Wedding Pet Attendant

Back in 2014 when I got married, I opted out have Bella & Buddy in my wedding. They were so important to me and my then husband that we needed to have them in the wedding. We trusted a groomsman to handle them before the ceremony, walk them down the aisle and get them home after the ceremony. He did a wonderful job but we did notice he didn't really get to enjoy the day until he took them home and then returned for the reception. The next day I thought, "Boy it would have been a good idea to have someone solely dedicated to handling the dogs at the wedding."

Six months later, I was contacted by a couple to help them handle their dog at their wedding ceremony and provide pet care for 3 dogs at a family member's home during the reception. I found great joy in being involved in their wedding ceremony and taking care of all the pets so no one had to worry about them that evening. They were very grateful for being able to have a care free evening to enjoy with family and friends.

Three more weddings came and went where I was asked to help handle the dogs for photos, ceremony and pet care. The last couple I was working with, advised that I should just add this specific service to my business, expanding into the multi-billion dollar wedding industry. He was right! It was a great idea because before I knew it, I was being requested all over Rochester, NY as a wedding pet attendant.

As a wedding pet attendant since 2014, I have enjoyed watching more and more couples include their pets on their big day. It's something so special and meaningful to be able to share that day with them. And as a dog trainer, in all honesty, the pets LOVE to be included. They love their parents and always want to be involved at any capacity.

Here are my tips and tricks for including your dog on your wedding day.

1. Venue - Make sure your venue is pet friendly. Lately more an more venues are opening up their locations for pets to be able to attend. However if you happen to find the perfect venue and they don't allow pets, most likely that will allow the pet to be on outdoor grounds for photos and to see the guest. That will still give you time to include them in the festivities.

2. Training - You know your dog pretty well. With that in mind, please be aware if your dog will need training to handle all the excitement and the attire they may wear. It is best that you practice with your dog wearing the attire you pick for them, walking down an aisle and how to keep them calm from excitement. Now if you have a dog that is anxious, fearful or maybe even aggressive, having them involved in the ceremony and reception might be too much for them to handle. In that case, I always advise doing photo shoots before or after the wedding only. Photos with only the owners around so they feel more comfortable. I always offer training to my clients who book my wedding concierge service. I want to make sure even the most hyper dog can be well behaved and calm around wedding guests in their best dressed.

3. Photographer - Most photographers enjoy working with pets from engagement photos to the reception. They are wonderful at capturing those special sweet moments. Just make sure they are open and willing to work with your pet attendant.

4. Who is walking with your dog - During the ceremony it is best to choose the right person who will handle your dog walking down the aisle. This person should be well versed in how to handle your dog. Some of my past clients decided to walk with their dog down the aisle and I have to say it's one of the best decisions.

5. Reading your dogs body language - As a professional dog trainer, this is where I like to shine during the wedding festivities. Some of my past clients have wanted to have their dog involved from the beginning of the wedding to the end of reception. It would be ideal but in reality 90% of the time, their dog "taps out" 15 minutes into the reception. I always let my clients know beforehand that it is a huge possibility that their dog will not want to be there the whole time and that it's okay for them to go home so they can rest.

Your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life. Involve your pet for that moment. It will make them feel so loved and wanted.