Good girl Piper (right) gets her photo taken with Santa Claus on Dec. 3 at the Nanaimo SPCA. They'll host 'Pet Portraits with Santa' again on Dec. 10 and 17. (Harbour City Photography Club)

By Jordan Davidson

pet pics with santa

Nanaimo SPCA hosts pet pictures with Santa for a good cause

Dec 5, 2023 | 1:50 PM

NANAIMO — The local SPCA wants to make sure every member of your family can get a photo with Santa this holiday season.

For the first three Sundays in December, the Nanaimo & District SPCA is offering ‘Pet Portraits with Santa’, where pets of all shapes, sizes, and species are welcome to come and sit on Santa’s lap.

Nanaimo SPCA’s Katie Heagle said they were excited to bring this event back after a few years off due to the pandemic.

“It’s been great, we’ve had some really cute dogs. No cats yet, all just dogs, we’ve had some really big ones and a little family of small puppies too.”

Heagle spoke to NanaimoNewsNOW on Sunday, Dec. 3 during their first day of having Santa in house.

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While their first day of photos was very dog-dominated, Heagle said Santa would see any kind of pet.

“If you also have a reptile we’d love to see some cool reptiles come in too.”

By the end of the first day, over 30 animals had come through their doors.

Pet parents will have at least two more chances to get photos with Santa, as the Nanaimo SPCA will host him again on Sunday, Dec. 10 and 17, from noon until 4 p.m. at their 154 Westwood Rd. location.

Animals of all sizes and species are welcome to get their photos with Santa at the Nanaimo SPCA this December. (Harbour City Photography Club)

Speaking exclusively with NanaimoNewsNOW, Santa said rescuing animals is a very important and personal cause for him.

“It’s a passion of mine. All the animals we have at the North Pole are rescue animals. The dogs, the cats, the reindeer, I’m very passionate about rescuing animals.”

The cost is a suggested donation of $20, with all proceeds going directly to Nanaimo SPCA animal care.

While some dogs were a little cautious upon meeting Jolly Ol’ St. Nick for the first time, he said all it takes is a few treats and pets to warm up to him.

“They are all nice, there’s no such thing as a naughty animal. Maybe their owners, but the animals are always nice.”

Photos are taken by the Harbour City Photography Club and digital copies are emailed to the pet’s family.

“Come on down, there’s been a lot of dogs taken into care, they need forever homes. But remember, that a forever home is forever, their not a disposable item,” said Santa. “So if you take a pet, make sure you keep it forever.”

More information can be found on their Facebook page, or to directly book a photo appointment with Santa click here.

A number of animals were recently seized off the coast of Vancouver Island, with many of them headed to the Nanaimo SPCA for treatment and care before being put up for adoption.

SPCA’s across B.C. are also offering 50 per cent off adoption fees until Dec. 15.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow