Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Festivities

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  August 25th, 2023

Planning a wedding, and thinking about how you’ll include the most important people in your life, is exciting. But if pets are a part of your family, you might be wondering if they can be a part of your celebration, too. The answer is yes!

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If you’re one of the many  people who want to include their pets in their wedding, keep reading for a few tips and ideas that can help you plan the perfect day.   


Find a Pet-Friendly Wedding Venue


A lot of couples are opting to have their pets be a part of their wedding ceremony and/or reception. To do this, you need to find venues that allow dogs and cats. If you’re planning on getting married at the same place where your reception will be held, it can make things easier; otherwise, you’ll need to confirm with multiple venues that pets are allowed. Ask them about any restrictions that are in place for animals, whether you’re planning on having your event indoors or outside. 


It’s also wise to talk to your vendors about keeping your companion safe from potential hazards, such as toxic flowers from your florist. And, if possible, you might want to take your pet to the venue ahead of time so they won’t be in a brand-new place on your wedding day, distracted by all the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.  


Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Ceremony or Reception


There are various roles that your pet can fill on your big day. Your guests are sure to get a kick out of seeing your pooch or kitty, and you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable memories as you celebrate love. 


Here are a few examples, but you can certainly get as creative as you’d like to include your pet in your wedding:


Walk down the aisle with your pet – Make your dog or cat a central part of your event by walking down the aisle with them. A bride might choose to walk down the aisle with her pet at her side, or a groom might lead his pet to the altar and then wait there for the bride, as a couple examples.  


Have your pet be the ring bearer – Want your furbaby to carry your rings to the altar? Have someone in your wedding party walk your pet down the aisle, and rehearse this well in advance to be sure your furbaby will know what to expect. They could wear a stylish collar or harness that holds rings securely – there are options like bowties, or you could opt for something like the  La La Pet® Detachable Pet Wedding Collar with Ring Box, which is available in multiple sizes for dogs and cats. 

Have your pet walk with the flower girl – Imagine your adorable pet walking down the aisle with your sweet flower girl – how cute would that be?! Fill a basket with flower petals (again, make sure they aren’t toxic) and have your dog carry it while the flower girl scatters the petals.  


Let your pet celebrate with everyone at the reception – Whether or not your pet is a part of the ceremony, you might want them to join you for the reception, especially if it will be quite relaxed, without loud music that could stress them out. And when you’re introduced as bride and groom, involving your furbaby can make it even more entertaining. Just be sure to prevent them from eating table scraps that might be harmful.  


Take Photos with Your Pet on Your Big Day


Whether or not your pet is involved in the ceremony, consider taking photos with them – after all, you’ll be able to display those pictures throughout your home to remember your special day with your furbaby. 


If your cat or dog is comfortable with wearing an outfit, there are options like the  Frisco Formal Dog & Cat Tuxedo – with something like this, your pet will fit right in with everyone in your formal wedding party. Just make sure your pet tries it on before your wedding day so you can be certain it fits right and isn’t bothersome.  

If your pet doesn’t like wearing outfits that cover a lot of their body, another example is the  Rubie's Pet Shop Celebrations Tuxedo Dog & Cat Costume, which includes a cuff set and bowtie that your furbaby might tolerate wearing.

Something simple like a bandana is another good option if your pet isn’t keen on wearing costumes. You can find those that are designed to look like tuxedos, as well as those that have fun phrases for weddings, like the  Pup of Honor (Maid of Honor) Bridal Party Wedding Dog Bandana. 

Showcase Your Pet in Your Wedding Stationery and Décor 


Not all pets will be okay with being an active part of such an elaborate event, or you might be concerned about the safety of your companion or the risk of losing them. Rest assured that there are other cute ways to include your pet in your wedding. 


For instance, when it comes to save-the-dates and invitations, you can customize them to include your furry friend, whether you use an illustration or photo. And, for the day of the wedding, there’s décor that can be designed to include your companion (e.g., welcome sign, centerpieces, napkins, place cards, program). You can even find wedding cake toppers that feature pets. 


Careful Planning Is Key


Before deciding to include your pet in your wedding, keep their personality in mind. Consider how they’ll react around a lot of people in a new environment. And only dress them up if it isn’t a problem, as some pets won’t even tolerate wearing little accessories.


Choose someone you trust to watch and guide your furbaby at all times, and ensure they’ll have what they need throughout the day. Also, have a plan for where your pet will go if they get stressed.


Once everything is in place, you can focus on having the time of your life on your big day, and the best part is that your beloved pet will be right there with you.  

