I'm an animal lover at heart, but when I hear couples wanting to include their pets on their wedding day, I get a little anxious. Putting a flower crown or a tux on your dog is super cute, and having your furry best friend be your best man, sounds fantastic. All of these are true, but there are a few things you need to consider before deciding to include your fur baby in your wedding.
Note: I'm going to be focusing mainly on dogs in this one, but there is a lot of cross-over with other types of pets.
During Ceremony
If you are wanting to include your pup in the ceremony, you have to consider a few things.
1. Are they socialized enough that this won't freak them out?
Just like people, some dogs are introverts and struggle to handle being around large groups. The stress and anxiety of the situation could lead to some bad behaviors, which will add to your stress. My suggestion, especially if you have a pandemic pup, is to get them used to crowds and loud noises before even trying to practice walking down the aisle.
2. Do you have the time to practice/train them?
No matter how easy your dog is to train, it takes time and exposure to get them used to new things. If you can get early access to your venue, then your dog can get familiar with some of the smells and will be less distracted. You could also have friends and family stand/sit along the aisle to simulate the crowd. Ultimately, if you are too busy to train your dog on how to calmly walk down the aisle, even on a leash, you may not want to include them.
3. If going off-leash, do you have a "wrangler" to catch them?
The last thing you want on your wedding day is your dog running away and getting lost. Even if you've had the time to train your dog, there will still be new people and smells to distract or scare them. Having someone assigned to walk with or keep an eye on your dog during the ceremony will cut down on chaos.
4. Once down the aisle, where will they go?
Dogs are like toddlers, they can get easily excited, distracted, or bored. Once down the aisle, they may want to venture elsewhere, so if you intend to have them stand with you, you may need some treats or a member of your wedding party to keep an eye on them. An alternative would be to have a "catcher" at the end of the aisle to take the dog somewhere else during the ceremony.
5. Is your venue even pet-friendly and willing to let you do this?
Dream all you want, if your venue says "no" to your pet, you won't be able to include them. This may seem harsh, but venues have to worry about liability and clean-up. You might be able to get a concession if your pup leaves right after walking down the aisle and you sign an agreement to cover liability and any messes made.
During Reception
Just like during the ceremony, if your dog is easily stressed, booming music and cheering people may be overwhelming. If you're having a more laid-back reception, this may be less of an issue. Either way, your dog will more than likely need food, water, and entertainment since you will probably be busy. This will require having someone tending to your dog. Here's my suggestion, hire a pet sitter for your reception.
Benefits of Hiring a Pet Sitter
1. You won't have a guest missing out on the festivities.
Giving a guest, whether a friend or family member, a job during the reception kind of sucks. They probably spent money on clothes, hair, and/or makeup, only to sit in a corner with a spastic pup. A pet sitter is there for one reason, to keep your dog happy.
2. They will make sure your dog has food and water.
With all the excitement, your dog will more than likely be thirsty. Having a pet sitter makes sure they have constant access to water and food and ensures your dog won't be dehydrated at the end of the night. Even better, if your dog requires medication, like for anxiety, you know they'll get it when they need it!
3. They will keep your dog entertained by playing with them.
Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog. A pet sitter will help your dog work off any pent-up energy, which can sometimes lead to destructive behaviors. These behaviors could be costly if they lead to damage to your venue.
4. They will keep them safe and secure.
You probably don't want your dog wandering around the reception. A pet sitter will make sure they stay in a safe area and out of trouble. They also will make sure your dog doesn't escape and get lost.
5. They will clean up messes!
If your venue has you sign an agreement to clean up after your dog or face a hefty fee, a pet sitter might very well pay for themselves. It's just another stressor you don't have to deal with during or after your wedding.
6. They can run your pet home at the end of the night, or if they get overwhelmed.
Not every pet sitter offers this service, but I highly recommend finding one that does. If you are staying at a hotel or immediately taking your honeymoon after your wedding, it will be a great relief knowing your pup will make it home or to a caregiver safely. This is also a great option if you know your dog is older and gets worn out easily, or if they have severe anxiety. Your sitter will be able to whisk your dog to a more comfortable space without you having to worry about it.
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