• 'Tis the Season for Pet Photos with Santa

Flyer from Martinsburg Mall ( WV)

It's November, time to plan to have your pet's photo taken with Santa. Many places schedule photo shoots the first weekend in November. Below are venues you may find a pet-friendly Santa.

• Petco and Unleashed by Petco ~ Search your local store calendar for dates.

• Petsmart ~ Search your local store calendar for dates.

• Shopping malls ~ Online, search mall events.

• Independent pet stores ~ Call or check their web site. If you don't see dates, keep checking.

• Rescues (including breed-specific) and humane societies ~ Call. Sometimes an organization or business hosts a photo shoot to benefit the rescue. (Ask if a portion of the cost is tax deductible.) For example, in the D.C. area, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is partnering with Dogma Bakery to do the Pet Photos with Santa fundraiser.

• Local holiday events, such as the lighting of the town Christmas tree

• Call or check the web sites of local radio, television station, or newspapers (including Patch).

• Larger cities may have their own pet-centric online magazines. For example, in the D.C. area, NovaDog Magazine posts events. 

A couple of things:

• When you search online, be sure you're looking at 2013 dates.

• Photo shoots may be free or there may be a cost.

• Read the small print. Does the pet need to be on a leash or carrier? Is there a limit to the number of pets? How many photos will you get? Can you buy digital files?

• If you call to make an appointment, ask what times are slow. You don't want to wait a long time with your pet.

• Pet stores want you to buy holiday toys, costumes, treats, etc. If you don't want to be tempted, steel yourself before you enter.

Have you ever had your pet's photo taken with Santa? Do you have any tips? I'd love to hear your comments.