Monaco, the glittering jewel of the Mediterranean, is gearing up for an event that’s as extravagant as it is heartwarming. On Wednesday, February 26, and Thursday, February 27, the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo—known for its high-end boutiques and polished marble corridors—will roll out the red carpet for an unlikely set of VIPs: the principality’s dogs. Dubbed METROPAW, this two-day affair promises to blend Monaco’s signature opulence with a celebration of its four-legged residents, offering a spectacle that’s equal parts indulgence and goodwill.

From 15:00 to 18:00 each day, the shopping centre will morph into a playground tailored to canine tastes. On the first floor, a ball pit will beckon the friskiest pups, while a photo booth stands ready to capture their antics in glossy keepsakes. Fashion-forward pooches won’t be overlooked—think cashmere sweaters and accessories crafted with the same meticulous care as the couture lining the nearby racks. Downstairs, the ground floor will become a veritable doggy day spa, complete with osteopaths and massage therapists kneading away tension from wagging tails. For the humans tagging along, experts in animal behaviour and nutrition will be on hand, dispensing wisdom, while an illustrator sketches bespoke portraits of the furry attendees, turning fleeting moments into art.

But METROPAW isn’t just about pampering the pets of Monaco’s elite. In a nod to the principality’s deep-seated tradition of philanthropy, the event will shine a spotlight on local animal welfare groups. The SPA of Monaco, alongside Un Brin de Chance and Rokethon, will join the festivities—free to the public at Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo on February 26 and 27, from 15:00 to 18:00—serving as a reminder that even in a place synonymous with wealth, compassion holds its own currency.