WOW
Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

Dog Siblings Reunited After 13 Years Apart Thanks to a DNA Test

Labrador retriever golden retriever mixes, Mozart and Maddy have a lot to catch up on. After being adopted into separate homes as puppies, the brother and sister spent 13 years apart.The male pup, Mozart, was adopted by Ann MacLean, a high school science teacher in Freehold,  New Jersey. After losing her previous dog, MacLean started looking for a new pooch to bring into her home. She found a litter of five eight-week-old puppies listed on Petfinder.com. The litter consisted of four males and one female puppy. Two pups were golden in color and three were completely black. MacLean and her family decided to adopt one of the black puppies and named him Mozart. When they went to pick up Mozart, they noticed his sister Maddy, and immediately fell in love with her. But when, two days later, they expressed interest in adopting Maddy as well, they were informed that someone else was already interested in her and was going to pick her up the following weekend.  MacLean believed she would never see Maddy again, but the Universe had other plans! After adopting Mozart, MacLean was curious to learn more about her new pup’s genetic makeup, so she used a dog DNA test. The test revealed Mozart is a mix of Labrador retriever, golden retriever, collie, German shepherd, chow chow, and boxer. Embark test also has a relative finder feature, which informs the owner if a dog related to their pooch submitted a DNA test. “In January 2024, I logged into Embark. I had not logged into the Embark website in over a year. I thought the chance of Mozart reuniting with one of his siblings was becoming small as Mozart was now 13 years old. I was so excited to see ‘immediate family’ listed,” MacLean told PEOPLE. Maddy’s owner, Sheila McNeil, was over the moon to hear from MacLean. “As soon as I saw a picture of Mozart, I told Doug this is definitely her brother as they look exactly alike. I was so excited to find her littermate and even more excited to reunite them,” said McNeil. During their conversations, MacLean and McNeil learned how similar their dogs are. Both canine siblings love the snow, can’t stand the heat, and have hip arthritis. McNeil and her husband Doug, only started caring for Maddy two years ago, when the pup’s original owner, Sheila’s adopted aunt, died. The biggest surprise, however, is that both dogs live near Freehold, and even go to the same vet! The owners had already planned to meet and were committed to getting the dogs together regardless of the distance. “It was a given that these two would reunite once we knew of the other’s existence, but this close distance makes regular meets easier to do. The Universe works in such serendipitous ways,” said McNeil. The siblings were finally reunited on January 14th, nearly 13 years after their separation. The pups met at a local park and needed a few minutes to become comfortable with one another, which was in line with their personalities. “A dramatic reunion of the dogs exhibiting uncontrolled joy was not a realistic expectation, nor was it either Maddy’s or Mozart’s personality,” explained McNeil adding that after only 10 minutes of walking, the siblings seemed like “two old souls who have known each other for years.”Since their reunion, Maddy and Mozart have seen each other three times and have more meet-ups planned for the future. Their owners are happy that the friendship between the canines grows stronger each time they see each other. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Train a Cat to Wear a Collar

Whether you want to take your cat on outdoor adventures or want to be sure your kitty will be easier to find if they dart out the door, a cat collar can give you peace of mind. The tricky part is training your feline to wear a collar. Although this can be a little challenging, it isn’t impossible, and some cats take to it more readily than others.Keep reading to learn about some of the ways to get your cat used to wearing a collar.

Cat Laryngitis: Can Cats Lose Their Voice?

Did you know that cats can get laryngitis? This condition occurs when the larynx, or voice box, is inflamed, and it can cause changes in the sound of your cat’s voice or a loss of their voice.Keep reading to learn the causes of laryngitis in cats, as well as the symptoms and what you can do to treat it. That way, if your cat’s voice suddenly changes or they become less talkative, you’ll have a better idea of what might be the problem and what you should do.

