PetSmart Santa Photos: What's Free and What Costs Extra
See which part of PetSmart's Santa photo weekend was free and which holiday extras added cost.
PetSmart's Santa photo session itself was free on Dec. 13-14, 2025, with no sitting fee for dogs, cats and other small pets. Holiday extras cost more, including a $10 salon grooming add-on and festive merchandise sold separately.
According to PetSmart via PR Newswire, the event ran at every PetSmart store nationwide during that weekend the holiday announcement. The date limit mattered. The free session applied only to those two days.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
What was free
The free part was the sitting and picture setup. According to PetSmart via PR Newswire, a Santa-costumed associate photographed pets in front of a seasonal backdrop the holiday announcement. Families did not pay a sitting fee for that setup.
Eligible pets included dogs, cats and other small pets. That scope covered households with more than one type of pet. It still required fitting into the store event format.
How families kept the photo free
Families could snap photos on personal devices during the session. That choice avoided print or package charges. It also let parents take several frames quickly.
PetSmart via CNW explained that families could also receive PetSmart's free digital photo file, including by email the Canada event notice. That file gave a copy to share or print later. No purchase was needed to keep that image.
When and where, and why booking mattered
Sessions ran Dec. 13-14 from 2-5 p.m. local time.
The three-hour window limited how many pets each store could photograph. Late arrivals or walk-ins could miss out. The Akron Beacon Journal reported that appointments were required and had to be booked in advance at PetSmart.com/Santa-photo-days the December event guide.
Booking early was the practical control. It reserved a slot before local capacity filled.
What cost extra
One paid extra was a $10 limited-time holiday add-on to any salon grooming service. It included a plush-toy gift, festive bandana and holiday spritz. The add-on required paying for the underlying grooming service first.
Separate merchandise also cost extra. Holiday sweaters, costumes, accessories, toys and treats were sold separately. Many festive items were priced under $10, so small add-ons could still add up.
How to get a calm, usable picture
Arrive with pets already used to any outfit. Let them wear the sweater or costume at home first. That step reduces fidgeting in front of the backdrop.
Exercise the pet beforehand to lower energy. Bring a toy or treat to hold attention for the camera. Short preparation helps in a busy, short event window.