23 November, 2025
perth-families-embrace-santa-paws-photos-with-pets-this-year

Among the longstanding Santa Paws regulars are the Puccio family, who have posed with their husky Wolfie every Christmas since 2015.

URGENT UPDATE: Families in Perth are making headlines this festive season as they flock to FurBaby’s Santa Paws sessions, ensuring their pets are included in holiday portraits. This year, the demand for these unique photo opportunities has skyrocketed, with families eager to feature their beloved animals alongside Santa.

As the holiday season kicks off, FurBaby, a doggy daycare and grooming service located in Westminster, is seeing a significant uptick in bookings. The center offers families a chance to capture memorable moments with pets, ranging from dogs and cats to even an eagle, in what has become a new Christmas tradition for many.

Owner Shari Lovreta Fiorentino reports that the rising popularity of these sessions reflects a broader societal change. “Now pets are not just outside; they live inside with us,” she stated. “To have a family photo without them just doesn’t feel right anymore.”

Among the enthusiastic participants are the Puccio family, who have celebrated their Christmas tradition by posing with their husky, Wolfie, every year since 2015. “It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without our annual photo here,” said Shen Puccio. The family’s first portrait was taken just a week before the birth of their youngest child, Marley, making these photos even more special as they capture the growth of both their children and their furry family member.

This year, Wolfie, now 11.5 years old, is joined by the Puccio children in a new, vibrant holiday setting. “We’ve gone non-traditional this year,” Fiorentino explained, referring to the bright pinks, purples, and blues of the backdrop. “It’s all about capturing the fun festivity of it all.”

The emotional connection families have with their pets is profound, as illustrated by the Puccio family’s experiences. “Looking back at the photos over the years and seeing Wolfie grow up with the kids is incredibly special,” Shen added. “We’ve transitioned from lifting her up to Santa to having to carefully assist her now as she’s too old to jump.”

With Christmas 2023 approaching, FurBaby’s Santa Paws sessions are a reminder of how integral pets have become to family life, pushing the boundaries of traditional holiday portraits. The sessions have become a must-have for many Perth families looking to capture their unique holiday spirit alongside their beloved companions.

As the festive season ramps up, the heartwarming trend of including pets in family photos shows no signs of slowing down. Families interested in booking their sessions are encouraged to act quickly, as slots are filling up fast. With the joy and warmth pets bring, this year’s Santa Paws photos promise to be more meaningful than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates as this heartwarming trend continues to unfold across Perth. Share your own festive pet photos using the hashtag #SantaPawsPerth, and join the conversation about the growing role of pets in family traditions this holiday season!