Wondering how to include your V.I.P furry friend at your wedding – take a look at animal expert Melissa at PETiGo who is a Wedding Day dog chaperone and owns a boarding service, based in Leinster Ireland. She filled me in on all the bespoke packages she offers to care for your dog on your wedding day.
Typically wedding dog sitter service involves much preparation, once the wedding date is set and booking form completed then, a meet and greet is scheduled. In the case that a meet and greet is not possible, due to distance etc. then the pre assessment(booking form) which I devised includes all the important information that I need to know
about my canine clients.
Meet and greets are usually conducted well in advance of the big day. They are usually conducted at my home where I ensure a relaxed home setting atmosphere with no distractions. My clients have a private 1:1 meeting with me and during this time I will be closely observing the dog’s behaviors, their communication with me and my environment, while at the same time I’m chatting away with mom and dad about their vision for the big day. We talk through the available services i.e. from ring bearer duties to guest reception, the logistics regarding pups’ official duties and the general role of a sitter/chaperone, a professional who anticipates in advance and prevents any mishaps, ensuring a seamless event and most importantly an advocate for their dog on the day.
My own design tuxedos, floral collars and wedding leads are also available to view at the meet n greet. Some are complimentary and others are bespoke designs, depending on which package is booked.
The meeting is usually guided by the ‘wedding dog ‘wherever she or he or they want toramble to, we usually follow, which includes a tour of the house, the sitting rooms andsleeping areas and then an introduction to the outdoor play area, long leash walk in the field or my very own outdoor sensory areafor dogs. Personalised Meet n Greet gift packs for the wedding doggies are handed to Mom and Dad when they’re going home.
My vision from day one was to provide an exclusive wedding dog sitter service, I ensure each dog in my care has my undivided love and attention. I can also tailor my servicesto meet the couple’s specific needs and preferences, ensuring that their dog’s presence not only enhances their day but enhances their dogs day too and the time they spend with me.
We are very fortunate in Co Meath to be surrounded by so many fabulous dog friendly wedding venues. Leinster based but I also offer a Nationwide service. My family run business takes care of all the dogs wedding details, from the wedding attire and accessories to my wedding wheels, and most importantly canine enrichment
activities. As a dog sitter expert specialising in weddings, my mission is to ensure that the
wedding dog plays a meaningful role in the wedding celebration. From being the ring bearer to the best dog or dog of honour, I’m here to make sure they shine in their official role and have fun at the same time.
My service offers three packages:
1)Guest of Honour
2) Celebrate & Stay
3) Deluxe
Ring Bearer Duties
Dog of Honour or The Best Dog, official photos with Mom and dad
Dog-Guest introductions at reception -The first Look
Photo and video coordination: I work very closely with the photographer and videographer, ensuring that every heartwarming moment involving the wedding dog is captured. I am known to offer the best tricks to get the best pics. I also ensure that the wedding dog is first for photos.
Communication with celebrants and venue coordinators: I also liaise with the celebrant to make them aware of the wedding dog role, and I work closely with venue coordinators to guarantee and ensure a smooth pet-friendly experience.
Content creator: I capture as many photos and videos as possible on the day, heart warming footage, shared with the couple. Regular updates to mom and dad. Last but certainly not least the all-important pooper scooper service
My background is in healthcare and my wedding service, all started with a sewing machine and pet bandanas…..
Initially gifting to family and friends, then I started getting more creative with each bandana I made, always wanting to add a little extra sparkle or lace .I began to get more innovative with my designs and gifted a few to some doggy influencers. It wasn’t until I gifted a tuxedo to a wedding couple that interest from other couples came my way. Then it was weddings and special occasion wear 100% My tuxedos and floral collar designs were becoming very popular and at the same time the wedding pet service was gaining much popularity here in Ireland. My research identified only a handful of professionals offering this and it was only offered as an ‘add on’ to their already established doggy day care services. I on the other hand wanted to offer an exclusive wedding service, (PETiGO, pet and I go together in style,) a business devoted to having pets at weddings , offering a 1:1 canine client at a time policy, a post wedding pet retreat or vacation that included
enrichment and activities as well as bespoke wedding attire and wedding wheels with
personalised number plates. Even though I grew up with and cared for dogs, cats and horses, my goal was to secure a qualification within the animal care industry. I applied and enrolled as a mature student in an animal care course, I went on to achieve not 1 but 9 distinctions. I’m very passionate about animal welfare, and canine communication. This attribute connected me with potential clients, that were seeking this exclusive service for their special day. My Business was established in 2020 and my unique selling point: I’m a professional in both animal care and behaviour and crafting custom wedding attire for pets, ensuring every beloved dog feels cherished and looks stunning on the big day.
Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to witness countless heartwarming moments when dogs have added pure magic to wedding ceremonies. Dogs bring a unique charm to the ceremony, creating unforgettable memories for everyone on the day. There are so many joyous elements, from driving the wedding car with wedding bows and ribbons, personalised number plates, informing all that the wedding Dog is “on the way “it really
adds a touch of excitement and elegance.
Being a wedding dog sitter is an incredibly rewarding and heartwarming experience, My favourite part? It must be witnessing the happiness of both the couple and their canine companion on such a special day. Seeing the dog play a role in the celebration brings so much warmth and happiness to everyone involved.
Ensure all guests know that your dog is attending the wedding day, the official role however can be kept a secret, thus adding to the surprise and the paw factor .Book a professional sitter/chaperone, one who is experienced and qualified in animal care, certified in canine first aid, and is insured. A sitter that can block days off before
and after the requested dates incase its needed is good. Check out their reviews and testimonials from couples.
Check with your dream venue, their pet policy, venues advertise as ‘pet friendly wedding venues’ however they may not be entirely pet friendly and access to all areas may not be allowed. Mention to the wedding coordinator that you are availing of a dog chaperone service, they will be delighted to hear this because professional chaperones are recommended by venues. Ensure your photographer knows your dog is attending accompanied by a chaperone
and that your dog must be prioritised for photos. If your considering wedding attire, ensure it is safe and comfortable to wear. A good chaperone has everything possible with them on the day, it’s amazing what we can pack into our wedding day bag ask your chaperone what they bring with them on the day when your enquiring about their service
The wedding day is a celebration of love and there is no love like the one you share with
your dog. Trust Melissa owner of petigo the wedding dog sitter, to make this special day unforgettable.
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