Here’s one I’m almost embarrassed about…almost.

But without my lack of shame, photos like these wouldn’t exist!

2015 @ Salty’s Pet Supply, to benefit Dolly’s Fund. Photo by Nancy Fedelem.

2016 @ Hip Hound, to benefit PNW Bulldog Rescue. Photo by Spitting Image.

It’s a pretty fun tradition, and many places even donate the proceeds to animal rescues.

Tips for the perfect shot:

• Remember crying in Santa’s lap every year? The strange man with a bushy beard might be scary for your pup, too! Bring some high-value treats for St. Nick to hand out, and let your dog approach him first.
• Use a squeaky toy or special word (“Walk?”) to get eye contact.
• Add a holiday prop! Hip Hound has some pretty cute bowties and knit scarves, if your dog isn’t a sweater-wearer.
• If your pup seems uncomfortable with the flash or being handled, don’t force it – take a photo in front of the tree at home, instead!

Check out these upcoming dog-friendly Santa photo ops in the Portland area:

Three Paws Neighborhood Pet Supply in Portland, OR
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11:00am to 2:00pm
$15 for high-res digital photo, entry into raffle and a special treat.
Benefits the Pongo Fund.
View Event Details

Western Pet Supply: Winter Tails in Portland, OR
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$25 for series of images loaded onto USB drive.
Benefits Animal Aid’s C-Snip program.
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Yoga Shala in Portland, OR
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm
$20 for photo session.
Benefits Underdog Railroad Rescue.
View Event Details

Holistic Pets in Portland, OR
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
$30 for a photo session & print.
Benefits Greyhound Pet Adoption NW.
View Event Details

Washington Square: Paws & Claus in Portland, OR
Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
$39.99 for a photo package.
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Pioneer Place Pet Nights in Portland, OR
Mondays in Dec. from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
$39.99 for a photo package.
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Bales Thriftway in Beaverton, OR
Saturday, Dec. 2 12:00pm to 4:00pm
$15 for photo session.
Benefits Puplandia Dog Rescue; bring cans and bottles to help dogs in need.
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Frontier Veterinary Hospital in Hillsboro, OR
Saturday, Dec. 9 1:00pm to 3:00pm
$15 minimum donation for a photo session.
Benefits Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter.
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ReTails Thrift Store in Vancouver, WA
Friday, Dec. 1 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
$15 for a photo session and digital file.
Benefits the Humane Society for SW Washington.
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Newberg Vet Hospital in Newberg, OR
Sunday, Dec. 3 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
$15 suggested donation for a photo session.
Benefits Newberg Animal Shelter.
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I’m too late for OHS’s Santa Paws event, but didn’t want it to go unmentioned! They do a series of photo sessions every November at Fred Meyer stores.