A dog named Ollie managed to move TikTok viewers to tears a little earlier this year as they watched him respond emotionally to a video of his human parents’ wedding.

Not only was Ollie transfixed by his “mummy and daddy” in the heartwarming clip, but also by footage of himself: He was an honored participant in their nuptials.

A Newsweek article about Ollie’s TikTok fame noted that it’s not at all unusual for dogs to be part of weddings.

“In a 2022 survey of 2,000 dog owners, commissioned by Amazon Handmade and conducted by OnePoll, 60 percent of respondents said they knew someone who had their dog at their wedding while 76 percent believed guests would react positively to having a canine involved.”

Some couples even choose to welcome their fur babies into their wedding party or invite them to walk down the aisle as a "best man," ring-bearer, or flower girl.

Having your dog (or even your cat) be a part of your wedding day can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate your love. But it does require some extra planning and precautions to make sure it's a positive experience for everyone involved, including your pet.

With that in mind, we've put together a guide on how to safely and smoothly involve your pet in your wedding festivities.

Reasons to Include Your pet

Couples' reasons for including their furry friends in their weddings can run the gamut, from sentimental reasons to the desire to make their big day unique.

Here are some reasons why having your pet at your wedding may be the right fit for you.

They're Family

Many a bride and groom think of their dogs and cats as children. So naturally they want their beloved pet to be present at major life events like a wedding.

They're Part of Your Love Story

Maybe you and your partner got your pet together early in the relationship. Or your pet played matchmaker. Including them pays homage to the role they played in your love.

For the Photo Opportunities

Pets often make for adorable photos that you'll treasure forever. And they add variety to the typical wedding shots of the bride and groom.

To Honor a Deceased Fur Baby

You may want to pay tribute to a beloved pet that has passed but was an important part of your lives.

Factors to Consider

If you're planning to include your dog or cat in your wedding, there are some important things to take into account:

Breed and Personality

Consider your pet's breed, age, health, and personality.

High-energy dogs or very anxious pets may not be suited for wedding duties or handling all the commotion.

Training

Untrained animals are risky in large crowds or at important moments. Be sure your pet has mastered basic obedience commands so you can redirect them as needed.

Comfort Level in Crowds and Travel

Make sure your pet is comfortable around lots of people and can handle travel to the wedding location. If not, they may be better off sitting the wedding day out.

Needs and Schedule

Be sure to plan for things like potty breaks, feeding schedules, nap time, and walks to keep your pet happy on the big day.

Doggie Dos and Don'ts

If you will have your dog present at your wedding, follow these dos and don'ts:

Dos: Steps to Create a Positive Experience

- Keep your dog leashed and attended at all times. Don't let them roam loose.

- Bring water, food bowls, and potty supplies. Have what your dog needs so they're comfortable.

- Offer your dog breaks in a quiet area. Give them a place to rest and get away from the noise when needed.

- Introduce your dog to venues/vendors in advance. Let them get familiar with the setting before the big day.

-Touch base with close friends and family on your guest list and your wedding party to see if having your fur baby at your wedding will make them uncomfortable or trigger an allergy reaction.

Don'ts: Pitfalls to Avoid

- Leave your dog unattended. Don't tie them up alone or let them get loose.

- Let them interact with food or flowers. Keep them away from wedding food, drinks, and floral arrangements.

- OVER tire them out pre-wedding. You don't want them exhausted. Moderate exercise is better.

- Expect perfect behavior all day. Be prepared for some misbehavior, like jumping or barking.

- Dress your dog up unless you know they'll tolerate it. Test run any costumes or accessories.

Including Cats in Your Big Day

If felines are your furry friends of choice, you can still include your cat in your wedding festivities. But cats tend to be a bit less social and tolerant than dogs when it comes to crowds and commotion. Here are some tips for safely involving your kitty:

- Consider your cat's personality. Shy, anxious cats will likely get overwhelmed. Confident, social kitties may enjoy the attention.

- Keep events short and limited. Have your cat just walk down the aisle or make an appearance at the reception. Avoid long duties or honors.

- Designate a cat handler. Choose someone your cat knows well to oversee their needs all day.

- Set up a secure side room. Offer your cat a private, quiet space with food, litterbox, and hiding spots to retreat to.

- Use leashes and carriers. Keep your cat under control and contained when out and about. Decorated cat carriers also work well for ring bearers.

- Give breaks often. Make sure your cat has chances to rest calmly and quietly away from guests and noise.

- Avoid costumes. Only dress your cat up if you know they'll tolerate it. Test ahead of time.

- Check with the venue and vendors. Notify them a cat will be present in case of allergy issues.

