Playland Holiday Pet Portraits Are 'Paw-fect' And Help A Good Cause

RYE, NY — There are few places in the Hudson Valley more popular with our furry friends than Playland Beach when the sunbathers leave the sandy shoreline behind for holiday celebrations and ugly sweater contests. Now, families can preserve the memories forever with professional pet portraits (and help a good cause at the same time).

Just because the beach has gone to the dogs, that doesn't mean our feline and feathered friends can't get in on the fun at Playland.

In the spirit of the giving season, the iconic amusement park will partner with Veterinary Emergency Group to host a picture-perfect photo op and offer professional pet holiday portraits in support of a worthy cause, available on Playland Beach Boardwalk.

Playland is partnering with VEG Cares, the philanthropic arm of the Veterinary Emergency Group, to introduce the first annual Holiday Family Pet Photography event for charity on Sunday, December 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can dress up their pets in their holiday best for an adorable Winter Wonderland or Santa-themed shoot. The photo op will be available on the boardwalk, set along the backdrop of panoramic views of the Long Island Sound.

Available at $20 as a donation to VEG Cares, visitors and their pets can have their photo taken, courtesy of Bryan Goldberg Photography, and receive one digital photo. All proceeds go directly to VEG Cares and will help local underserved pets in the White Plains area.

The event is open to pets of all shapes and sizes, as well as families and individuals without pets looking to snap a holiday photo. All are encouraged to come in their most festive holiday attire — VEG will be giving away prizes to the best dressed pets and patrons.

"Every year from October to April, Rye Beach at Playland is the ultimate dog playground," Playland General Manager Jeff Davis said. "We love to see locals bring their canine family members to run around and play. Partnering with VEG and their Cares program, all while offering professional photos and giving back, is our ongoing testament to serving our local community."

While the photos will be sure to bring joy to families for years to come, participants will also be helping pets that could use a little extra holiday spirit this year.

"We are excited about this partnership with Playland that brings holiday cheer and helps local underserved pets in the White Plains area at the same time," Founder and CEO of the Veterinary Emergency Group, David Bessler, said. VEG Cares runs 100 percent on donations to provide life-saving care to pets in need at all VEG hospitals, including pets with families facing financial distress, animals displaced by natural disasters, police, service and fire animals, and animals under the care of a shelter or rescue organization."

The photo event will be operated by VEG White Plains vets, nurses, and volunteers, giving pet owners the rare opportunity to receive expert veterinary advice while capturing the holiday picture. At Rye Beach at Playland, all pets should be appropriately leashed.

Playland will also offer visitors the chance to win complimentary 2024 All Access Season Passes. Parking will also be free for both events.

For more information and a calendar of events, visit the Playland website and follow Playland on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn.