Photos with Santa Not Only for Kids

Pet ownership has evolved over the years and most dogs spend time in the comfort of a home, often lazing on a cozy bed of their own. It’s probably no surprise then that not only good girls and boys get to sit down with Santa at the holidays. Pet parents also enjoy taking the pup or other pet to sit for a photo with the big man.

With roughly 72.9 million households in the United States owning a pet in 2011-12, according to the American Pet Products Association, pictures with Santa are in demand.

On Thursday night the offered pet owners a special opportunity to have pet photos taken with Santa, but that isn’t the only photo op happening. Other area stores and organizations are also offering pictures with Santa and other pet holiday events.

While the kids may get gifts year-round, this is the time of year when pets are most likely to get a gift from their owners, according to the association. A survey of pet owners found that 53 percent of dogs and 38 percent of cats will receive a gift this holiday season. Those purchases will be reflected in the estimated $50.84 million that will be spent on pets this year. 

Pet owners will spend about $43 a year on dog toys and $21 on cat toys in 2011-12, according to the association. (Sounds like cats are getting the shaft in the toy department.) 

If you weren’t able to get to the Park District’s Santa House for the special pet event, here are a few other events happening in Naperville for pets and their owners. 

Pet Supplies Plus

What: E-picutres with Santa will be free with a donation and available online on Facebook. Printed pictures may be arranged with the photographer.

When and Where: Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. at the store, 2747 Forgue Drive and from 1 to 4 p.m. at the store, 720 E. Ogden Ave.

Details: Free slices of pizza from or

More information: Call the Naperville South store at 630-904-0500 or the Naperville North store at 630-904-2100.

What: Pictures with Santa

When: Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Where: 2523 W. 75th St.

Details: The event is free but donations will be accepted, which will help benefit Building a Global Community. The elves from Building a Global Community will be on hand helping out along with taking the photos.

What: Holiday party and gift exchange

When: Dec. 11, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Where: 2523 W. 75th St.

Details: The pet store will host a party for pets and their owners which will include a gift exchange for pets. Pet owners are asked to bring a gender-neutral pet gift, with a value of no more than $15 There will be a gift exchange for small dogs and one for larger dogs, so gifts need to be labeled up to 30 lbs or over 30 lbs.

More information: Call Two Bostons at 630-305-0150.

What: Breakfast with Santa and His Reindogs

When: Dec. 10, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: , 1837 Centre Point Circle

Cost: $25

Details: Along with photos with Santa there will be breakfast, games and holiday shopping opportunities. The funds raised will benefit Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment.

More information: Contact Sandy at 847-458-6366 or e-mail her at sandy@adoptpetshelter.org.

What: Open house and holiday bazaar

When: Dec. 3, noon – 4 p.m.

Where: 1620 W. Diehl Road

Details: Do a little holiday shopping and support homeless pets at the same time. The shelter is holding a raffle, which will help support the humane society’s efforts.

More information: Call the Naperville Area Humane Society at 630-420-8989.