Five Ways to Make Your Family Pet Part of Special Occasions

Your precious pet is a beloved part of your household. When it comes to special occasions like weddings, reunions and birthdays, why leave your companion behind? These five simple ideas can help you incorporate your pet into special occasions and celebrations.

1. Make Your Pet Part of Your Wedding

Here comes the ... bird, dog, cat or iguana? Why not? Weddings bring family and friends from places near and far, so don’t forget to find a place in your ceremony for your pet. Have your pet greet guests when they arrive, act as the ring bearer or sit at the altar as part of the wedding party. Not only will your pet partake in a heartwarming ceremony, but you’ll add a memorable, whimsical touch to your special day.

2. Celebrate Holidays Together

Holidays are the perfect time to integrate your pet into the festivities. Some easy ways to get your pet involved is to coordinate a family photo (frame the picture or send out photo cards before any holiday), hang and stuff a stocking for your pet in December, fill an Easter basket with pet-friendly goodies or tie a patriotic scarf around your pet on Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Look online or make your own holiday-related costumes. The sky is the limit!

3. Hold a Pet-Friendly Family Reunion

It’s great to see family at an annual reunion, but don’t forget to include your non-human family members! Gather the family in a pet-friendly environment, such as someone’s home or a large park, and encourage everyone to bring their pets. Arrange games that pets and people can play together, set up a pet-friendly buffet with tasty treats and foods, and have the gang get together for a keepsake group photo (take an all-pet photo for added fun).

4. Host a Pet Party

You celebrate your friends’ and family’s special occasions all year long — don’t forget to recognize your pet! Whether you’re celebrating your pet’s birthday or adoption day, host a celebration to mark the occasion. Invite friends and their pets, decorate in an animal-themed pattern, and provide pet-friendly treats from a boutique or create your own recipe.

5. Give Gifts from Your Pet

If pets could talk, they’d probably say, “Thank you!” Pets love and appreciate the attention they receive from friends and family all year long, so include a small gift from your pet for each family member on holidays and birthdays, as well as other gift-giving occasions such as graduations, baby showers and wedding anniversaries. Include a homemade card with a paw print in paint, and sign your pet’s name.

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All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is” and as such, the accuracy of same is not warranted in any way. Such content is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a veterinarian. Such content does not cover all possible side effects of any new or different dietary program or skin/coat program for your pet. Consult your veterinarian for guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet or grooming plan.

If your pet has dietary restrictions and/or allergies, always read the ingredient list carefully for all food or grooming products prior to using. Neither Triad Digital Media, LLC nor its publisher make any representations as to the accuracy or efficacy of the information provided nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Special written permission is required to reproduce in any manner, in whole or in part.

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