Enlist Your Pet to Help you Propose

You're not just a pet owner; you're a devoted pet parent, ready to go the extra mile—hell, the extra hundred miles—for your soulful sidekick. When it comes to big life moments, like proposing, why not bring your whiskered wingman or woman into the fold?

After all, life is about real love, and for many of us, our pets are as entwined in our love story as anyone else. From those early dates to officially forming a pack, here’s how to craft a proposal that celebrates your pet's undeniable role in your journey together.

Pet proposal prep

The best pet-inclusive proposals aren’t about making your pet a novelty or treating them like an accessory. They’re about incorporating the dog or cat you love into one of life's most heartfelt moments in a way that respects their comfort and boundaries. Here’s how to prep your pet without causing chaos:

1. Assess comfort levels

Your pet's comfort is paramount. Not all cats or dogs are cut out for high-stress events. Choose a role and proposal plan that suits both your pet and your partner’s personality. If they're not a fan of new people or environments, consider a quiet, more private place to pop the question instead of a public spectacle.

2. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Whatever role you envision your pet playing, practice it. Use positive reinforcement to teach them specific behaviors you'd like to include, like carrying the ring or leading your partner to a specific spot. Remember, this isn't about demanding performance on command; it's about them feeling secure and happy while participating.

3. Safety first

Ensure that the proposal environment is safe for your pet. No open windows or dangerous decorations that could cause harm. Avoid large public spaces if they’re off-leash and try to anticipate anything that could go awry beforehand. The last thing you need is a vet emergency interrupting the big moment!

Execution: Stick it to the fat cats

Here’s how to rewrite the traditional proposal playbook and have your pet help pop the question:

1. The ring bearer

Secure the ring to your pet’s collar or create a small pouch with a ring for them to carry. Make sure it’s safely attached and won't pose a choking hazard.

We also strongly recommend using a fake ring when using your pet to propose. Why go faux? There have been many mishaps where pet or human ring bearers accidentally drop or lose a ring during transport, so it’s better to be safe than sorry! In an ideal scenario, you’d have your pet stroll in, calm as a cucumber, with a soulful tribute or secret message for your love.

2. Boop the messenger

Craft a sign for your pet to wear or carry that pops the question. “Will You Marry Me?” looks stunning against any fur color, and it's a visual your partner will never forget. Plus, it’s straightforward for pets who might be camera-shy or less keen on training.

If you’re a cat mom or dad, this might be the best path to “I do” since our little lions tend to be a bit less cooperative when it comes to plans.

3. Scavenger hunt helper

Turn your proposal into an adventure with your pet leading the way. Each location in your scavenger hunt can have a clue or a memory shared between you and your partner, with your pet leading to the final spot where you’re waiting, ring in hand.

Or if you’d prefer to have your pet help out right in the beginning, they can carry the first clue and then be relieved of their duties.

4. The surprise setup

For the truly adventurous, equip your pet with a GoPro or a small camera attached to their collar for a first-paw view of the proposal. It's quirky, unexpected, and gives you a keepsake video from an angle only your pet can provide!

Imagine hiking up a beautiful mountain with your adventurous partner and pup in tow, only to drop to one knee at the peak while your canine cameraman captures the moment. BRB, sobbing!

5. Permission to pop the question

Sometimes, involving pets in a proposal can add an unexpected layer of stress. A charming alternative is to capture a video of you asking for their ‘permission’ to marry their mom or dad. This heartfelt gesture adds a unique touch to the moment and honors the deep bond you all share without requiring any extra effort from your dog or cat. It's a perfect option for animals who struggle with anxiety and reactivity or simply prefer the comfort of their own space.

6. A trick up your sleeve

Inspired by @lola_the_aussie on Instagram, why not teach your dog or cat to do something extra special for the big day? Lola’s dad spent months training their spirited Aussie to leap from his back to his partner's in preparation for the proposal.

When the perfect moment arrived, Lola flawlessly executed her jump, setting the stage for her dad to drop to one knee. The look of pure joy on Lola’s face as her parents embraced and shared a heartfelt 'yes!' was truly priceless.

7. Fetching feels

One particularly “aww” inducing Reddit post captured a Golden Retriever fetching what appeared to be a toy for his owner's girlfriend, only to surprise her with a heart-adorned bag containing an engagement ring. The video clearly shows that if there’s one thing certain, it’s that your pet is thrilled to be part of the action!

8. When in doubt, keep it heartfelt

At the heart of it, a proposal is about cementing the love between you and your partner. If your pet has played a central role in your love story, or if the love for your whiskered friends is a shared value, simply having them by your side as you pop the question holds as much significance as any other grand pet-inclusive gesture.

There's truly nothing more touching than getting down on one knee with the dog or cat who has seen you both through everything cheering you on.

Welcome to the pack

Including your pet in your proposal isn’t about gimmicks; it’s about making your pet a genuine part of a milestone in a way that respects their nature and your bond. It’s a testament to the kind of pet pack you and your partner have created together—dedicated, fiercely loving, and always ready to think outside the litter box.

Remember, a proposal is just the beginning. There are no shortcuts in love and pet parenthood, especially not when you’re planning a life together. Make it count from the start, and let your soulful sidekick remind you that every day spent with those you love is precious.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.