Pet Pages
Kibbles and Bits

Howl
Palace Hotel Gingerbread
Competition could go to the dogs

SAN FRANCISCO ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
1200 15th Street
415-554-6364, www.sfgov.org/acc

Dec. 5 – Low-Cost Rabies, License & Microchip Clinic: The S.F. Veterinary Medical Association hosts a low-cost rabies clinic from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Rabies vaccination charge is $6. Dog licenses can be purchased at ACC’s front counter with proof of dog’s rabies vaccination. Microchipping is free for City residents with proof of dog’s licensing; $20 per chip for nonresidents.

Dec. 16 – Free Spay/Neuter Clinic: The Peninsula Humane Society teams up with ACC to offer free pet fixes for needy S.F. pet owners every third Thursday of the month. Pets will be accepted from 8–9 a.m. on a first-come first-served basis. For more information, call 650-340-7022 ext. 387.

THE SF/SPCA
2500 16th Street
415-522-3000, www.sfspca.org

Thru Jan. 2, 2011 – Macy’s Holiday Windows: Press your nose up against the Macy’s Union Square windows featuring adoptable animals from the SF/SPCA this holiday season. Inspired by Macy’s nostalgic “Believe” campaign, this year’s windows follow letters from pets and children on their journey to Santa Claus at the North Pole. Furry kitties and puppies will be viewable daily except Dec. 25. San Francisco SPCA volunteers will be on hand to help you “Meet Your Match” and adopt right from the adoption outpost in Macy’s.

Dec. 11 & 12 – Kimpton Hotels Annual Santa Paws Event: The Sir Francis Drake Hotel (450 Powell Street) hosts Santa Paws from 2–4 p.m. each day. Bring the whole family, including your furry friends, for a photograph with Mr. Claus himself. Pick up some holiday chocolates, cat and dog toys, 2011 Foster Care Program calendars, and more with all proceeds benefiting the SF/SPCA! No appointment necessary. Suggested donation: $20.

Dec. 17 – Puppy Movie Night for Kids: What better way to end the school week than getting cozy with canines, enjoying great pet movies, making friends with other young animal lovers, and snacking on pizza and popcorn at the SF/SPCA? This is a special, fun-filled night for children (and an opportunity for parents to enjoy an evening out by themselves) from 6:30–10 p.m. $25 per child, ages K–4th grade. Pajamas are welcome!

Jan. 11, 2011 – Pet First Aid and CPR Training: Learn how to recognize an emergency for your pet, what to do if an animal is hit by a car, and other ways you can help while avoiding getting hurt yourself. The class is from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and includes a training book and an SF/SPCA certificate. Cost: $50. Register with Jamie Holt at 415-522-3548 or e-mail [email protected]

THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
1 Zoo Road
415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org

Thru Jan. 1, 2011 – Reindeer Romp Returns: The holidays come to life with the return of Santa’s special reindeer – Holly, Velvet, Peppermint, and Belle. This is a rare opportunity to see real live reindeer. Their majestic and beautiful antlers are a must see – many visitors will be surprised to find out Santa’s reindeer are smaller than one might imagine.

MORE THINGS TO TWEET ABOUT …

Meet the Muttville Mutts!
Dec 11, noon–4 p.m.
Kiehl’s (2360 Fillmore Street)
Some of the adorable, adoptable senior mutts from Muttville will be on hand looking their super cutest! Any dog adopted at the event comes with a full pet package from Muttville and Kiehl’s! www.muttville.org

Palace Hotel Gingerbread Competition
Daily through Dec. 31
Palace Hotel (2 New Montgomery Street)
Visit the beautiful Palace Hotel lobby and vote for your favorite gingerbread house created by a local celebrity. You can also make a donation with your vote – monies raised are sent to the celebrity’s selected nonprofit. Pick movie critic Jan Wahl’s holiday masterpiece and Pets Unlimited and Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) will receive all monies raised plus a cash donation from the Palace Hotel if her house is one of the top three favs!

Tis the Season for Science
Through Jan. 2, 2011
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park
Step into an Arctic wonderland where you can meet live reindeer, crawl into an igloo, see the Northern Lights, and learn how polar bears and their neighbors survive the harsh winter. Young visitors can also meet “Santa Claude,” the Academy’s lovable alligator character who sports a Santa hat and scarf. Holiday music and dance, indoor snow flurries, and hot chocolate will complete the festive atmosphere. Encounters with Arctic specimens and the scientists who study them will offer a delightful new take on the blustery holiday season. 415-379-8000, www.calacademy.org