The jolly man in red posed for photos with animal lovers and their dogs and cats as part of the clinic's Santa Day.

Manager Megan Grigg said the event was a huge success with more than 100 people and their pets showing up in the first hour.

"This is the first time we've done it so we weren't quite sure how it was going to go but we're very pleased," she said.

"We've got free health checks and $25 micro-chipping just so people can get it done and to help support pet ownership."

The event also featured animal stalls, a jumping castle and barbecue.

All proceeds made on the day will go to animal groups, Wishbone Therapy Farm, Bendigo Animal Welfare and Community Services and Furever Friends.  

Some people dressed their pooches in reindeer ears and Christmas collars for their photo with Santa.

There was a host of breeds with dogs of all shapes and sizes lining up for their photos with Santa.

All animals were well-behaved with no scrambles between cats and dogs.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons stumbled across the event as he was walking past the clinic.

"I saw all the activity and thought it was a chance for them to get a bit of exposure," he said.

"So I rang my wife up and she bought the cat down and we had a shot with Betty, Max the cat, Santa and I.

"It's a great event.

"It's all a bit of fun."

Brooke Aicken from Epsom had a photography with her dogs Ollie and Simba.

"It's a really fun event," she said.

"It's a nice little community event."

People who participated in the Santa photo shoot will receive their photos in the mail within the next week.