Pets are family, too, so some people are more than happy to include them in their holiday photos. Northern Virginia furbabies have several opportunities to meet jolly Saint Nick and pose for pictures. Below are some ideas for where you can have get your pet holiday photos this year. Please check the official links below for details, and note that most places have some restrictions and may require a waiver. This list is not comprehensive — if there are any pet holiday photo opportunities we’ve missed here, please note them below in the comments for the benefit or your fellow readers and for inclusion in a blog post update. Thanks! This post has been updated for 2017.
Sundays, Dec. 3-10, Paws Meet Claus at Manassas Mall
Sunday afternoons you can bring your small furry friends to Manassas Mall for pet photos on the Santa set, 3-6 pm, in the At Home court near Walmart.
Sunday, Dec. 10, Photos with Santa
K9 Gunner Dog Park invites you to visit Santa Claus for pet photos! Come in costume or holiday dress if you wish, and take photos with family members or just with the pet. Reservations are recommended and the event takes place all day (10 am to 4 pm) in Woodbridge.
Sunday, Dec. 10, Pet Photos with Santa
Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Alexandria hosts pet photos with Santa form 10 am to 2 pm. No appointment is necessary, and proceeds from donations benefit a local charity.
Mondays, Nov. 12-Dec. 11: Pet Photos with Santa at Tysons Galleria
On Monday nights, 5-8 pm, you can bring your pets to the Tysons Galleria for fun photo shoots with Santa. Order online ahead of time to save time.
PAST EVENTS:
Sat., Dec. 2: PWC SPCA Pet Photos with Santa
The Prince William County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals hosts pet photos with Santa on Saturday, December 3, 2-4 pm at the Prince William County Animal Shelter’s Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photos with pets are complimentary and donations are appreciated.
Sat.-Sun., Dec. 2-3: Dented Lens Photography Pet Holiday Photos
Dented Lens Photography offers its annual pet holiday photo shoot at Felix & Oscar in Springfield on the first weekend in December. Packages include prints, and custom greeting cards and photo ornaments also are available and 25 percent of all proceeds go to an animal charity.
Sundays, Nov. 12-Dec. 10: Fair Oaks Mall Pet Photos
Fair Oaks Mall invites pets back to its “Santa Paws” event now through December 2016. Pet holiday photo sessions take place before or after regular mall hours, and various packages are available.
Sundays, Nov. 26- Dec. 3: Pet Photos at Dulles Town Center
Dogs and cats can have their holiday photo taken at the Dulles Town Center on select mornings, 8-10 am.. All pets must enter through the main entrance near The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s.
Thank you for this list! I was disappointed when I saw Dulles and Fair Oaks paw days were over. I even emailed the Dulles folks to be sure no other time was possible and they confirmed that was the case. It seems like now Manassas is the last, best hope for getting some puppy pics. If you learn of any other options, please update the list!