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 dog holiday photo shoots (including dog photos with Santa), especially those that are fundraising opportunities for pet rescues and shelters.

Note: this article was updated November 29, 2022, 5pm

Granted, some dog holiday photo shoots are actually pet holiday photos 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.

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 October to December 2022. This is an evolving list starting October 2022 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.

Halloween-themed Dog Photo Shoots

October 22 to 31, 2022 – Halloween Photoshoot, Oshawa, Ontario

Free Halloween Photoshoot at Pupvacay’s Sniff Spot. Book an appointment between 11 am and 4 pm in the full-fenced yard at this pet boarding and daycare and check out the complete facility. Simcoe Road and Highway 401, Oshawa, Ontario.

October 29, 2022 – Hocus Pocus Pet Photos, North Bay, Ontario

Thanks to Nicolle Shaw Photography, Hocus Pocus Pet Photos is a fundraiser for the North Bay Humane Society. Photos are $25 for 3 digital images. Book a mini shoot in advance between noon to 4 pm on October 29 at 163 Sage Road, North Bay, Ontario.

October 29, 2022 – Fall/Halloween Pet Photo Shoot, Hamilton, Ontario

Join Bow Wow Photography on October 29 from 11 am to 6 pm (appointments recommended) for a fall-themed photo shoot of your dog. Select from two different backdrops and several props. $30 for three high resolution digital images. Bring your Dog Cafe, 9 Richwill Street, Hamilton, Ontario.

Christmas and Holiday Themed Pet Photo Shoots

November 5, 2022 – Christmas Pet Photo Session, New Castle, Ontario

This is a private photoshoot opportunity with Donna Banks Photography on November 5, 2022, from 9 am to 2 pm. Vintage western themed or colourful Christmas backgrounds available. $110 plus tax. The 20-minute session includes five digital images. 817 Regional Road, New Castle, Ontario.

November 6, 2022 – Holiday Market and Pet Pics, Hamilton, Ontario

Relax with a beer at Grain & Grit Beer Co., while you wait for your scheduled photo opportunity with Father Christmas and your dog between 12 and 6 pm. Digital photos are $25 benefiting Ladybird Animal Sanctuary. 11 Ewen Road, Hamilton, Ontario.

November 12, 2022 – Bake Sale and Christmas Photos, Nepean, Ontario

Bake sale and Christmas photos by Vera Photography is a benefit for Standard Poodles in Need Rescue. 10 am to 2 pm Ren’s Pet, 4325 Strandherd Drive, Unit 5, Nepean.

November 12, 2022 – Holiday Photo Shoot, Stevensonville, Ontario

Holiday photo shoot fundraiser for Tails of the North Dog Rescue. $10 per photoshoot. 10 am to 3 pm. Minor Bros County Living Stevensville, 2736 Stevensville Road, Stevensville, Ontario.

November 12, 2022 – Pet Photos with Santa, Ancaster (Hamilton), Ontario

Another fundraiser for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, join Santa and crew for photos. $25 gets you two digital images of Santa with your pet. (First come; first served) 10 am to 2 pm. Ren’s Pets Depot, 821 Golf Links Rd., Unit 10, Ancaster, Ontario.

November 18 to 19, 2022 – Holiday Pet Pics, Kitchener, Ontario

The popular holiday photo fundraiser for the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society is back. Prebook an appointment for one ($10) or 3 ($20) digital photos and payment is made in advance of the photoshoot. KW Humane Society, 250 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, Ontario.

November 19, 2022 – Holiday Pet Pics, Oakville, Ontario

Book online to secure a timeslot for photos of your pet with Santa benefitting the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. Each pet gets 5 minutes to get comfortable with Santa, and $30 gets you one digital image emailed within 10 days. Ren’s Pet Depot, 4002 Trafalgar Road, Oakville. 10 am to 3 pm.

