Pets in Weddings

By: Lorelei Prichard DVM
About the author

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something chewed?

Our pets are often considered a part of the family, and couples are increasingly giving these members a starring role in their wedding. It’s not unusual for a bride or groom to enter a marriage with a four-legged companion already in their life, and incorporating the pet in the ceremony not only adds a touch of whimsy to the celebration, but reinforces the notion that the union being celebrated includes more than the two nervous folks standing at the altar.

Including your pet in your wedding does require planning and forethought. Although including pets is becoming more accepted, not all may approve nor are pets welcome in all venues. You must first inform your wedding planner of your desire to include pets and appraise her of your pet’s official role. Pets are often excluded from churches, so an outdoor wedding may be an alternative. Those that do allow animals in their facilities may require a deposit.

Although dogs are the most common non-human attendant, cats, horses, and even pot-bellied pigs have been known to join their owner on that most important day. But before any animal is included in the wedding plans, one must ask themselves several important questions:

1. Does your pet react well to large crows and noisy situations? A fearful pet is an unhappy pet.
2. How unpredictable is your pet? Like children, pets will often march to the beat of their own drum. If your pet is easily distracted, becomes agitated, or is likely to mark every chair as he walks down the aisle, he/she may become the focal point of the event and draw attention away from the bride and groom.
3. Did your dog pass obedience training? If the words, “sit, stay and down” are not in his vocabulary, perhaps he/she would be best suited to a photo op after the ceremony.
4. Does your pet have a tendency towards aggression? There is not one single cause of aggression; many factors and stimuli may combine to push a dog or cat over the edge.
5. Is your pet microchipped and current on vaccinations? If your pet were to escape or bite during all the excitement, permanent identification and proof of rabies vaccination will be imperative.
6. Do you have a guest who’s willing to be responsible for your pet? Designate someone to be responsible for the pet during the event. This should be someone who's not directly involved in the wedding.

According to Jessica Smith, a certified obedience trainer and owner of Dealingwithyourdog.com, “Having a well-trained dog incorporated in your wedding will provide memories that last a lifetime, but you need to teach the dog what you want it to know before you need it.” It’s also a good idea to allow your pet to become familiar with the surroundings ahead of time and include him in the rehearsal.

Desensitization is one way to prepare your pet for the big day. This is a gradual exposure to situations that previously would have brought on an undesirable behavior (e.g. anxiety, barking). As the animal experiences the stimulus, he becomes “less sensitive” to it. There are also several natural supplements that may ease anxiety. Your local veterinarian should have suggestions.

If your guinea pig or kitty can’t join in the wedding procession, don’t worry –there can be many excellent photographic opportunities available. Whether it is during the actual ceremony, the reception or when you’re getting ready, pets can add a measure of spontaneity and originality to the photographs.

Copyright © 2008 Lorelei Prichard DVM