The Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association held its sixth annual pet parade Saturday to kick off the Christmas season the street.

Furry creatures of all shapes and sizes walked up Quinpool Road, led by Santa Claus and a Halifax Regional Police officer.

The event was first dreamed up by Peter Ainslie, owner and operator of three veterinary clinics in the city, who noticed a lot of businesses on the street were pet-friendly.

"It's just our way of celebrating the uniqueness of Quinpool Road," said Karla Nicholson, the executive director of the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association.

"One of the things about Quinpool Road is that many of us on the street who own businesses are pet lovers."

Nicholson said this year's parade was very green — no cars involved: just people and their pets.

After the parade ended, pets posed for photos with Santa. Money made from the $15 pictures will be donated to the SPCA.