NEW YORK CITY — A holiday tradition has gone to the dogs.
Several pet shops, animal hospitals — and a few malls — are letting pets cozy into Santa’s lap for a Christmas photo shoot usually reserved for less-furry little ones.
All four of Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospital’s locations are offering Santa photo shoots with pets this year, said Terry Li, the hospital’s administrator.
Li said the animal hospital brought St. Nick in for pictures last December at their Battery Park City location as an animal charity fundraiser that proved so popular, they decided to expand this year.
“Everyone loved it. We even have little hats and costumes for the pets,” Li said. “And it’s for a good cause.”
Pets, kids and parents are welcome to join Santa for the photo, Li said. The hospitals are asking for a minimum donation of $5 with all proceeds going to various animal charities, including rescue shelter Animal Haven. People will leave with a printed copy of a 4-by-6 inch photo.
The hospitals are also collecting food and toys for pets through through December, Li said.
DNAinfo has rounded up locations where you and your four-legged friends can get some holiday pictures with Santa. Check out the list below — and send us your Fido photo shoots this year:
Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospitals:
West Village Veterinary Hospital
75 8th Ave.
Dec. 10, 6–8 p.m.
Seaport Animal Hospital
80 Beekman St.
Dec. 11, 6–8 p.m.
Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital
5 Lispenard St.
Dec. 15, 5–7 p.m.
Battery Park Veterinary Hospital
21 South End Ave.
Dec. 16, 5–7p.m.
Other locations:
Unleashed by Petco
Various locations
At all its locations on Dec. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., the pet supplies chain will offer a photo shoot with Santa for $9.95. All proceeds go to its Petco Foundation, which benefits a variety of animal causes. Visitors get a 4x6 print inside a festive frame. Photos are first come, first served.
Staten Island Mall
2655 Richmond Avenue
Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, 5-8 p.m.
Santa photos are $32 if you purchase online, or $46 in person.
Skyview Center
40-24 College Point Boulevard
Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 6-8 p.m.
The digital photo package is $24.99.
Do you have adorable photos of your pet posing with Santa Claus? Tweet us the picture @DNAinfo and it could appear in the slideshow.
