Pets donning ugly Christmas sweaters for worthy causes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ugly Christmas sweaters aren’t just for people any more.

Pets are joining the party -- and helping to support worthy causes.

‘Tis the season to mix and mingle at ugly sweater parties, and some people cant resist making their pets participate.

“Shes a family member so we have our own ugly sweaters so we buy one for her as well,” said dog owner Cassidy Hart of Washington, D.C. 

A fundraiser for the Humane Rescue Alliance gave people a chance to put their pets in party outfits and support a worthy cause. 

“Any opportunity I have to support any kind of charity especially when it deals with animal shelters, I’m all about it,” said Melissa Gomes of Washington, D.C. 

Gomes enjoys dressing up with her rescue dog Hershey. 

Some pet owners are willing to pay $20 for a photo with Santa

Dogs, cats, turtles, all join in the fun -- and it’s for a good cause

Gary Putnam has been playing Santa for the Humane Society for 11 years.

“Kids dont pee on you as often and they (pets) don’t drool on you as much,” Gomes said. 

The rescue animals roaming at the Crumbs & Whiskers Cat Cafe in Washington, D.C., are also all dolled up in their holiday best.

One of them cozied up to cat owner Emma Sunseri.

She wasnt ready to commit, but those ugly sweaters won over some who came to this Christmas soiree.