Things to Consider Before Including Your Dog in the Wedding

Dogs – and other pets – are as much a part of our lives as family members and close friends. For most of us, the dogs we have today have been with us for years. Including them in a day as special as a wedding is a great way to make the magical day even more special.
Many couples choose to include their pets, particularly their dogs, in their weddings. This is something you can do too, but make sure you consider these things we are about to discuss in this article before moving forward with the idea.

Personality

Every dog has a personality. Some are quiet and reserved while others are active and jumpy. Some dogs love being around people; others are just too shy or nervous when there are so many people around. Taking your dog’s personality into account is an important step to take before including the dog in your wedding.
You need to determine if your dog is ready for a starring role in the wedding. If the dog is well-trained, for instance, he or she can have a more important role, like carrying the ring. If the dog is rather nervous or shy, simply having him at the wedding sitting in the front row is enough to make the day feel more special.

The Human

You won’t be able to attend to your dog all the time; it is your special day after all and you have so many other things to do. Before deciding to include your dog in your wedding, make sure there is a relative or a close friend who can watch over the dog the whole time.
Despite the special occasion, dogs will maintain their eating schedule and daily routine. They’ll go when they need to go and search for water when they are thirsty. The extra people around them may make them jumpier, which often means the dogs need special handling too.
These details need to be figured out beforehand. Make sure you take them into account before deciding to include your dog in the wedding.

The Facilities

Next, check if the wedding venue allows pets and whether they have facilities like crates or a special area for your dog. If there aren’t any pet-specific facility on the site, consider browsing through Consumercharts.com and searching for the best portable crate, a dog mattress, or even a fence kit for the special day.
When your dog needs to take a nap or rest, you won’t have to worry about not being able to find a suitable area. Bring the dog’s favorite toys as well as some familiar things from home to help with the anxiety of being in a new place.
Last but certainly not least, think about the travel arrangements, especially when the wedding is not held near the house. If it involves flying or going on a long drive, additional preparations need to be made before you can include your dog in your wedding. The preparations are worth making though; having your lifelong companion with you at the wedding is nothing short of magical indeed.