The holidays are almost here, which means it is time to prepare for Santa Paws 2024!
What Is Santa Paws?
Santa Paws is a beloved holiday event hosted by Designer Smiles by Benton, where pet owners can bring their furry friends for an adorable photo session with Santa Claus! This annual celebration is all about spreading joy, making memories, and supporting the local community. Perfect for dogs, cats, and even more unconventional pets, Santa Paws offers a festive, pet-friendly setup complete with holiday decorations and a Santa backdrop.
The event is more than just a photo op, however. It has a charitable twist—attendees must bring at least one item to donate to a local animal shelter in order to get their pet Santa photos. By combining holiday fun with a mission to help animals in need, Santa Paws brings Designer Smiles by Benton patients, our patients’ families, and others in the area together in the true spirit of the season.
Now that you know what it is, let’s talk about the what, when, and where of Santa Paws 2024!
2024 Event Details
This year’s event is going to be one for the photo album! You’re not going to want to miss this, we promise! Here is everything you need to know about Santa Paws 2024:
- Date: Thursday, December 12th
- Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
- Location: 90 Larry Gardner Drive, Anniston, AL 36207 (Designer Smiles by Benton Oxford’s office)
- Santa Photos: You’ll get two pictures during a 15-minute time slot that you can book on our website.
- Donations: Remember to bring your donation(s) to secure your Santa photo op.
- Pets: Your furry friend does not have to be a dog to get a photo with Santa. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. are all welcome as long as they’re friendly. (Please note: The treats provided are for humans and dogs, so you might need to bring your own, especially if the pet is taking a Santa photo and is food-motivated.)
- Delicious Delights: Puppuccino station and complimentary hot cocoa
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the holiday atmosphere and the opportunities to make memories and friends with new animals and fellow pet lovers.
Local Shelter Wish List
If you’re not really active in the animal shelter or animal rescue community, don’t worry. We’re not going to leave you guessing on what to get. Our team has created a wish list for our four-legged friends in need.
- Wet/Dry Cat Food
- Wet/Dry Dog Food
- Toys
- Treats
- Litter
- Blankets
- Multipurpose Cleaner
- Bleach
- Baking Soda
- Dish Soap
- Brooms/Mops
- Trash Bags
- Toilet Paper
If you’re considering donating an item not on the list or would like more details on any of them, call our Oxford location and let us know. We’ll be happy to reach out to the shelters we send the items to and find out more information for you.
Important: While some items like blankets and beds can be gently used, items like treats, litter, food, and cleaning supplies must be brand new and unopened.
Why Do We Do This?
Many of our staff are pet owners, and we have our adorable mascot and certified therapy dog, Teddy, in the office with us nearly every day, so to us, Santa Paws is more than a chance to capture cute holiday photos. It’s a way to give back to the animals who bring us so much joy and companionship every day. Pets are loyal friends, sources of comfort, and constant reminders of unconditional love.
Pets are part of the family, and the dogs, cats, rabbits, et cetera, in the shelters, are extended members of that family who need love and support from their community until they find a forever home.
Unfortunately, many shelters operate with limited resources and depend on donations to care for their animals. Those that cannot be cared for might have an adoption deadline. No animal deserves that.
By contributing to the shelter’s wish list through Santa Paws, we can help provide essentials like food, toys, blankets, and supplies. These donations might seem small, but to a shelter animal, they can make a world of difference. Plus, if enough people donate a lot of the “small” items, a significant impact can be made. Even things like toilet paper can help cut down on the shelter’s costs and allow them more money to provide a better home for all the animals that need it.
Santa Paws is our way of saying “thank you” to our pets for all the happiness they bring into our lives and extending that gratitude to animals in need. Together, we can make sure these shelter pets feel loved and supported while embracing the true spirit of the holiday season—compassion, kindness, and giving back.
Sign Up For Santa Paws 2024 Today
If you’re ready to make unforgettable memories with your fur babies, go ahead and reserve your pet’s photos with Santa’s time slot today! You can also start stockpiling donation items, too! You’re only required to give one donation, but think of all the good you’ll be doing with each item. By buying small things here and there until December 12th, you’ll be sure to have a positive influence on the lives of shelter pets.
Bonus: Want to plan ahead for future family Christmas cards? Schedule a free consultation at either Designer Smiles by Benton locations (Oxford or Pell City) today to get started with your personalized treatment plan!