Who let the dogs out for Christmas?

Halifax pet owners dressed their furry friends in festive costumes for a walk along Quinpool Road on Nov. 29, as the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association hosted its annual Pet Parade in support of the Nova Scotia SPCA — an animal rescue charity. 

Stephanie Gustys and Chris Pilkey brought their dogs, Hunter and Taco, to the event for the fourth year in a row. 

“I think it’s terrific to bring attention to Quinpool Road and the shops that are here, and there’s a great sense of community,” says Gustys.

This year, the event and its post-parade photo shoot with Santa Claus raised around $1,000 for the Nova Scotia SPCA in Dartmouth, according to the Quinpool group. Fifty dog owners paid to have their pet photographed with Santa. 

Karla Nicholson, executive director of the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association, says the event is a good way for local businesses to gain exposure around the holidays. 

“It’s great for companies like the [Oxford] Taproom that allow dogs in there,” she says. “We have a lot of businesses that are pet-friendly.”

Last year, 75 pet owners brought their dogs to the event, raising $1,500 dollars for the SPCA. Over the past three years, approximately $6,000 has been raised for the shelter. 

Paula Nalbaru, the philanthropy communications coordinator for the Nova Scotia SPCA, says the charity doesn’t receive government funding. 

“All the money that we use to care for the animals in the shelter comes from the community,” she says. “Events like this are fantastic, especially ones that continue year after year.”