Santa will be in town to help the Humane Society of Ventura County raise much needed funds for the animals at the Shelter, including recently rescued horses and dogs. “The Shelter is bursting at the seams with animals recently rescued by our Humane Officers, so the need is greater than ever,” said Shelter Director, Jolene Hoffman. In October, eight horses and 58 dogs were rescued, some from eminent starvation, others from lack of needed health care and grooming, all in need of help. These animals are currently being treated and rehabilitated while awaiting adoption. The Humane Society is Ventura County’s no-kill shelter, so these animals will be cared for until they are adopted, at a great expense to the organization.

Santa will be posing for portraits with Ventura County pets and family members, hoping to help. Photographing “Santa Paws,” will be professional photographer and Brooks Institute Professor Greg Cooper who will donate his services to help the Humane Society feed, spay and neuter, and place these animals in need. Also volunteering his time to help the animals is Chuck Bowman, our favorite “Santa.” Families who don’t celebrate Christmas are welcome to have their holiday portrait taken without Santa as well.

Photo sittings will include several poses with pets and/or their family members. Pets and their family member are encouraged to dress festively for the Holiday Season. The requested donation for “Santa Paws” photo sittings is $25 and includes a CD of your portraits which can be used for holiday cards or gifts. Photos are FREE for anyone adopting an animal from the Humane Society between December 1st and 8th of this year.

Because the Ventura County Humane Society is not affiliated with any other agency or government funding, it relies upon private donations and fundraisers. All proceeds raised by Santa Paws will benefit homeless animals throughout Ventura County awaiting adoption at the Humane Society Shelter and Adoption Center.

The event is first come, first served, no reservations required. Sunday, December 2nd , Santa will be at the Marriott Ventura Beach Hotel at 2055 East Harbor Blvd in Ventura from 10am until 3pm. On Sunday, December 9th, he’ll be at the Humane Society of Ventura County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai. This date will also feature a Holiday Marketplace where local artisans will offer great gifts for the holiday season.

For more information and to view sample photos, visit hsvc.org or call 805 646-6505.