What does a dog wedding chaperone do?
A dog wedding chaperone is there to take responsibility for your dog's needs before, during and after the wedding, allowing you and your wedding party to enjoy the day without constantly worrying about what your dog is doing.
Depending on the service you choose, a wedding dog chaperone may help with:
- Collecting your dog from home or accommodation
- Transporting your dog safely to and from the wedding
- Bathing, grooming or getting your dog ready for the day
- Keeping your dog calm and comfortable before the ceremony
- Helping your dog walk down the aisle
- Looking after your dog while you have photographs taken
- Taking your dog outside for toilet breaks
- Providing food, water and treats
- Keeping your dog safe around guests and other animals
- Taking your dog home or back to accommodation when their role in the wedding is finished
Every service is different, so it's worth discussing exactly what is included when choosing your chaperone.
Why hire a wedding dog chaperone?
Having your dog at your wedding can create some of the most memorable moments of the day – but it can also add another layer of responsibility.
Without someone specifically looking after your dog, that responsibility often falls to a member of the wedding party or a family member. That can mean they're distracted from enjoying the celebration or constantly wondering whether your dog is happy, needs a toilet break or is ready to go home.
A professional dog chaperone allows everyone to relax.
They can focus on your dog's needs while you concentrate on your ceremony, photographs, speeches, dancing and celebrating with your guests.
For dogs who are easily overwhelmed by busy environments, having a familiar and experienced person dedicated to their care can also help make the experience more enjoyable.
Ways your dog can be involved
One of the great things about having a professional chaperone is that they can help your dog take part in the wedding while making sure they're comfortable throughout the day.
There are so many ways to include your dog! Your dog could:
- Walk down the aisle
- Be your ring bearer
- Join the wedding party
- Sit or stand beside you during the ceremony
- Pose for photographs with you and your guests
- Take part in your first look
- Appear in your wedding portraits
- Enjoy a special treat or dog-friendly wedding cake
- Make an appearance at your reception
- Be part of your celebrations before heading home for a well-earned rest
Your dog doesn't need to be involved for the entire day. A chaperone can help you plan their involvement around their personality, energy levels and comfort.
Questions to ask your wedding dog chaperone
Before booking a chaperone, it's worth finding out exactly what they offer and how they'll look after your dog.
What services do you provide?
Some chaperones offer full-day care, while others specialise in particular parts of the wedding day. Make sure the service matches what you need.
Will you collect and return my dog?
Transport can be incredibly helpful, particularly if your wedding venue is some distance from home or accommodation.
How long will you stay with my dog?
Ask whether the service covers the entire wedding or only specific periods such as the ceremony and photographs.
What happens if my dog becomes overwhelmed?
A good chaperone should have a plan for giving your dog some quiet time away from the excitement if needed.
Can you help my dog participate in the ceremony?
If your dog has a special role, discuss exactly how the chaperone will help them get down the aisle and where they'll be during the ceremony.
Do you have experience with weddings?
Looking after a dog at home is very different from caring for one at a busy wedding. Experience with wedding environments can be a real advantage.
Finding the right dog wedding chaperone
Every dog is different, and the right chaperone should understand that. Some dogs love being surrounded by people and will happily take centre stage, while others may need regular breaks from the excitement.
When choosing a chaperone, consider your dog's temperament, how long you want them at the wedding and how much support you'll need throughout the day.
You'll find dog wedding chaperones from across Australia in the Pawfect Weddings directory.
Planning the rest of your dog-friendly wedding?
Once you've found someone to care for your dog, you may also be looking for other dog-friendly wedding suppliers.
Find venues across Australia that welcome couples who want their dogs involved in their wedding day.
Find celebrants who understand how important it is for your dog to be part of your ceremony.
Find photographers who understand how to capture those special moments between couples and their dogs.
The Collared Club