WEEKEND FESTIVALS REIGNING DOGS AND CATS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

The ASPCA has designed April as Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month so it's no wonder Easter has gone to the dogs.

But with style.

The annual Haute Dog Easter Parade in Belmont Shore is modeled after New York's traditional Easter parade down Fifth Avenue, says Justin Rudd, who created the pet parade three years ago as a way to raise money for homeless pets. It's become such a success that it now draws several hundred dogs in their Easter bonnets and spring ensembles - that often match the master's - to stroll Second Street in Belmont Shore.

The 12-block parade is open to all dogs, even those without costumes, says Rudd, but they must be on a leash, licensed and have proof of current shots when they register during Yappy Hour at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Livingston Park. There's a $5 fee, which serves as a donation to rescue shelters and Operation Santa Paws, with prizes awarded to the winners in several categories, including Most Whimsical, Most Creative, Best Costume, Best Bonnet and Best Canine/Master Look-alike.

No dog? Just join the crowd of more than 1,000 spectators who line up along the parade route, says Rudd, who advises coming early to get a good spot, and bringing folding chairs and cameras.

The dog parade has become so popular that Rudd has added an Easter King and Queen contest, which takes place at 6:30 a.m. Friday at Mimi's Cafe in Long Beach. The event will be covered by Gayle Anderson of KTLA's ``Morning News,'' so you won't need to drive there to see which canines will be crowned king and queen, win free dog products and have the privilege of leading Sunday's parade. You can also get a preview of some of the canine-chic participants on ``The Tonight Show With Jay Leno'' at 11:30 p.m. Friday on KNBC.

Since both events are outdoors, wear sun screen and hats (or carry an umbrella) and wear comfy shoes.

HAUTE DOG EASTER PARADE: Livingston Park (between Park and Nieto avenues), Long Beach. To get there from the San Fernando Valley, take the 405 South to the 710 South; exit at Broadway to the left and stay on Broadway for approximately two miles. Turn Right at Park Avenue. Parking and admission are free. 2:30 p.m. Food and T-shirts sold separately. Dog registration is $5. Handicapped accessible, pets on leashes allowed; no alcohol. Call [phone] or see www.hautedogs.org.

Also happening this weekend:

EASTER PARADE OF CATS: Think dogs have all the fun on Easter? Check out all the exotic felines - from Siamese to Pixie-Bob and Bengals - at this two-day cat show sponsored by the International Cat Association, Born Free Cat Club and Hallmark Cat Club. The event features 10 continuous judging rings with numerous exhibitors offering pet-related products and kittens for sale. Arcadia Masonic Center, 50 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $5 for adults; $4 for senior citizens; free to children under 12. Handicapped accessible; no pets; no alcohol. Call [phone].

WOVEN SOUL OF PAKISTAN FESTIVAL: Leave the pets behind and take the children to this free family event where you can learn the ancient textile tradition of Pakistan, with block printing and tie-dye workshops. It's also an opportunity to sample food from the region. Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Festival and museum admission are free. Call [phone] or see www.pacificasiamuseum.org.

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(color) HAUTE DOG EASTER PARADE