Should You Include Your Dog in Your Ottawa Wedding? A Complete Guide

Weddings can be overwhelming, not just for people, but for dogs too!

Between guests, photographers, music, and the excitement of the day, having someone focused solely on your dog helps ensure they’re safe, comfortable, and set up for success.

A wedding dog handler can help with:

• Potty breaks
• Water and snacks
• Exercise and downtime
• Leash handling
• Photo assistance
• Transportation
• Monitoring your dog’s comfort throughout the day

Most importantly, it means you, your family, and your wedding party can enjoy the day without ever worrying about who has the leash.

Every dog and every wedding is different.

Some dogs are happiest making a quick appearance for photos, while others love being involved throughout the day.

Popular options include:

• Getting-ready photos
• First look moments
• Walking down the aisle
• Ring bearer duties
• Family and bridal party photos
• Cocktail hour meet-and-greets

The plan is always tailored to your dog’s personality, comfort level, and energy.

Not necessarily, but a little preparation can go a long way.

Pre-wedding training sessions can help with:

• Loose leash walking
• Calm greetings
• Settling around distractions
• Staying focused during photos
• Building confidence in new environments

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping your dog feel comfortable and confident so everyone can enjoy the experience.

We offer various training options to help prepare for the big day!

One thing many couples don’t think about is transportation.

A wedding dog handler can safely transport your dog between home, the venue, and photo locations, making the day much smoother for everyone involved.

That means no family member has to leave the celebration early or worry about coordinating pick-ups and drop-offs.

Do I really need a dog handler for my wedding?

If you want your dog included without stressing about logistics, yes.

Handlers ensure your dog is safe, calm, and cared for so no one has to juggle leashes, photos, and ceremony duties.
Having someone dedicated to your dog allows everyone else to focus on celebrating, including yourself!

Can my dog stay with you before or after the wedding?

Yes! I offer boarding add-ons for wedding clients.

Your dog can stay in my home-based environment for a seamless experience before, during, or after the event.

What if my dog is nervous or excitable?

That’s completely okay.

Every dog is different, and I bluid a plan around your dog’s individual needs. If needed, we can also schedule training sessions before the wedding to help prepare them.

How long do you stay on the wedding day?

I offer:

• Half-day coverage (up to 4 hours)
• Full-day coverage (up to 8 hours)

You choose exactly what you need for your timeline.

Do you travel outside Ottawa?

Yes! I travel throughout Ottawa, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Leeds & Grenville, and surrounding areas.

Travel beyond 50 km from North Gower may include a small mileage fee.

Will you work with my photographer and planner?

Absolutely.

I coordinate with photographers, planners, and venues to help ensure your dog is where they need to be for photos, entrances, and special moments.

Your dog has been there through so many chapters of your life, so why not include them in this one too?

With the right planning and support, your dog can be part of your wedding day without adding stress to your timeline. Whether they’re walking down the aisle, joining you for photos, or simply sharing in the celebration, I’ll help make sure they’re safe, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.

You focus on making memories, I’ll take care of the leash.