Local pet advocacy group hosts holiday event for first time in Edmonton

Parachutes for Pets marked its first holiday season with festive activities, including pet photos with Santa.

A local animal support program came to Edmonton for the first time this past weekend to offer help around the holidays.

The Parachutes for Pets non-profit advocacy group invited pet owners to get a picture with Santa, decorate ornaments, and purchase surprise holiday bags for their cats or dogs.

• Download our app to get Edmonton alerts on your device

Lyudmil Antov, the operations manager for Parachutes for Pets, told CTV News Edmonton how the event helps support vulnerable people and their pets throughout the year.

“We specifically help the vulnerable population to stay with their pets. That includes things like temporary safekeeping if their pet needs a safe place to go for a little bit, food assistance, pet supplies, pretty much everything they need in a time of crisis to stay with their pet,” Antov said Saturday.

Christmas stockings for pets currently at the organization’s shelters were also for sale.

Attendees were encouraged to purchase pet supplies from the donation-only thrift shop throughout the event. Proceeds of the thrift shop will go to support the organization.

To make a donation or to purchase a Christmas stocking, visit the Parachutes for Pets website.