A 40 Pound Cat, Patches, Down 15 Pounds One Year After Adoption

Patches first grabbed media attention a year ago, when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control weighing an astounding 40.3 pounds. The shelter’s largest feline resident was quickly adopted and has been on a weight loss journey ever since. Once a chubby feline, Patches has lost 15 pounds since his adoption and is enjoying the perks of having more mobility each and every day.Once the Richmond Animal Care and Control posted a photo of Patches on their Facebook page, the news of a fat cat spread like wildfire, reaching Kay Ford, who was thinking about adopting an overweight pet. When her daughter sent her a photo of Patches, Ford immediately contacted the shelter to submit an adoption application. “I let them know that a special diet was nothing new to me. I had a Yorkie that was on chemo for three years and had a good quality of life,” Ford told PEOPLE. The shelter determined Ford would be able to meet the cat's needs and chose her as the adopter. Since his adoption, Patches has been living with Ford, her other cat Wellesley, and her senior Yorkie, Bella. Ford has even started a Facebook page for Patches shortly after his adoption, to keep others updated about his health. Little did she know that the page Patches’ Journey would have over 10,000 followers in a few days. Today, the page has nearly 50,000 followers who are eagerly expecting “Weigh-in Wednesdays.” Weigh-in Wednesdays are the day Ford weighs Patches on a scale and shares the results. On April 17, two days before his first adoption anniversary Patches weighed 25.4 pounds. That’s over 15 pounds less than he weighed when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control. Ford celebrates her cat’s success daily, encouraging him as he accomplishes his weight loss goals. “He’s doing great. He really is. He is just a normal pet,” said Ford. Although Patches still can’t jump on the bed or fully groom himself, he has cleared almost all other obstacles thanks to the increased mobility he has gained after losing weight. “I couldn’t control my emotions the first time he jumped up on the radiator cover. It was a couple of days before Christmas, and I remember saying, ‘It’s a Christmas miracle,’” said Ford. Patches now jumps on the radiator cover regularly and uses the window perch to enjoy the views. Once the weight started to come off, Patches became more energetic and started to play with toys and his feline friend, Wellesley. “It just happened the way it was supposed to happen. He was able to achieve almost every milestone that he needed to achieve to become a real cat, not Macy’s Day Parade balloon,” Ford said. Patches made great progress thanks to his owner’s commitment to his diet. To owners who want to help their pets lose weight, Ford advises “patience, commitment, and diligence.”“This would never have happened if I had given in to whining,” she added. “The hardest thing is not giving into the begging. What I say to people is ‘Get it in your head that instead of asking you for food, they’re asking you for attention and to help them become a healthier cat or dog.”This duo is looking forward to another year of sharing Patches’ weight loss journey with his fans. The Facebook page took off more than Ford hoped for and the online community has been extremely supportive of Patches’ efforts to lose weight.“We have been 100% positive from day one,” said Ford   Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.ear

What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?

Nothing beats taking a dip in the cool, refreshing water when the temperatures skyrocket – and your dog knows it. Most pooches will take any chance to take a splash, be it in a pool, a river, or a small pond. However, not all water sources are safe for our canine companions to swim in or drink from. Contaminated water can harbor a variety of pathogens, and it can potentially lead to serious illnesses. That’s why all dog owners should be familiar with the dangers that grimy water brings – here’s what you need to know.What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?In the dog days of summer, your pooch will seek out any chance to quickly cool off, and drinking or taking a swim in cool water is the best way to do so. A swimming pool, the river, the pond, or even the sea – most doggos find these bodies of water irresistible for a quick dip or a little sip. But these waters are not always safe. The bacteria that they possibly carry can lead to all sorts of very serious illnesses that affect our canine friends. Here are just a few of the most common ones:#1 LeptospirosisThis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria species. Dogs can contract this disease by drinking, swimming in, or coming into contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney or liver failure, and even death. Vaccination and avoiding stagnant and dirty water sources are key preventive measures.#2 GiardiasisThis illness is caused by Giardia, a protozoan parasite. Dogs typically become infected by ingesting water contaminated with feces from infected animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. While not usually fatal, giardiasis can cause significant discomfort and requires treatment with specific anti-parasitic medications. Good hygiene and clean water sources are essential to prevent this infection. Don’t take a dip just anywhere!#3 CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium, another protozoan parasite. Dogs contract cryptosporidiosis through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. The disease is often self-limiting but can be severe in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. #4 BlastomycosisBlastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. Dogs can contract it by inhaling spores from contaminated soil or water, particularly in areas with moist, decaying organic matter. Symptoms include coughing, fever, weight loss, and skin lesions. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment are crucial for recovery. Avoiding known endemic areas can reduce the risk of infection.In order to avoid these water-borne diseases, all owners are advised to take necessary precautions. Naturally, you will want to avoid all suspicious bodies of water and prevent your pet from getting close or taking a swim. These include swamps, stagnant pools, visibly dirty water, forest ponds, and so on. Next, always provide clean drinking water. Fail to do so, and your pet will often try to drink from random pools. To make things easier when you are out and about, carry a special portable dog water bowl filled with fresh, drinkable water. That way you can rest assured that when your pooch is hydrating on a hike, he’s drinking only the safe stuff.

Mexico's President Says Sí to Caring for National Palace's Feral Cats

Living Fixed Asset designation provides felines with care and shelter for life.

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