November 19 & 20, 2022 – Third Annual Holiday Pet Photos, Milton, Ontario

Kiera’s Hope Rescue and Obsidian Crystal Productions presents its 3rd 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 pre-book tickets here.

November 19 & 20, 2022 – Dog Photos with Santa, Hannon (Hamilton), Ontario

Another fundraiser for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, join Santa and crew for photos. $25 gets you two digital images of Santa with your pet. (First come; first served) 10 am to 2 pm. Ren’s Pets, 2120 Rymal Road E., Hannon, Ontario.

November 19 to 21, 2022 – Holiday Fundraiser for Toronto Humane Society, Toronto, Ontario

A full weekend of holiday dog photo shoot opportunities at the Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, Toronto, Ontario. 10 am to 4 pm daily, $50 gets you a 15-minute session, three digital photos, a 2023 calendar, and a 35% off coupon for printing.

November 26, 2022 – Holiday Pet Pics, Oakville, Ontario

Book online to secure a timeslot for photos of your pet with Santa benefitting the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. Each pet gets 5 minutes to get comfortable with Santa, and $30 gets you one digital image emailed within 10 days. Ren’s Pet Depot, 4002 Trafalgar Road, Oakville. 10 am to 3 pm.

November 26, 2022 – Christmas photos with SantaPaws, Hamilton, Ontario

Join Bow Wow Photography from 11 am to 6 pm (appointments recommended) for a Christmas-themed photo shoot of your dog. Select from two different backdrops and several props or select pics with a big stuffed dog. $30 for three high resolution digital images. Bring your Dog Cafe, 9 Richwill Street, Hamilton, Ontario.

November 26, 2022 – Christmas Santa and Pup Photoshoot, Thorold, Ontario

Book a time slot for the Santa and Pup Photoshoot benefiting Love4Paws Dog Rescue November 26 between 11 am to 4 pm. Minimum donation $20. 543 Allanburg Road, Thorold, Ontario. Book by emailing love4pawsdogrescue@gmail.com

November 26, 2022 – Santa Paws Photoshoot, Clear Creek, Ontario

Please book your photo session in advance for the Santa Paws photoshoot at Hounds of Erie Winery. $30 includes one digital image, one tasting glass, three cider/wine tastings, and a snack for you and one for your dog. 11 am to 4 pm. 377 Concession Rd 7, ENR, Clear Creek (Norfolk County), Ontario.

November 26, 2022 – Pet Photos with Santa, Ancaster (Hamilton), Ontario

Another fundraiser for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, join Santa and crew for photos. $25 gets you two digital images of Santa with your pet. (First come; first served) 10 am to 2 pm. Ren’s Pets Depot, 821 Golf Links Rd., Unit 10, Ancaster, Ontario.

November 26, 2022 – Paws for a Cause Santa Photos, Kitchener, Ontario

Santa and pet photos are back – this event is a benefit for Pound Dog Rescue. $25 for a digital copy of one image of Santa with your pet by Alexia Cina Photography. No appointment necessary. Ren’s Pet Depot, 1525 Victoria Street, Kitchener, Ontario. 11 am to 3 pm.

November 26 to 27, 2022 – Holiday Pet Pics, Stratford, Ontario

The popular holiday photo fundraiser for the Stratford-Perth Humane Society is back. Prebook an appointment for one ($10) or 3 ($20) digital photos and payment is made in advance of the photoshoot. Photographer: Kinsey Winger at the Stratford-Perth Humane Society, 125 Griffith Road, Stratford, Ontario.

November 27, 2022 – The Magic of Pet Photos with Santa, Owen Sound, Ontario

This is a fundraiser for the Owen Sound Animal Shelter, and $20 gets you something special: a 5×7 print photo of your pet with Santa. Join photographer Candra Schank from noon to 3 pm at Pet Valu, 856 10th St W., Owen Sound, Ontario. Please call to store to book a time slot (519-376-2828).

