Involving Your Dog in Your Wedding

It is your big day, your wedding day, and you want to include your entire family which includes your pet.  It is wonderful that you want to include your pet on your special day.  Just be sure to follow these rules to ensure a smooth wedding day:

• Do your research.  Find out whether your venue for your ceremony and your reception will allow pets, and if so, what restrictions or extra deposit will be required.  Some venues are very pet friendly and will assist you in your wedding plans – even offering tips and suggestions.  Other venues are not pet friendly, so be sure to ask what their policies are prior to signing a contract and booking the venue.
  
  
• Practice makes perfect.  Whatever the role your dog will play in your wedding, be sure that you practice multiple times before your big day.  Ideally you should practice twice a week, every week before your wedding.
  
  
• Flowers to avoid.  There are many flowers that are toxic to pets include daffodils, tulips, lilies and sweet peas.   While a flower-adorned collar may be adorable, it certainly would not be worth jeopardizing your pets' health.  It is best to check out whether your flowers are safe, so check out www.hsus.org for a full list of toxic plants.
  
  
• A leash goes a long way.  A leash is ideal to keep control of your pet during the wedding.  The last thing you want on your big day is a loose pet, or worse your pet running away with all the commotion.  Be sure to consider how your pet reacts in crowds of people and unfamiliar locations – if your pet is nervous, their role in your wedding may cause them more pain than joy. 
  
  
• Make it worth it.  When your dog is participating in your wedding be sure to have treats handy and make this a fun activity.  Treats also come in handy to quiet a pet during important moments. 
  
  
• Involve friends.  Discuss your plans to include your pet in your wedding with those involved in the wedding.  It is a good idea to discuss your idea with friends, family and wedding participants so that they are aware of your plans.  People may be allergic to your pet and could take medication to prevent an ill-timed allergy attack.  Other people may be fearful of pets, and could take time beforehand to meet your pet and be put at ease.
  
  
• Walk and potty.  Be sure your dog has received adequate exercise and a chance to potty before playing their role in your wedding.  You can use herbal solutions or sprays to calm your pet before the wedding.  Also ensure that your dog has a safe and secure place to rest before and after their role in the wedding is over.  A kennel is ideal for this purpose. 
  
  
• Designate.  It is ideal to designate a wedding participant with the caretaking of your pet.  This will ensure your pet is safe, taken care of and at-ease during your wedding.  Be sure that the person in charge of your pet is familiar with them and is aware of their idiosyncrasies.  Your designated caretaker should keep a watchful eye on your pet and be able to react if your dog is stressed, tired, hungry or in need of a potty break.  Also, be sure that your caretaker knows what your pet can and cannot eat – and ask your guests to not feed your dog.