How to Take a Pet’s Picture With Santa

Ho, Ho, Ho—what better excuse to show off your furry family member than in a Christmas card posing with Santa? Or even if you just want a festive holiday photo to put on the fireplace—come November and December—many pet supply stores and malls around town will give you the chance. But we all know it’s not as simple as plopping Fluffy or Fido on Santa’s lap—and having them say “cheese treats”—there are some things you’ll need to know.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide if you would rather take your pet to a place that sets up appointments with Santa or has you stand in line for first come, first serve.

2. Bring along your pet’s favorite treats or toy as a reward for good behavior or as a bribe to get your pet to behave.

3. Walk your pet after the car ride to do his business in order to prevent accidents inside or on Santa’s lap and to also work off some steam from being cooped up in the car (of course this applies only to dogs or cats that are on leashes).

4. Let your dog sniff St. Nick or your cat size him up to get acquainted, and try to make sure your pet settles down a bit instead of immediately walking away.

5. Ask the photographer where he or she wants your pet to look. Stand in that spot holding a treat or toy within your pet’s view and keep calling your pet’s name to get her to focus. A squeaky or jingle toy will probably work best, and if your dog knows the "Sit" and “Stay” commands—by all means use them.

6. Thank Santa and the photographer when the session is over and reward your pet for being "Mommy or Daddy's good little boy or girl." Make some copies and send some out to the relatives to brighten their holidays.

Tips & Warnings

• Call ahead and find out when the slowest times are so that you don’t have to wait in line with a bunch of people and pets.
• To prevent your pet from getting overly agitated or nervous, you can have a family member wait with your pet outside while you stand in line and bring the pet in right when it’s time for the picture.
• Some Santa/pet photos are free for the sitting and you pay for whichever package you choose. Some are free with a donation to an animal charity. Many cost only $5 or $10 with a percentage donated to an animal charity. The photo will normally come with a holiday background (like the one pictured above).
• Some Santas will pose with pets and their people, some with just pets. (Don't try to sue for discrimination if it's Pets Only.)
• Bring your dog on a leash (with a harness if necessary) or your cat in a carrier or leash/harness.
• Don’t take a pet that’s people or animal aggressive to pose with Santa. You’ll just have to dress up as Santa yourself and take the pictures at home.

[Lilfix]

on 1/9/2009 Great article...I've had pet's picture with Santa done several times...some years it goes great...others not so much...grin...5*

[painthorse42]

on 12/3/2008 Aww, great advice! Pets are part of the family (in my case my horse is my child!) and they deserve this! 5*

[hoolihan0519]

on 12/2/2008 Great article. Thank you. I dont have a dog atm but and going to get one soon. I will use the information from your article, maybe next Christmas, How to take a pet's picture with Santa.

[TeacherKelly]

on 12/2/2008 Good tips. Well written article.

[Susang6]

on 12/1/2008 I love this article! A treat goes a long way with my fur-kids. The appointment is a great tip! Thanks for sharing