December 2 to 3, 2022 – Dogtopia Pet Pics with Santa, Kitchener, Ontario

Santa will make an appearance at Dogtopia pet boarding in Kitchener. For $30 you get a digital photo and a 2023 Dogs of Dogtopia calendar. 100% of proceeds go to the Dogtopia Foundation. Prebooking is necessary. 73 King Street West, Kitchner, Ontario.

December 3, 2022 – Holiday Pet Pics, Oakville, Ontario

Book online to secure a timeslot for photos of your pet with Santa benefitting the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. Each pet gets 5 minutes to get comfortable with Santa, and $30 gets you one digital image emailed within 10 days. Ren’s Pet Depot, 4002 Trafalgar Road, Oakville. 10 am to 3 pm.

December 3, 2022 – Pet Photos, Elmira, Ontario

Endeavour K9 has teamed up with Kinsey Winger Photography to offer a Christmas photo shoot with your pet. Cost is $20 for on images or $30 for three photos. Drop ins welcome. 11 am to 4 pm. 6444 RR86, Elmira, Ontario.

December 3 and 17, 2022 – 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 $30 (up to three pets) you get professional digital images. Please RSVP in advance. Walks-ins are $20 cash only. 10 a m to 2 pm. Ren’s Pets, 2424 Queensway Drive, Burlington, Ontario.

December 4, 2022 – Christmas Pet Photos, Breslau, Ontario

Join photographer Carol Redford for a Christmas Pet Photo shoot from 10 am to 2 pm. For $25 you’ll get 3 professionally edited digital images. The fundraiser benefits Inugoya Rehoming and Rehabilitation. 1956 Shantz Station Rd., Breslaus, Ontario.

December 10, 2022 – Pet Photos with Santa, Ancaster (Hamilton), Ontario

Another fundraiser for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, join Santa and crew for photos. $25 gets you two digital images of Santa with your pet. (First come; first served) 10 am to 2 pm. Ren’s Pets Depot, 821 Golf Links Rd., Unit 10, Ancaster, Ontario.

December 10, 2022 – Lost Boys Hope Dog Rescue Craft Fair, Beeton, Ontario

A fundraiser for Lost Boys Hope Dog Rescue – this is a dog-friendly craft fair with plenty of holiday vendors plus an opportunity for dog pics with Santa thanks to Imagery Unleashed Photographer. 10 am to 3 pm, Beeton Rotary Hall, 72 Second Street, Beeton, Ontario.

December 10, 2022 – Pet Photos with Santa, Carlton Place, Ontario

Get pet and family photos taken at Natural Pet Foods Calton Place. 4×6 prints are $17, digital files $27, keychains $13, ornaments $25, and snowglobes $27. Margaret Link Photography, 10 am to 4 pm. 61 Bridge Street, Carlton Place, Ontario. Book a time slot at mlink@yahoo.ca.

December 10, 2022 – Santa Paws Photos, Ajax, Ontario

Get photos of your pet with Santa at Ajax’s Ren’s Pet Depot, 11 am to 3 pm. $20 minimum donation benefiting Team Cat Rescue. 280 Kingston Road, Unit E003, Ajax, Ontario.

December 11, 2022 – Pet Portraits with Santa, Burlington, Ontario

Another fundraiser for the Burlington Humane Society, bring your pets for two professional digital images (pets and Santa only) for $20. Sessions are 15-minutes. 10 am to 2 pm. Please RSVP here. 740 Griffith Court, Burlington, Ontario.

December 11, 2022 – Pet Portraits with Santa, Kitchener, Ontario

Terrible Toby’s is hosting an after hours pets with Santa photo session benefitting the Kitchener Stray Cat Rescue. Drop in only. Cost is by donation. 6 to 9 pm. 501 Krug Street, Kitchener, Ontario. Please keep pets in carriers or on leashes.

Where can you get Pet Pics with Santa in Ottawa, Ontario?

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, 2022. Check it out here.

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and 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.