Paws & Claus: Holiday Magic

Paws & Claus: Santa Photos & Holiday Magic begins with a calm, appointment-only photo day designed for families, pet guardians, and animal lovers who prefer a quieter experience.

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On Friday, December 12, guests are invited to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA for a focused Santa photo session in a low-distraction environment, ideal for shy pets, sensitive children, and anyone who would benefit from a slower pace.

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Throughout the day, professional Santa photo sessions will be offered in ten-minute time slots between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Each booking reserves dedicated time with Santa for your group. Participants may choose to appear in photos with their own pet, with family members only, or with one of our adoptable “Adoption Superstars” — a shelter animal selected by our team for their suitability and comfort in this type of setting. This flexibility allows guests to create a keepsake that reflects their unique relationship with animals and their connection to the HBSPCA.

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Friday has been intentionally structured as a photos-only event. There are no live performances, vendors, or additional programming on this day. Instead, the focus is on creating a predictable, steady flow of visitors and minimizing overstimulation. This is especially beneficial for dogs and other companion animals who may be nervous in crowds, wary of new environments, or sensitive to loud sounds. Our staff and volunteers will work with each family to make the transition into the photo area as smooth as possible, with gentle guidance and patience for both people and pets.

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Guests who do not have pets, or who prefer not to bring their animals to the shelter, are welcome to request a photo with one of our Adoption Superstars, subject to animal welfare considerations and availability. These animals are carefully chosen by our animal care and behaviour teams, and interactions are supervised to ensure the experience remains positive and safe. For some attendees, this becomes a meaningful opportunity to meet an adoptable animal in a relaxed, low-pressure context, and to learn more about the HBSPCA’s adoption and animal welfare work.

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All Santa photo appointments on Friday are pre-booked, with limited capacity for same-day walk-ins as scheduling and space permit. The appointment-based model allows the HBSPCA to manage the environment thoughtfully, reduce wait times, and maintain a comfortable atmosphere for pets and people alike. Families can expect clear instructions prior to arrival, on-site support from staff and volunteers, and a welcoming environment that reflects the organization’s commitment to compassion and care.

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By participating in Friday’s Paws & Claus photo sessions, guests support more than just a memorable seasonal tradition. Event participation helps raise awareness of the HBSPCA’s programs and the many animals in our care who are waiting for their second chance. The day is designed to highlight the bond between humans and animals, to showcase adoptable pets in a dignified, supportive way, and to offer the community an accessible way to engage with the shelter’s mission.

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Further details about booking, photo delivery, and optional use of images for HBSPCA storytelling and promotion will be provided upon registration.