- Limit handling. Don't pass your cat around to guests too much if easily stressed by strangers.

- Prep backup plans. Be ready to remove your cat or modify duties if they get overwhelmed or agitated.

- Consider just photos. Snapping some pre-ceremony wedding photos together may be better than actual event inclusion for some cats.

With proper planning tailored to your individual cat, you can make sure including your feline in the festivities is fun for all. But be ready to scale back or alter plans if needed to keep your cat comfortable.

Keeping Pets Safe

If having pets at your wedding, you want to ensure their health, safety, and comfort:

- Check with your wedding venue and vendors. Make sure they allow animals and are pet-friendly.

- Visit venues in advance. Allow your pet to get comfortable there before the big day. Look for hazards.

- Don't keep them confined for too long. Give regular breaks and chances to exercise and relieve themselves.

- Make a plan for extreme weather. Have shade, water, and a cool place for pets if it's hot. Warm space if it's cold.

- Watch what they eat all day. Keep them away from chocolate and other dangerous foods. Bring their snacks.

- Assign someone to monitor them. Your pet handler should make sure they stay safe, hydrated, and comfortable.

- Offer a quiet retreat. When they need a break, have a private room, crate, or area for them to relax in.

- Prep emergency supplies. Keep a pet first aid kit on hand just in case. Know where the nearest emergency vet clinic is.

- Use leashes and carriers. Controlling your pet will keep them and your wedding guests safe.

- Limit loud noises and handling. Fireworks, loud music, or lots of petting from guests could stress your pet.

- Give ID tags. Make sure your pet has a collar, tags, and microchip in case they happen to slip away.

How to Include Your Pet Without Their Presence

If your pet isn't suited for attending your wedding ceremony and reception, or you'd rather spare them the commotion, there are countless ways to include your pet in spirit. Here are a few creative ideas to consider.

Photos and Paintings

Display framed photos of you and your pets around the venue or at the wedding reception. Commission a custom pet portrait for your wedding wall.

Table Place Cards

Have place cards at the reception with photos of your pet to represent where people should sit.

Signage and Décor

Work your pet into custom signage, such as a "reserved" sign on their designated seat. Have floral arrangements feature their favorite treats, toys, or colors.

Signature Cocktails

Offer a signature drink named after your pet or favorite breed during your cocktail hour.

Pet Groom's Cake/Wedding Cake

Have a small pet-themed cake or doggy treats in addition to the wedding cake.

You also can include a replica of your furry friend in your wedding cake topper, or work in subtle nods to your pet into your wedding cake design.

Favors

Give favors with your pet's picture like temporary tattoos, bookmarks, magnets, or stickers. Or give pet treats in custom bags.

Speeches and Toasts

Mention your pets in your vows or toasts thanking those who helped you find love.

Hashtag

Include your pet's name or nickname in your wedding hashtag.

Playlist

Add songs that you and your pet enjoy to the reception playlist.

Transportation

Decorate the getaway car with your pet's face or name.

Donations

Make a charitable donation to a local animal shelter or pet cause in lieu of favors.

Photos With Pets

Getting great photos with pets takes a bit of extra planning:

- Do a pre-wedding photoshoot. Get your pet accustomed to the photographers and their equipment beforehand.

- Schedule the pet photos first. Do them before your pet gets tired out so you can get their best behavior.

- Have treats on hand. Use favorite snacks to capture your pet's attention and happy expressions.

- Use squeakers and toys. Get playful shots by including your pet's favorite fetch toys.

- Pick a suitable location. Choose areas without major distractions or room to roam for best shots.

- Have your pet primped beforehand. Give them a bath and brushing close to photo time so they look their best.

- Include your photographer in planning. Let them know you want pet shots so they make time for it.

- Do posed shots and candids. Get some traditional photos, but also capture your authentic interactions.

- Use child props if needed. If your pet is small enough, hold or place them in a wagon, stroller, or bike basket for cute poses.

- Patience is key. Be prepared to spend time getting the perfect pet photo. Frequent breaks may be needed.

Including your furry family members in your wedding celebration can be a wonderful way to honor your relationships with your pets and have a unique day, from your reception through your grand exit.

Just be sure to make thorough preparations to keep your pet comfortable, safe, and on their best behavior throughout all the excitement. With some thoughtful planning and precautions, you and your pet can enjoy a special wedding day celebrating your love and relationship.

At Houston wedding venue, The Bell Tower on 34th, our team is committed to helping you create the wedding of your dreams.

Our pet-friendly venue in Southeast Houston is known for our beautiful garden setting, excellent service, and for delivering unforgettable events no one will ever forget.

Contact us to schedule a visit.

The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355