QUEENS — Local businesses are making sure their pooches get in on the "Howl-i-day" fun.
Dogs in the area will have their own Christmas party Saturday, courtesy of Hunters Point businesses. The festivities will include a costume contest and a photo shoot with Santa Claus.
Breadbox Café, the main organizer, has done Halloween parades for local dogs before, but this will be the first Christmas-themed party.
The party will be held in front of the cafe on 11th Street.
Costumes for dogs will be judged in three categories: cutest ugly sweater, Jolly Santa costume and top hat and “tails,” which will reward the fanciest dress, said Junenoire Mitchell, a photographer from Kiki LIC Photography.
The judges will give extra points if the owners dress up to match their dogs.
“It will be fun for all,” Mitchell said. “There will be holiday crafts for kids, too, which will be held inside Breadbox Café.”
Kiki LIC Photography, which specializes in pet photography, will be taking snapshots of dogs with Santa at their photo booth. Photo shoots are free, and dog owners can buy sets of digital pictures later for $30 to $50.
Trainers from Camp Bow Wow, a local doggie day care, will keep dogs busy. They will also be running a Plinko booth with prizes to raise money for rescued dogs and cats from Bobbi and The Strays, a shelter in Glendale, Queens.
During the free event, Breadbox Café will be serving hot cider and holiday treats to keep participants warm.
Experts from LIC Veterinary Center, a new Hunters Point vet, will discuss tips on how to keep dogs healthy, too.
Breadbox Café is located at 47-11 11th St. (corner of 11th St. and 47th Ave). The “Howl-i-day” party starts on Dec. 1 at noon and will end at 3 p.m.
To pre-register your dog, go here.
