Should you bring your dog to your next special occasion? Three reasons it might be best to hire a pet sitter

Posted on 21 March, 2024

Photo by Victor Grabarczyk on Unsplash

Written by Lucy Turner for Homesitters Ltd

If you’ve ever thought about inviting your dog to a special celebration, it turns out you’re not alone; after all, we consider them an extension of the family. In fact, recent data shows that as many as 94% of couples want their pet to be involved in their wedding day in some capacity. However, while it seems like a beautiful idea in practice, the reality is having your pup present at a special occasion can add unnecessary stress for both you and your canine companion.

If you’re undecided about whether or not it’s a good idea, here are three things to consider that might make you think twice before passing on an RSVP to your pooch.

The logistics

On those days when your dog is in a particularly obstinate mood, even something as simple as getting them ready to go for a walk can seem like an impossible task. As romantic as it seems to have your dog sitting happily at the forefront of all your wedding pictures or birthday snaps, there is an awful lot of work that goes into preparing them for the occasion.

Not only do you have to think about their well-being throughout the entire day, but you’ll also need to consider the transport if you’re going to be travelling to and from a venue for your special occasion. Travelling long distances in any mode of transport can be particularly unsettling for canines, and an anxious dog will be less likely to cooperate with your demands once you arrive. Plus, if you’re overnighting near the venue, staying in new surroundings can be incredibly stressful for dogs. When it comes to the logistics, you have to think about your well-being as well as theirs – the more upset your dog is, the harder it’ll be for you to fully relax and enjoy the day.

Additional fees

You may assume that taking your pet along with you will mean you can save on paying for a pet sitter. However, venues will often charge a premium for animals to be brought along, which could actually leave you further out of pocket – and that’s if the venue even allows pets to be brought on-site in the first place.

On top of this, you may deem it necessary to hire a chaperone to look after your dog, since you’re going to be distracted with other duties, especially if you’re the host of the event. Depending on the level of supervision you’re looking for, this can cost hundreds of pounds, eating into your budget even further during the planning process.

Dogs are the centre of attention

There’s no getting around the fact that dogs become the stars of the show wherever they go – especially in a place where you might not expect to see one. As dearly as you love your dog, you don’t want your guests to be distracted all day long by the presence of your captivating canine, particularly after all the effort you’ve put into organising your big day.

As well as grabbing the attention of your guests, you’re no doubt going to be distracted yourself, worrying about their well-being and whether they’ve been fed. When you leave them in the capable hands of a pet sitter, you can fully relax into the day knowing that your best friend is being well looked after.

Put your pup first

Leaving your dog behind can feel like you’re abandoning them, but when left with a capable sitter, you’ll actually be prioritising their well-being. As any dog owner knows, dogs thrive off a consistent routine, and when they’re taken out of this, it can be incredibly distressing, even for a short amount of time. Make sure you think carefully about whether or not it’s the right decision for you (and your dog) before bringing them along to your next celebration.

Author bio: Lucy Turner

In her spare time, Lucy volunteers at a local animal shelter, and is passionate about giving unfortunate dogs a second chance in life. Through her writing, she looks to share this passion and inspire others to make a difference in a dog’s life.

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