6635 Simcoe County Road 56, Egbert, Ontario.

December 2, 2023 – Holiday Pet Photos, Barrie, Ontario

Holiday Pet Portraits Fundraiser with Professional Pet Photographer, Imagery Unleashed, benefits Lost Boys Hope animal rescue. Book your 15-minute time slot – currently available between 11:30- 12 noon, and 12:45-2:30 – by emailing lbhfundraising@gmail.com. Unfortunately, walk-ins not available. $40 for 3 digital images sent via email. 166 Saunders Dr, Barrie, Ontario.

December 2, 2023 – Holiday Photoshoot, Stevensville, Ontario

Join Tails of the North Dog Rescue to have your pet’s photo taken in a holiday-themed setting. 10 am to 2 pm. $10 for one emailed image. Photos by Avril Kevill. Minor Bros Country Living, 2736 Stevensville, Ontario. All proceeds go to Tails of the North Dog Rescue.

December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 2023 – Holiday Photos with Santa, Toronto, Ontario

A fundraiser for the English Bulldog Rescue of Ontario, get your pet’s picture taken with Santa. For $17, you get a photo in a photo card and a digital print. Noon to 4 pm each Saturday and Sunday. No appointment is needed. PetValue, 339 College Street (Kensington Market), Toronto, Ontario.

December 3, 2023 – Pet Photos with The Grinch, Ajax, Ontario

Too many Santa photos? Now you can change it up. Have your pet’s photo taken with The Grinch! A minimum $10 donation is required (covers sitting fee and 1 photo download). Additional photos can be purchased for download for $10 each. All proceeds will benefit Paws Above Rescue. 11 am to 4 pm. Ren’s Pets, 280 Kingston Road East in Ajax, Ontario.

November 30 and December 1 & 2, 2023 – Pet Photos with Santa, Burlington, Ontario

As a fundraiser for the Burlington Humane Society, celebrate the holidays by getting a dog photo with Santa. For $25 you get three professional digital images emailed to you. Please RSVP in advance. Thursday, 11 a m to 5 pm; Friday, 11 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. Burlington SPCA, 740 Griffith Drive, Burlington, Ontario.

December 9 and 10, 2023 – Christmas photos with SantaPaws or The Grinch, Hamilton, Ontario

Join Bowwowwow Photography from 11 am to 6 pm (appointments recommended) for a Christmas-themed photo shoot of your dog. Select from Santa Paws on Saturday or the Grinch on Sunday. $35 for three high-resolution digital images in support of the St. Joe’s Paws for Wellness . Bring your Dog Cafe, 9 Richwill Street, Hamilton, Ontario.

December 10, 2023 – Photos with Santa, Waterdown (Hamilton), Ontario

For only $15, get a photo of your pet with Santa at Global Pets in Waterdown. Photography by Lindsey Ryder and 100% of funds benefit the medical needs of fosters of Standard Poodles in Need. To register and prepay, please call 289-895-8540. 10 am to 2 pm. Global Pets, 255 Dundas St., E., Waterdown, Ontario.

December 16, 2023 – Pet Photos with Santa Paws, Hamilton, Ontario

Head to Munchies Cafe, Canada’s first dog-friendy cafe and get your pet photos with Santa. Fifteen-minute time slots from 11 am to 2 pm. Please email to book: hcprfundraiser@gmail.com. A $35 donation to the Hammer City Paws Rescue Inc. gets you three digital images. 1000 Upper Gage Avenue, Unit 4, Hamilton, Ontario.

December 16, 2023 – A Paw for a Cause, St. Thomas, Ontario

Raw for Pets in St Thomas, Ontario is hosting a Paw for Clause a Furry Fundraiser event. Photos with Santa that can be printed on mugs, shirts, and Christmas ornaments are options. Pet nail trimming, children’s face painting, and raffle prizes too. Proceeds benefit the St Thomas Animal Shelter. 43872 Talbot Line, St Thomas, Ontario.

Where can you find Holiday Dog Photo Shoots in Ottawa supporting the Humane Society?

If you live near Ottawa, Ontario – you are really in luck. The Ottawa Humane Society is not messing around. It is offering Pet Pics with Santa every weekend around town from November to December, 2023. Check it out here.

Looking for Pet Pic opportunities in the Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph area?

Check out the Community Guides our friends at Dog Friendly KW publish and update monthly online. Many pet-friendly events and dog holiday photo shoots will be added to the guides regularly.

Want Holiday Dog Photos with a Toronto Mall Santa?

All the shopping malls in Toronto, Ontario are offering Photos with Santa, but that’s usually for the kids. However, many of the major malls also offer ‘Pet Photo with Santa’ sessions at special times and dates. Check out the entire list of Pet Photos with Toronto Mall Santas here from our friends at Toronto Dog Moms. Note that mall photos are provided by private companies and not rescue/shelter fundraisers.

Visit PetsMart Santa Photo Days Event. If you live near a PetsMart in Canada, most PetsMart stores are offering free photos with Santa – staff take photos on an ipad and email them to you – on December 16 and 17, 2023, from noon to 3 p.m.

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!