Croydon Main Street to be blitzed by dogs and other pets for annual Christmas Pet Parade on December 14

Dust off the antlers and the strap-on Santa — a shopping strip in Melbourne’s east is letting your pet prowl and take centre stage in its annual Christmas parade. Here’s how you can take part.

Claire Leighton with her dog Elsa and Isabel Lagos with her dog Charlie are looking forward to Croydon Main St’s annual Christmas Pets Parade on December 14. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Pet lovers will have a howlin’ good time at Croydon Main St’s annual Christmas pet parade.

Part of the popular shopping strip will be closed off on Saturday for everyone’s four-legged friends to strut their stuff in festive outfits.

The parade will be controlled by Croydon police and led by Santa and The Three Kings.

Participants need to meet at the Croydon Farmers’ Market in Town Park from 10.15am.

Isabel Lagos’s dog Charlie is all wrapped up and ready for Croydon Main St’s annual Christmas Pets Parade. Picture: Andy Brownbill

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The parade will then wind its way along Mount Dandenong Rd, Main St, Lacey St and Hewish Rd and finish at Croydon Town Square.

Awards will be given for best dressed pets in various categories.

Claire Leighton’s dog Elsa trots around Croydon Town Square. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Croydon Main St spokeswoman Marta Makkai said owners of more than 100 dogs and a guinea pig had registered for the parade.

She said the parade, now in its fourth year, was open to all pets as long as their owners felt it was appropriate for them.

“We like to encourage people to walk to Main St and that includes bringing their furry friends,” Ms Makkai said.

“It’s a fun activity and this is going to be a great way to celebrate Christmas with our pets.”

Register your pet and get more information at croydonmainstreet.com.au

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