Wedding Pets

Can Your Pet Be In Your Wedding?

VT Pet Friendly Weddings – Animal Lovers Say, “Yes!”

Vermont wedding petsMan’s Best Friend Can Be Man’s Best Man! Faithful Felines at Family Functions? A Horse is a Horse, unless of course, it’s a ring-bearer! Pets can make your wedding day the most memorable day of your life, and the lives of everyone in attendance. Ask us Vermont Pet Friendly Weddings or share your comments. To feature your Vermont wedding or pet friendly lodging, contact us.

Vermont Pet Friendly Weddings



Including your beloved pets in wedding ceremoniesAnimal lovers are charmed by the idea of having pets participate in weddings.  Many pet owners consider their pets to be family members, and that bond can be as strong as any human bond, even being compared to the bond between parent and child.  So it goes without saying that pets should be permitted, and even encouraged, to participate in the wedding ceremony and celebration with their masters.  But, how can you be sure your pet will behave appropriately?  You can’t, which is why you must keep your sense of humor, hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst.



Dogs are, of course, the most likely pet to be included in a wedding, and usually serve as the best man or maid of honor.  Horses are also a big hit at weddings, and can be used to escort the bride and groom to the service, as well as to stand with them as they exchange their vows.  Cats are less predictable than other pets and can be extremely difficult to control in a crowd.  But, that’s not to say a cat can’t be involved – just that you may want to limit that involvement to say, observer…   Suffice to say that any pet can play a role in your big day, but you must be realistic about how much responsibility you bestow, and always have a backup plan…

For example, if you want your dog to be your best man, he should be trained to sit at the groom’s right side, and cannot be permitted to jump on guests or chase the train of the bride’s gown.  A dog as maid of honor can also work, but you should not plan to hand her your bouquet when it comes time to exchange rings.  A well-trained dog can also serve as usher and doorman, as long as your guests are equipped with an adequate supply of rewarding treats.  A horse being led might make a good ring-bearer, if the ring is attached to a pillow that is attached to the saddle; or a rein could be looped through the ring and tied off…  A cat should not be given any real responsibility, unless secured in a carrier or on a leash, as they tend to flee quickly when spooked or enticed.

Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

  • Maintain a sensible attitude about your pet’s participation.  The majority of aggressive pets will become excited or even agitated in a crowded and festive environment.  Timid pets can be skittish and unpredictable when confronted with an unusual situation.  Determine your pets demeanor and plan accordingly.  If they shouldn’t be involved with the festivities, they could still participate as an observer and be included in a private photo sitting.
  • Include your pet in all rehearsal activities so she can get a feel for what to expect.  Keep in mind that your wedding attire may smell unusual and your appearance may be disguised in your pet’s eyes.  If possible, wear your dress or tux at least once in  your pet’s presence before wearing it at the ceremony.
  • If your pet will have its own attire, let him wear it often enough beforehand that he is comfortable with the feel and restrictions it may impose.   Observe how he acts in his outfit – does he gnaw at it, or try to take it off?  You can always adjust the fit if necessary.  See if he is able to rest at ease while dressed – that is a sure clue that he is psychologically prepared to wear the outfit in public.
  • Your pet will be spoiled rotten by all your guests at the reception, so be alert and don’t let her overindulge on people-food.  Keep in mind that every guest may offer a little tidbit to your pet, which when combined, adds up to quite a gourmet meal.  Overindulgence of human cuisine could cause your pet to suffer an upset stomach, or much worse – a severe case of pancreatitis which will require an emergency visit to the vet.
  • Assign someone to supervise your pet.  The pet chaperone should be well-accustomed to pet care and obedience training, and must also know how to react and take charge if your pet misbehaves.
  • Even the most well-mannered pet may have an accident and your pet chaperone must be prepared.  Exercise your pet, giving him plenty of chances to relieve himself before the ceremony begins.  And, while you can hope for the best, your pet chaperone must be prepared for the worst, having clean-up supplies on hand at all times.

