The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its 27th annual “Santa Paws” fund-raiser during the first two Sundays in December where pets – along with their families – can have their pictures taken with Santa.

The first “Santa Paws” event will be held Dec. 5 at the Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel, 2055 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. The second is set for Dec. 12 at the Humane Society of Ventura County’s shelter at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai. Both will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost is $20 for one 4 x 6 photo, but for an addition donation of $10 or more, families can have a compact disc containing all the digital photos taken of them. Photos and CDs will be mailed or persons can pick them up at the shelter. They will not be processed that same day.

Greg Cooper, a professional photographer who also teaches at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, is the photographer.

“It is so entertaining to watch Jolene Hoffman, our shelter director, inter-act with the animals to get that ‘perfect photo,” said Sherry Brockus, HSVC’s executive director. “She saves her ‘squeaky voice’ all year to use with Santa. A great time is had by all.”

Parking at the Marriott hotel will be validated and will be free for Santa Paws participants.

Proceeds go to the care of animals at the HSVC’s shelter. Information: 646-6505 or 656-5031.