Party with your Pooch!

Support animals of all kinds by donating to the OBX Coastal Humane Society! You can even participate in the Coastal Humane Society’s 25th Annual Walkathon at the Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade by registering to walk your dog with the pack, or by sponsoring a dog already walking.

We all know that dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Honestly, they are more like members of the family to many of us. So just like you want to include your closest friends and family on your wedding day, it’s natural that you’ll want to include your four-legged bestie too!

Fortunately, the Outer Banks is a very dog friendly destination and there are many ways to include pets in your plans!

Here’s a few suggestions and tips on how to:

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Consider your dog’s comfort first and foremost!

If your dog is sensitive to noise, strangers, etc. – it’s probably not a good idea to have them on-site for the reception, even if you are staying at a pet-friendly event home.

With a revolving door of guests going in and out, not even to mention the noise, they can get anxious being left inside. Find a local sitter or board them overnight. Perhaps they can even stay at a quiet house or hotel room of a kind guest!

Leash Up!

If your dog is relaxed in a party environment and they will be at the event home with you, consider keeping them inside in a safe area for the most hectic parts of the day. Keep in mind that even though the backyard may be fenced in and secure, as your vendors are setting up they will go in and out and many times and especially during the reception the caterer is typically going back and forth to their catering trucks and the event space so it’s easy for a curious dog to dart through the gate! Same goes for inside and outside – with guests and vendors going in and out of the house it’s just as easy for your pup to sneak through there too so better to have them in a room or gated safely on another level!

A Furry Cameo

If you are getting married at a venue or other location that doesn’t allow dogs, consider having a pet sitter arranged for the day and night of your wedding that is willing to bring them to you just for a few photos outside! Just because they can’t be there the whole time doesn’t mean you can’t capture a few special moments with them!

Choose your Designated Doggy Handler Carefully

Planning to have a guest be on dog duty? Just make sure it’s not a close family member or wedding party! They’ll be needed for photos, introductions and other things so better to have a trusted person not involved in those activities be the one to hang out with your furry friend. PS – if your pup will be onsite for the wedding, absolutely have someone be in charge of watching them so you can enjoy the day fully and not be worried about their well-being! Coming from a crazy dog mom, I know that’s easier said than done but knowing someone would be checking on my dog would at least let me relax a little!

Keep Your Canine Cool

Getting married on the beach? A few extra considerations! Double check the beach rules in the town you’re getting married in – most allow dogs but not all and some have times they’re allowed and not allowed. Consider the heat – if it’s a hot one, your doggo will probably be much happier just taking photos in the shade of the house. Don’t forget that the sand is MUCH warmer than the air too, and those toes can be tender! Going back to tip #4, make sure someone is in charge of holding on to the leash! If your dog gets antsy, hot, etc. this person can walk them away from the ceremony site down the beach or back to the house!

A Pawsitively Precious Homage

Final tip! If you had to leave your dogs back home and they can’t be part of the festivities, include them in another way! Have dog treat favors for your guests to take home to their own pets or name your specialty cocktail after them, like a Bodie Bellini!