Looking for pet friendly Santa photos in Melbourne for Christmas 2025 so your dog can get in on the magic too? From shiny CBD department stores to chill pet stores and local shopping centres, there are plenty of places rolling out the red carpet for furry VIPs.
Whether you are starting a new tradition or adding the dog to your annual Santa shot, this 2025 guide rounds up the best spots for dog friendly Santa photos across Melbourne and nearby regions. Think twinkly lights, wagging tails and one very patient man in red.
On this page:
- CBD & Inner Melbourne SuburbsCool
- Melbourne Northern Suburbs
- West Melbourne Suburbs
- South East Melbourne
- Outer Melbourne
Melbourne CBD & Inner: Pet-Friendly Santa Photos
David Jones Bourke Street Mall
Located right in the heart of the city, David Jones Bourke Street Mall offers a premium Santa experience with beautiful Christmas backdrops and classic department store magic.
Pets are welcome during designated pet Santa photo sessions, and bookings are essential as pet spots usually sell out quickly.
Perfect for: city shoppers, luxe backdrops, dogs who love a bit of glamour.
Book your pet-friendly Santa photo session at David Jones
Myer Santa Paws
Myer runs Santa Paws pet friendly Santa photos across several Melbourne stores, including Bourke Street Mall (CBD), Chadstone, Northland and Southland.
These sessions are designed for the whole family – humans and fur kids – with classic Christmas backdrops and professional photography so you can turn the results into gifts, cards or annual keepsakes.
Perfect for: dogs who love the full Christmas production, families who want the same Santa tradition each year, and anyone who shops at Myer anyway.
book your pet-friendly Santa photo
Malvern Central Shopping Centre
Conveniently located in Malvern, this shopping centre offers a festive Santa setup that is ideal for families wanting easy parking, shops and a quick stop for Santa photos with the dog.
Perfect for: local families, quick and easy Christmas pet photos.
Secure your pet Santa photo booking at Malvern Central.
Melbourne Northern Suburbs: Santa Photo Sessions for Pets
Erin King Pet Photography
Get professional dog Christmas photos with Erin King Pet Photography. Available in Thomastown and Bundoora across multiple dates
Each 15 minute session is designed for up to two small or medium dogs and focuses on simple, festive portraits that let your dog’s personality shine.
Perfect for: dogs who love one on one attention, pet parents who want professional quality.
Pacific Epping Shopping Centre
Bring your pets along to Pacific Epping for classic Santa photos from the 22nd November to 11th December.
They offer dedicated sessions so your dog is not competing with prams and long lines of kids.
Perfect for: locals wanting convenient shopping centre pet photos.
Book your Pacific Epping pet Santa photo.
Craigieburn Central
Craigieburn Central offers a magical Christmas setup where you can bring your furry friend along to meet Santa and capture the moment. Available from November 16th to December 14th
Perfect for: families in Melbourne’s north, first time Santa visits for dogs.
Schedule your Craigieburn Central pet photo session.
West Melbourne Suburbs: Santa Photos with your pet
Highpoint Shopping Centre
Highpoint welcomes pets for special pet Santa photo sessions from December 8th to 10th. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, big centre energy and plenty of chances for a pre or post photo walk.
Perfect for: west side shoppers, social dogs who do well with crowds.
Book your Highpoint pet friendly Santa photos.
Westfield Airport West
Westfield Airport West offers a warm and welcoming Santa setup where pets are treated like part of the family. Current session available until December 10th
Perfect for: local pet parents looking for easy access and parking.
Reserve your pet Santa photo at Westfield Airport West.
Watergardens Shopping Centre – Taylors Lakes
Watergardens is another west side favourite for Christmas pet photos. Bring your furry friend along for a festive snap with Santa from 17th of November to 13th of December.
Perfect for: families wanting a relaxed but classic shopping centre Santa experience.
Book your Watergardens pet Santa session.
Woodgrove Shopping Centre – Melton West
A fun and family-friendly atmosphere awaits you at Woodgrove, perfect for capturing your pet’s special Santa moments.
Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre
Join in the festive fun at Pacific Werribee with a dedicated pet Santa photo experience from the 17th of November to the 13th of December.
It is a popular choice in the west, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Perfect for: Werribee and Wyndham locals, multi pet families.
Book your Pacific Werribee pet Santa photos.
South East Melbourne: Christmas pet photos
Santa Paws Locations in South East Melbourne
Skip the shopping centre chaos and bring your pets to Santa Paws locations across South East Melbourne for a relaxed, fun, and memorable photo session. Available from November 30th to December 22nd, spots are filling fast, so be sure to book now!
Westfield Shopping Centres
Capture the holiday magic with your pet at these Westfield locations in Melbourne’s South East. Bookings are required:
- Knox – Wantirna South: Book your session
- Southland – Cheltenham: Reserve your spot
- Fountain Gate – Narre Warren: Schedule your photo
Casey Central Shoppinig Centre- Narre Warren
Celebrate the festive season with your pet at Casey Central and capture a sweet holiday moment together until the 17th of December.
Perfect for: local families wanting a smaller centre feel.
Parkmore Shopping Centre – Keysborough
Parkmore Shopping Centre offers pet friendly Christmas photo sessions so your dog can get their moment with Santa too. with multiple sessions until the 10th of December
Perfect for: south east locals who prefer easy access and parking.
Book your Parkmore pet Santa session.
Bayside Shopping Centre – Frankston
Make your pet’s Christmas extra special with festive Santa photos at Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston until the 21st of December
Perfect for: beachside families, dogs who love a post photo walk by the water.
Karingal Hub – Frankston
Karingal Hub also runs pet-friendly Santa sessions until the 17th of December, so you do not have to travel far if you are based in or around Frankston.
Perfect for: locals wanting a low stress, close to home option.
Schedule your festive photo session
Outer Melbourne: Santa Pet Photography
Mornington Santa Paws (PetO)
Skip the shopping centre chaos and bring your pets to Santa Paws locations for a relaxed, fun, and memorable photo session with Furrever Pet Photography.
Westfield Shopping Centre – Geelong
Make holiday memories with your pet at Westfield Geelong.
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre
Capture the magic of Christmas with your pet at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.
Tips for a Great Pet Photo Session with Santa
A little prep goes a long way to getting that frame worthy pet Santa photo.
1. Book early
Pet sessions are limited and always book out. As soon as bookings open, grab your spot.
2. Do a quick energy check
Walk your dog before the session so they are calm but not exhausted. Bring their favourite treats and a toy to help grab their attention.
3. Pack the festive outfits
Christmas bandanas, cute jumpers, little bows or collars look great in photos. Just make sure your dog is comfortable and can move freely.
4. Plan for busy environments
Shopping centres can be noisy and crowded. If your dog is nervous, choose a quieter pet store or Santa Paws style session instead.
5. Bring wipes and bags
Excited dog, new environment, lots of smells. Enough said
Capture the magic of Christmas with your furry friend this year at one of these pet friendly Santa photo locations across Melbourne and beyond. Whether you prefer a bustling shopping centre or a relaxed pet store vibe, there is a perfect spot for you and your dog to meet Santa and create a new favourite holiday tradition.
