Dogs, cats, hedgehogs, lizards and weasels.
Santa Claus has certainly seen all kinds of house pets, while travelling from home to home each year to deliver gifts.
Next month, Jolly ole' Saint Nick is set to make a pre-holiday visit to Port Moody in marking the return of a popular fundraiser — and the results are sure to make anyone smile.
OpenRoad Mazda is set to host "Pet Photos with Santa" for the first time since 2019 following a pandemic hiatus, in which proceeds are going to the Tri-Cities SPCA Education and Adoption Centre.
The St Johns Street dealership is one of four locations inviting all house pets to participate in the cause so that owners can share the unique experience with their families.
"Pets are family for many people and, often, they aren’t permitted to go inside malls to see Santa," explained Club OpenRoad spokesperson Joanna Ho in a statement to the Tri-City News.
"We create a great environment at our dealerships for the holiday pet photo experience — it's not too loud or crowded, so less distraction."
In 2019, OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody raised a total of $1,365.
That was also the inception of the Metro Vancouver campaign, which has since brought in more than $15,000 for local non-profit organizations that support neglected and rescued animals.
Ho said Port Moody's dealership will be donating $500 to kickstart the 2022 edition of "Pet Photos with Santa."
Local residents interested in contributing to the fundraiser can make a donation to an SPCA representative on site.
Vancouver Pet Photography's Katherine Gonzalez is set to flash the camera this year and, with a minimum $20 donation, pet owners will receive two copies of their photo — one digital and one printed.
Drop-ins are allowed, but participants are encouraged to book a time in advance as the event will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
"Pet Photos with Santa" is scheduled for Dec. 3 from 12 to 4 p.m. at OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody (3170 St Johns St.).
For more information and to book a photo-op, you can visit the initiative's EventBrite page.
