Santa to make special appearance
Pet owners will have a chance for their furry family members to get their photographs taken with Santa as everyone starts to get into the Christmas spirit.
The B.C. SPCA South Okanagan in Penticton on Saturday hosts its annual photos with Santa event.
And — for the second year running — the Penticton Veterinary Hospital will be volunteering a doctor to the microchip clinic, also giving pets the opportunity to be microchipped while they wait.
Carolyn Hawkins, SPCA branch manager, said it is important for pets to be microchipped, so that they can be reunited with owners should they ever separate.
“Microchipping is becoming very popular,” she explained. “If a pet ever gets lost you can just scan that number and it will be logged in a database that will give the owner’s details.”
She said the old way of tattooing a pet is outdated as the tattoo fades as the animal ages and does not allow for the owner to change personal details.
Microchipping is a safe and quick procedure, causing no more discomfort to your pet than a vaccine.
Along with a photo opportunity and microchipping clinic, there will be hot chocolate on hand and baked goods donated by volunteers. Hawkins described the event as “lively and noisy and always a big hit”.
“It’s a great time and a great day,” Hawkins said. “Everybody’s happy, there’s a lot going on and it’s just a lot of fun.”
Costs are a $10 donation which includes one 5x7 print, and $5 for additional prints. Microchipping costs $60 and includes a lifetime registration in the B.C. Pet Registry.
The event runs from noon-3 p.m. at 2200 Dartmouth Dr.
Pet owners are reminded to bring their dogs in on leashes and their cats in carriers.