So, you're ready to tie the knot and shake up the status quo by including your dog or cat in the festivities. But often our pets have limitations that require a bit more foresight and thought. Anxiety is becoming the norm rather than the exception, with 3/4 of pet parents surveyed by Figo admitting to dealing with reactive dogs.

You may feel tempted to simply bring them along for fear that they'll experience a bit of doggy FOMO. Let this guide reassure you that sometimes the best thing we can do as caring pet parents is to simply leave them at home. We're here to cut through the fluff and offer no-nonsense strategies for pet parents who are determined to honor their companions' presence without stressing them out.

Understanding your pet’s anxiety and reactivity

Navigating your pet's anxiety and reactivity is an art, especially when you're considering them for a starring role in your wedding. Typically, pet parents know if they have an anxious dog or cat. They might seek out cover, snarl without clear provocation, or bark ballistically at the first hint of stress. And you may already understand how to read their behaviors and understand what ticks them off and what makes them calm.

But here's the deal: respecting your pet means acknowledging that sometimes the best way to support them is to let them sit out the big day. If the thought of crowds and chaos makes their fur stand up, a quiet day away from festivities might be more their jam. We’re not saying you need to overhaul your wedding plans—but you might want to consider sculpting an experience that respects your dog or cat’s limits.

Whether they end up front and center at your wedding or chilling at home with their favorite treats, it's up to you to ensure they're not just surviving but thriving. And loving your pet for who they are – not who you want them to be – is the key to a stress-free bond.

Fear-free care options

When plotting your wedding day strategy, don't roll the dice on your pet's comfort. Arm yourself with professionals who aren’t just the first search result on Google but fear-free certified. These pros are highly respected in pet care, and their philosophy spans a number of services. They’re trained to keep your anxious pet chill amid the wedding whirlwind and prioritize their well-being and comfort. Here are a few ways Fear-Free Care can help your anxious dog or cat survive the wedding excitement:

Fear-free groomers

AKA style gurus who know that a snip and a clip can be traumatic. Fear-free groomers use calming techniques, create a soothing environment with minimized loud noises, and often work with pheromone diffusers that help reduce anxiety.

Their toolkits are designed to make your pet feel pampered, not panicked. If you’re planning to include your pet in wedding pics, a visit to a Fear-Free groomer can ensure their fur is on point without added stress.

Fear-free vets

These are the medics with a magic touch, keeping pets calm even in clinical settings. Fear-free vets design their clinics to be soothing sanctuaries that avoid the stark, sterile vibe of traditional vet offices.

They’re trained to handle your pets in a way that reduces fear, anxiety, and stress—from the way they approach your pet, to how they carry out examinations and treatments. They prioritize your pet's emotional well-being as much as their physical health, ensuring visits are positive or at least not traumatizing.

Fear-free sitters

The unsung heroes who step in when you need an extra hand. Fear-free sitters are experts in reducing the stress that comes with leaving your pet with strangers. They maintain a calm environment, follow your pet’s routine to the letter, and know all the decompression tricks—from engaging play to distanced care, depending on what your pet prefers.

They keep the home front secure and serene, so your pet doesn’t just survive your absence; they thrive. If you have a pet whose anxiety keeps them from attending your wedding in-person, a Fear-Free sitter is a worthy investment.

Hiring a fear-free certified professional means choosing someone who’s as committed to your pet’s emotional health as they are to their physical or stylistic needs. Their help can be invaluable to creating a positive experience for pets around big life events.

Creative inclusion strategies

Even the most confident pets can get overwhelmed by crowds and commotion, so if you're still thinking of dragging them into the wedding limelight, make sure you do it right. Tailor the ceremony and reception to keep your soulful sidekick not just present, but content. Here’s how you can dodge the drama:

• Sanctuary Space: Carve out a quiet zone at your venue where your pet can escape the chaos. Deck it out with their favorite blanket or toys—it’s like their personal backstage lounge.

• Pet Handler on Deck: Hire a pet handler who’s not just any handler, but a cool handler. Someone who knows how to keep your pet in zen mode, even when music’s blasting and champagne’s popping. Fear-free certified? Even better.

These aren’t just niceties; they’re your pet’s ticket to enjoying your big day without a meltdown.

More ideas for pet-friendly weddings

Craving more badass ideas on how to make your wedding a pet-friendly bash, without banking on them joining IRL? Dive into our comprehensive guide. We’re talking decor that screams 'pet lover', dog or cat cake toppers, and custom cocktails to celebrate your pet in spirit.

Wrap this up by remembering what’s real: your pet’s comfort is as critical as your joy. You owe it to them to meet them where they’re at: recognize their quirks, embrace their needs, and ensure the wedding day is a blast for them too.

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.