Josh has been the star of auctions, Helming said, and led a pet parade on behalf of a Staten Island group fighting Parkinson's disease.

"There's a pet parade for kids who weren't interested in growing, but in showing," said Rochelle Cohen, the school principal.

The 2010 event included "amusement rides, parade, barbecue, silent auction, booths, fireworks, live music, balloon rides, pet parade, heritage craft demonstrations" and various other activities.

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, in early fall, begun in 1997, featuring crafts for kids, food, games, a pet parade, and a "Weather Prognostication Ceremony."

Do Dah Day is an annual pet parade held around the end of May.

Brady Street is also known for its popular pet parade which runs every first Saturday in October.

This year, Port Jefferson organized a circus festival that included a pet parade, magic shows, circus workshops, popcorn and face painting booths.

Llamas and boas, ferrets and parrots have led the exotic pet parade in years past.

To call attention to their plight, the Bide-A-Wee Shelter of Westhampton held a pet parade on Aug. 30.

For the annual pet parade in the spring, the mayor dons a top hat and leads a marching band.