If you’re hosting a pet-friendly event, you will need to plan a few extra steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, dog birthday party, or a beach wedding, you’ll need to consider rules, waste stations, and food options. Here’s our guide to making sure both human and furry friends have a great time.
1. Establish Rules
The number one rule for any pet-friendly event is ensuring dogs are kept on a leash. This is especially important anywhere there’s a lot of dogs since you never know how they’ll react to one another. There might also be guests with dog allergies or small children that need distance from pets. You’ll also want to include this list of rules in the invitation so people know what to expect beforehand.
2.Spaces for Large and Small Dogs
If you have an open space outdoors, you can designate an area for dogs to roam free. It’s best practice to mark the areas separately for small dogs and large dogs since the size discrepancy can lead to injuries during play. Whether it’s a beach or a backyard, you’ll want to make sure there isn’t anything in the area where the dogs can hurt themselves or get into trouble. If your event is on a hot day, make sure there’s some form of shade.
3. Waste Stations
Having a waste station away from the trash cans can help keep unwanted odors away from where the guests are hanging out. You should also provide complimentary waste bags in case visitors run out or forget them at home. Waste stations should have a lid and be clearly marked with a vibrant color so people know where to find them.
- Pet-Safe Food Options
We’re not talking about meals specifically for dogs — although that’s a nice bonus for any pet-friendly event. When you’re serving large crowds, it’s expected that food will fall to the floor at some point. With dogs running around, you’re asking for trouble if your menu is composed around food toxic to pups. Avoid serving dishes heavy in chocolate, onions, or grapes if there’s a chance a dog will sneak a bite. If you’re offering dog treats, go for xylitol-free peanut butter, pumpkin bites, or dried meat. If there’s unleashed pups walking around, serve food on high tables to keep it out of their reach.
5. Hydration Stations
Having water out for dogs is important for any event, not just hot days. Depending on your event, this could be something as small as leaving out a bowl of water. If you’re anticipating a lot of dogs, it’s best to set up a water fountain with multiple bowls or even disposable water bowls so people can fill up and take it with them. If you really want to impress your furry guests, you can offer options like allium-free chicken broth.
