Annual Pet Pictures with Santa Set for Dec. 3 at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, Riverside, CA

Online, November 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - What to my wondering eyes should appear, not one, but two Santas! That's right! Don't tell the kids, but there will be two Santas at this year's popular Pet Pictures with Santa event at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center (MSRPAC). Bring your pets to meet Santa Claus and have their pictures taken with either of the jolly big elves while also helping to support homeless animals. The event will be Saturday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Adoption Center, 6165 Industrial Ave., Riverside.

Admission to Pet Pictures with Santa is free and sittings for Pet Picture photos are not required in order to enjoy the fun. Activities include a bake sale, vendors offering holiday and pet-related products, raffle, vaccination clinic, and cats and dogs available for adoption. There will be hot dogs, smoothies, gourmet candy apples and gourmet dog treats available for purchase, and complimentary popcorn, hot apple cider and coffee.

All animals attending the event must be on a six-foot or shorter leash or in a pet carrier. Puppies four months and younger must be in carriers or held and not allowed to walk on the ground for their health's sake.

No appointments are needed for photo sittings. Photos will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. And with two Santas, wait times will be shorter for those impatient pets!

Photo keepsakes being offered are button, key tag or ornament, $5 each; travel mug, $7; tote bag, $8; 5x7 photo in jacket, $10; t-shirt, $10; and CD with 5 poses, $15. CDs and 5x7 photos will be mailed or available for pick up on December 12. All other items will be ready to take home from the event.

Olden Days Boutique will hold a raffle for both a handmade cat-themed and a dog-themed warm, fuzzy blanket. Each person who purchases a pet photo item will receive one free raffle ticket. Tickets also can be purchased at the company's booth. The drawing will be held at 4 p.m. and the winner does not need to be present. The money from ticket sales will be donated to MSRPAC.

Dog behaviorist Rick Belmonte of Belmonte's Dog Training will be on hand offering free behavior consultations. Volunteers from MSRPAC's agility program will help dog owners test their pets' skills on the covered agility course.

MSRPAC's low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for cats and dogs will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. And, of course, there will be many wonderful homeless cats and dogs waiting to go to loving homes for the holidays. The Center is open for adoptions 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Critter Corner store inside the main building is stocked with a large variety of toys, supplies and accessories for cats and dogs, as well as books and pet-themed gifts for humans.

For more information on Pet Pictures with Santa, call 951-688-4340 x307 or visit www.petsadoption.org. See the web site for vaccination and microchip fees and pets currently available for adoption.

The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is a non-profit, public benefit charitable organization serving communities in Riverside County and beyond. As the largest no-kill pet adoption organization in Riverside County, the Center accepts owner turn-ins of cats and dogs and transfers from local animal-control agencies. Prior to adoption, each animal is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, evaluated for behavior issues, and microchipped. Each animal also is monitored for physical, emotional and mental health, and receives ongoing socialization.