Should you decide that your pet can’t be actively involved in your ceremony, they can still be included in the photographs and can highlight the reception in a variety of ways.  You could have a bride and dog dance, a bride and groom horseback ditty, or a place setting at the head table for your mild-mannered kitty or pup…  No matter how you include them, your pets will be happy to play even the smallest role in the biggest day of your life!

Vermont Pet Friendly Lodging Guide

Vermont Wedding Venues

PET GIFTS & SUPPLIES

  • Number one probiotic supplement recommended by veterinarians (Kantar Veterinary Tracker, 2020)
  • Probiotic supplement for the dietary management of puppies and adult dogs with diarrhea
  • Contains a probiotic for dogs proven to promote intestinal health and balance
  • Promotes a strong immune system and contains antioxidants for dogs
  • Easy-to-feed dog supplement powder
  • Contains one (1) 40 ounce package of small dog treats with real bone marrow
  • The dog biscuit shell encases a real bone marrow center
  • Crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside, our MaroSnacks dog snacks are a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
  • Savory treats with calcium, perfect for dogs of all sizes
  • Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA, with colors from natural ingredients only
  • Contains: One (1) 15.8 oz. 60-count pack of Greenies Pill Pockets Large Size Soft Dog Treats for Capsules, with Real Peanut Butter, Made With Natural Ingredients Plus Minerals & Trace Nutrients
  • Help Give Your Dog Medicine: The built-in pouch and shapeable texture are perfect for hiding medicine capsules
  • Hassle-Free Pilling: Greenies Pill Pockets Large Size Soft Dog Treats for Capsules are an easy way to help give your dog medicine; also available in a smaller treat size suitable for tablets
  • Great-Tasting Dog Treats: Pill Pockets mask the taste of the medicine with an irresistible peanut butter flavor
  • Just Fill, Pinch, Give: Drop the medicine capsule inside the pill pouch, pinch it closed, and give your furry best friend a tasty snack
  • Quality Ingredients: Greenies Pill Pockets dog treats are proudly crafted in USA facilities with quality ingredients from around the world
  • Joint Health Support for Dogs: Cosequin, the veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement brand, contains glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) that helps support healthy cartilage
  • Easy to Serve: Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Supplements come in tasty chewable tablets and soft chews for dogs of all sizes
  • Manufactured in the United States with Globally Sourced Ingredients: Cosequin is a high-quality, dog joint supplement
  • From the Veterinarian Recommended Supplement Company : Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences has been a leader in pet health for over 30 years, and provides supplements to support joint health, digestive health, and overall wellness
  • Backed by Science: Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences supplements are veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients to ensure your pet is receiving a safe supplement
  • Contains: One (1) 15.8 oz. 60-count pack of Greenies Pill Pockets Large, Capsule Size Soft Dog Treats Chicken Flavor, Made With Natural Ingredients Plus Minerals & Trace Nutrients
  • Help Give Your Dog Medicine: The built-in pouch and shapeable texture are perfect for hiding medicine capsules
  • Hassle-Free Pilling: Greenies Pill Pockets Large Size Soft Dog Treats for Capsules are an easy way to help give your dog medicine; also available in a smaller treat size suitable for tablets
  • Great-Tasting Dog Treats: Pill Pockets mask the taste of the medicine with an irresistible chicken flavor
  • Just Fill, Pinch, Give: Drop the medicine capsule inside the pill pouch, pinch it closed, and give your furry best friend a tasty snack
  • Quality Ingredients: Greenies Pill Pockets dog treats are proudly crafted in USA facilities with quality ingredients from around the world


Vermont Products
| Visit VT Towns | FWM 24/7 Shopping

Country Weddings | New England Recipes
VT Inns | Red Sox Gifts | Travel Destinations

New England Living


Fitness and Sports Products On Sale Now

Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now



Free World Mall

Country Weddings | Vermont Products | New England