Ho ho ho! Tis the season to make lists and check them twice! Take a peek (before Christmas) at Salty Dawgs‘2024 Top 5 local places to find Santa to take your Holiday photos with your own Dawgs!
One thing most pet parents have on their lists is Christmas Cards and Holiday photos to send to friends and family.
As the festive spirit fills the air and decorations adorn every corner, it’s the perfect time to capture the magic with a photo of your furry friend and jolly old Saint Nick. Long Island, is home to fantastic locations where you and your dog can meet Santa Claus and snap that picture-perfect moment. Not only will you create cherished memories and have a charming photo for your holiday cards, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about and support local businesses in our community.
So, without further ado, here is a list of the top 5 local places to get pictures with Santa and your pets.
1) The Stationyards – Holiday Tree Lighting
Location: 9 Hawkins ave Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Date: Saturday 11/30/24
Time: 5:30pm
How many bones: Free
Host Details: A combination of retail, dining, live entertainment, and luxury living, The Stationyards is a happening place year-round! Newly opened across from Ronkonkoma train station, it will host it’s First Annual outdoor tree lighting event! Be sure to bring your gift list, as it will simultaneously have a holiday Market supporting many local vendors. There will be something for everyone!
**PLEASE NOTE: dogs must remain leased and under the owner’s control at this event**
stationyardsli.com
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2) Lillybugs Pet Spa – Cookies with Santa Paws for a Cause
Location: 263 W. Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Date: Saturdays 12/4/24 & 12/14/24
Time: 10am – 3pm
How many bones: Suggested Donation benefits Babylon Animal Shelter
Host Details: Lilly Bugs’ is a full-service luxury grooming salon offering a gentile and cage-free experience. A breath of fresh air for the anxious pup or the newbie to grooming. The friendly, dog-loving staff are there to answer your questions and offer guidance for your peace of mind. Dedicated to ensuring you and your pet are at ease and achieving your desired results. They even specialize in pet-safe fur dye! (Check out their Instagram page for great pics of colorful pups!) Many guests shop the adorable toys and delicious treats for sale before heading home from their day of pampering.
** Bring your appetite! Cookies and pup cups will be served!**
lillybugspetspa.net
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3) Klean K9 Inc.- Holiday Photoshoot
Location: 820 Grand Blvd, Deer Park, NY 11729
Date: Sunday 12/8/24
Time: By appointment (516-943-2606 Ask for “Alyssa”)
How many bones: $20
Host Details: A grooming salon like a horse of a different color, Klean K9 Care offers a membership-based self-wash station. Perfect for the ambitious pet owner who may lose steam after the bubble and rinse, keep the mess out of your home and let Klean K9 Care, Inc. wash it away for you! In addition to grooming, they offer red light therapy and a variety of pet wellness foods.
**Be sure to tell them Salty Dawgs sent ya! **
kleank9care.com
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4) One Love Dog Rescue – Photos with Santa and the Grinch
Location: Angela’s House Home Store – 2052 Route 112, Medford, NY 11763
Date: Sunday 12/1/24
Time: 11am – 4pm
How many bones: $20 Donation Supports One Love Dog Rescue & Angela’s House
Host Details :One Love Dog Rescue is a 100% VOLUNTEER-based organization working to rescue, rehab, and rehome neglected and abused local dogs. Each pet they save is immediately placed into a foster home, where it gets a chance to acclimate to a family lifestyle until it can meet its fur-ever home.
Angela’s House is a reseller of gently used or new furniture, appliances, or building materials. All sales go towards their mission of supporting medically fragile children. Keep an eye on their Instagram as they frequently update what “new” gems come into their large stocked warehouse.
**Don’t forget to enter into some raffles at this event!**
https://sites.google.com/onelovedogrescue.org/oldr
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angelashousehomestore.org
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5) Sand City Brewery – Santa Paws Event
Location: 150 S. Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst NY, 11757
Date: Sunday 12/1/24
Time: 12:15pm – 4:15pm (Must register for an appointment.)
How many bones: $30 benefits American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Host Details: Serving up tasty brews with unique packaging, local Brewery Sand City (south) has patrons jingling all the way with newly dropped holiday double IPA wrapped in nothing else but a cozy Christmas Sweater! The level of attention to detail has our tails waggin’!
Proceeds from this Santa Paws event go to support AFSP, an appropriate cause as holidays can trigger heavy emotions in some. AFSP provides education and support for affected families.
And if you’re the DD for the evening, are a little punk rocker, and like to keep your PMA with a little movement and music, stay for the EDGAR ( the band) record release party. ( $12 )
The Long Island Punk scene is indeed alive and well at Sand City! Join us and other geriatric millennials, in supporting friends and getting in our steps to moshing to the different musical talent for the night.
** Don’t forget to take your Professionally printed Santa paws photo (shout out Island Photography). Treats and a free AFSP bandana will be given out to show your love and support for a meaningful cause. Cheers! **
sandcitybeer.com
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islandphoto.com
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Looking Ahead? in the market to add a new furry family member to your pack?
Come back to this location 12/15/24 for their adoption event partnering with Pawsitive Possibilites Rescue, Inc.
Did you think we weren’t going to hop on this holiday train?
6) Salty Dawgs Photos with Santa!
OF COURSE Salty Dawgs is game for any festive fun and a chance to see more wagging tails and smiling pet owners!
Didn’t have time to visit the above locations while wrapping up work projects and doing all your holiday shopping? We got you, Long Island; you’re good.
Location: Gardiner County Park, Montauk Highway, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Date: Saturday 12/21/24
Time: 12pm-3pm
How many bones: $20 Donation supports Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons
Host Details: Dog walks are our bread and butter, but did you know we often encounter many wildlife in need during our walks?
We are so thankful to the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons for their guidance when we needed to help out little turtles on our path. TROTH was inundated this summer with many victims of ‘hit by car’ accidents and can still use some financial assistance. Donations will go straight to their turtle hospital and the supplies they need.
Michi, the Long Island Band Mom, will take professional photos of your dawgs with our Santa. Michi is a talented singer fronting Mega Infinity, a band manager, and a live music photographer.
She moonlights as a perfect pet photographer, using her background as a Direct Support Specialist to add a patient and caring vibe. In addition to her experience photographing wildly moving musicians, she is sure to capture the perfect holiday photo of either your shy pooch or your rambunctious puppy.
Please email us to reserve your spot. If you can’t make it and would like to donate to our cause, let us know!
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Happy Howl-idays everyone! We hope Santa Paws will be good to you this season!