Dog Patrol Operation Santa Paws (2025)

Added to Prime Video Canada on December 3, 2025

Young Samuel and his quick-thinking canine, Athena, are thrust into a high-stakes Christmas quest. When a ruthless mob boss, Oscar Golden, threatens to ruin the town’s holiday cheer, the duo must work alongside Sheriff Jacobs to decode a series of challenging riddles and recover a priceless treasure before the sleigh bells stop ringing forever.

Length: 1h41m
Genre: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Family
This Title is: Heartwarming, High-Stakes Holiday Adventure

Cast

Cuba Gooding Jr., Paxton Kubitz, Kylie Marshall, Richard Portnow, Robert Miano

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: TV-PG – Mild Language, Action Sequences

FAQ

Is Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws (2025) Based on a True Story?: No. It is an original holiday creation, blending elements of family comedy with fast-paced action and seasonal cheer.
Where was Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws (2025) filmed?: Primarily filmed on location in rural New Mexico and on sound stages across the Southwestern United States.
Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Randy Edelman

Filmmaker Profile

Director and co-writer Josh Webber is known for creating uplifting, faith-based and family-oriented stories. Here, he successfully marries a comedic holiday tone with slick action sequences, showcasing his ability to manage a large ensemble cast and a charismatic animal star.

Why It’s Worth Watching

The movie is a vibrant, exciting Christmas spectacle. It features genuinely funny moments interspersed with thrilling action, all anchored by Athena, the scene-stealing canine star. The energetic pacing and seasonal visuals make this adventure a delightful watch for anyone seeking genuine holiday escapism and feel-good entertainment.

Main Character Deep Dive

Paxton Kubitz shines as Samuel, whose performance captures the innocent determination of a boy burdened by an extraordinary task. His internal struggle involves rising above fear to become the hero his town needs. Cuba Gooding Jr.’s mentoring Sheriff provides a perfect foil, enabling Samuel’s emotional growth as he learns that loyalty is the greatest superpower of all.

Unforgettable Quote

“We don’t need magic to save Christmas, Sheriff. We just need a dog who knows where the bad guys hide.”

Trivia

This marks Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr.’s first starring role in a dedicated Christmas adventure production.
The movie’s primary canine hero, Athena, was rescued from a shelter six months before production began.
The film’s villain, Oscar Golden, is named after a fictional character from director Josh Webber’s previous short-story work.

Trailer

Stream Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws (2025) on:

Prime Video Canada

Our Review

Quality:
Acting:
Storyline:
Visuals:
Entertainment:

I found this holiday picture to be an absolute joy from start to finish. The direction is exceptionally tight, moving the central action swiftly while never losing sight of the underlying seasonal heart. The performances, particularly the chemistry between young Paxton Kubitz and the magnificent dog Athena, are truly infectious and elevate the material well beyond standard holiday fare. I was consistently impressed by the quality of the visual effects and the vibrant, snowy cinematography that makes the entire production feel like a warm Christmas card come to life. The premise is engaging, pitting a sweet boy and his loyal pet against a surprisingly entertaining mob element, which creates a fresh and exciting twist on the “save the holiday” setup. It is a fantastic celebration of courage, friendship, and community spirit. It delivers big laughs, genuine emotion, and high energy, ensuring it will become a much-loved staple of the Christmas season.