Zyah Alanzy (3), of Clarkson, and Harper Hole (2), of Alkimos, with Trixie the alpaca at Ocean Keys Shopping Centre, which will offer pet photos with Santa this year and some unusual pets are allowed.
Camera IconZyah Alanzy (3), of Clarkson, and Harper Hole (2), of Alkimos, with Trixie the alpaca at Ocean Keys Shopping Centre, which will offer pet photos with Santa this year and some unusual pets are allowed. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

Family pets can join Santa photo shoots in Clarkson

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

SHOPPING centres across Perth’s northern suburbs are offering Santa photo sessions with pets this festive season, with some allowing unusual species to take part.

Ocean Keys Shopping Centre in Clarkson will offer the service to customers for the first time this December, as well as the usual photos for children and Sensitive Santa sessions for people with special needs.

Centre marketing manager Giselle Posilero said the activity would give pet owners the chance to celebrate the festive season with their furry companions in a memorable way.

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“Most household pets are welcome, including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals,” she said.

Harper Hole (2) and Zyah Alanzy (3) with Trixie the alpaca.
Camera IconHarper Hole (2) and Zyah Alanzy (3) with Trixie the alpaca. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

“We don’t imagine every household will live with an exotic alpaca like Trixie, however people with more unusual pets are also welcome to attend provided they meet certain criteria.

“All creatures within reason are welcome and Santa is looking forward to sharing Christmas cheer with families and their four legged friends.”

Bookings are essential for the Santa Pet Photography sessions, which will be held from December 16 to 18 between 5.30pm and 8pm.

Registered pet owners will meet at a designated entrance five minutes before their scheduled time, with their animal on a leash or secured in a carrier, to be escorted in centre to have their photo with Santa.

Overly large, venomous and prohibited animals will not be admitted.

Westfield Whitford City in Hillarys is offering pet photography with Santa over several dates until December 11, welcoming most pets including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals, but no venomous animals.

Lakeside Joondalup is offering a similar service on weekday evenings until November 29 and Warwick Grove is offering it on December 9,10 and 16.

Wanneroo Central Shopping Centre is also holding pet photography sessions on December 8 for dogs, cats and rabbits.

All centres require pet owners to book their photo session.

Ms Posilero said the Clarkson shopping centre would host a range of Christmas activities and events, starting with Santa’s arrival parade from 10am on Saturday, November 23.

“Santa will be on hand daily at his throne near Target and there are two select times for Sensitive Santa to meet with children and families with disabilities in a distraction free environment with dimmed lights and muted noise,” she said.

“There will also be charity gift wrapping service with all gold coin donations going to Soroptimist International Joondalup for sanitary kits for girls in developing countries.”

Children can write a letter to Santa and post it to him via Santa’s mailbox in centre.

For more information, visit www.oceankeys.net.au.