Based in:
I love my doggo, his name is Dingo. And I get it! He/she is part of your family, so you want them there on your special day. So did we! We wanted to elope with our dog. So for our wedding we tried VERY hard to figure out how we could get him to be there with us.
I dreamed of him standing next to Joseph as I walked towards him and Dingo was holding the rings for us in a little pouch on his bow tie collar… how cute! We looked for tips on how to elope with your dog and thought and thought about it…
But, we decided against it. Unfortunately, putting him in the cargo of a plane in the heat of Georgia to get to Montana with a dog that takes some time to get used to people, just sounded like a disaster waiting to happen for the sake of eloping with our dog.
But! With that being said, that does not mean you can’t make it happen! I think more couples should try to include their fur babies on their wedding day. After all, you likely picked them to be a part of your family… but you didn’t pick your parents or your crazy Aunt Tammy.
So here are some things to consider when deciding if you want your to elope with your dog:
1. Where do you want to Adventure?
National Parks are not the best option to elope with your dog included in the elopement. Some allow pets in some areas, but they are usually restricted to the campsites or busy paved trails near the visitor’s centers. (Check here for more information). On the other hand, national forests are often pet friendly and are a great alternative because they are also generally less crowded. WIN WIN!
Also, state parks can be an option. BUT watch out for ‘no pets’ or ‘no off leash’ specific days. In the end, it is best to look up the details of the specific park before you go so you aren’t scrambling to figure out what to do with Spot if you go to a park with lots of restrictions.
2. How far are you from home?
If you are staying local or a driving distance from your home, great!, Because driving your pets is way easier than trying to fly them.
Size Matters here… if you have a small pet that can be carried on the plane, that can be a great option if your pet has a good temperament and will not get stressed out by the people or commotion.
If you have a larger pet, make sure to do your research before you decide to put them in a carrier in the cargo to elope with your dog. The discomfort and stress may not be worth it.
If you have a smaller pet, trains can also be a great transportation option. Definitely, less stress than an airport.
Side note to keep in mind before deciding to elope with your dog:
A tip for if you are local and you are having some people join you on your day. Why not see if you can arrange for someone to transport your pooch back home for a sitter to take care of, or drop off at your favorite daycare place? (if you are doing an extended trip). And! Do your research on daycare! The extra money or distance from home is often worth it for your pet’s happiness!
3. What activities do you want to do?
For this question keep your whole trip in mind. If you want to do a lot of exploring and fun activities that are not doggo friendly and need to leave them home some days, make sure you plan time in the day to let them out and get some exercise.
You don’t want to leave them where you are staying for more than their normal hours alone. It is really easy to get caught up in the day at a park and forget that they need to be let out. I mean, you have already been out for 12hrs and it’s a 1hr drive home!). Also, make sure to give them some extra love because they are out of their comfort zone.
4. Do you want to stay overnight or for an extended time in this place?
Keep this in mind if you are planning on renting a place. First make sure you stay in a pet friendly Airbnb or hotel if you elope with your dog. Second, it’s important to consider their temperament when choosing a place.
For example, my doggo gets stressed by lots of commotion and people walking by. So it is important for his comfort that we find a house that is quiet. (Not a busy hotel or condo). OR, if your dog chews things, make sure you consider the consequences if you come home to a hotel room or Airbnb that is completely destroyed.
Also when considering a place to stay, I look for places where we can walk and/or there is a yard to play. This is key to getting all the energy out. If you are camping, please just make sure your accommodations will allow your pup to be comfortable while you are away. Keeping a dog in a car for an extended amount of time on a hot day is not okay.
5. What is their temperament?
I touched on this before, but if you have never traveled with your pet before or think he/she may not do well outside their routine, consider leaving them home. The extra stress for them (and you) is not worth it! You want them to be happy and be with you, and you want to also enjoy your special day stress-free (or at least as stress-free as possible!).
We were sad to leave Dingo home. We knew he would have loved staying at the cabin. Running around the fields on the property and going on hikes with us would’ve been so fun for Dingo. BUT we are also happy we did not put him in the cargo alone. Our flight did not guarantee a climate controlled space. Also, they did not provide any details on how the crate would be handled or what happens if he gets lost. (Or how to make sure he had water.)
Trying to bring Dingo was just creating more stress than necessary for the both of us. Plus, he was home happy as a clam having play dates with his buddy Theo. Rover is a great option for finding local people to take care of you pets!
I know having YOUR Dingo be there on the day you get married would be very special. Just do your research! Keep the health of your buddy at the top of considerations, AND keep in mind that if you think it over and decide you shouldn’t elope with your dog…
he will love you just as unconditionally as before you left! <3
Have any questions about how to elope with your dog?
What kind of dog (s) do you have? What are their names? Send me a message, I want to hear more about your furry family and if you plan to elope with your dog.
Are you a Horse Owner or Lover?
And want to go on a horse-y Adventure? I am your girl… Just saying ;P
