Scarlet Maddux, 10, and her dog, Russell, dress like Winnie the Pooh characters during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Expand
Furry, feathered and scaly friends marched through Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano Saturday afternoon for its annual pet parade.
The parade, featuring animals of all kinds — dogs, cats, ducks, birds and ponies — is one of the kickoff events the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association hosts before its annual Swallows Day Parade on March 22.
“This is one of the most fun things we do because of the innocence of the kids and the stuff they come up with is absolutely hysterical,” said Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor.
The Swallows Day Parade celebrates the return of the swallows, a small species of bird, to the San Juan Capistrano Mission.
Taylor said that winners of any of the pet parade categories — best team costume, best barnyard animal and best household pet — are invited to participate in the Swallows Day Parade.
Swallows Day is on March 19, but the parade is held a few days later. That parade is set for 11 a.m.
Find out about more events at swallowsdayparade.org.
