7 Things I’ve Learned in 7 Years as a Wedding Dog Attendant in Ontario

This month Black Dog Weddings turns seven…and that feels both surreal and deeply grounding.

When I started Black Dog Weddings, wedding dog attendant services didn’t exist in Ontario. Speaking from my own experience, and I know I wasn’t the only one, couples loved their dogs and wanted them included. But there wasn’t a professional, structured, dog-first way to do it safely and thoughtfully. I knew there had to be a better way…one rooted in experience, planning and genuine care.

Seven years later, Black Dog Weddings has grown into a trusted, professional wedding dog care service serving couples across Southwestern Ontario and the Niagara Region. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot - about dogs, weddings, business and what it truly means to advocate for care on one of the most meaningful days of someone’s life.

2019 - Baby's first styled shoot. Black Dog Weddings pawticipates in a styled shoot with Constantine Photography.

Here are 7 things I’ve learned in 7 years as a wedding dog attendant and small business owner.

1. Personalization Isn’t a “Nice-to-Have” - It’s Everything

No two dogs are the same. No two couples are the same. And no two weddings should be approached with a cookie-cutter plan.

Coming from a healthcare background, I learned early that personalized care and clear communication are non-negotiable. Wedding day dog care isn’t about managing a checklist - it’s about understanding this dog’s needs, this couple’s vision, and how to support both seamlessly.

At Black Dog Weddings, every plan is built intentionally around the dog’s temperament, energy level, potential stress and comfort in addition to the couple’s hopes for how their dog will be included. The couple and their dog are always the heroes of the day. My role, our team’s role, is to advocate, anticipate and support - quietly and professionally.

2020 - the COVID lockdown era. Weddings were super intimate but the heart and feels were twice as big.

2. Dogs Don’t Need to Be “Perfect” to Belong at a Wedding

One of the biggest misconceptions I still hear is:

“Our dog isn’t well-trained enough for a wedding.”

Perfection has never been the goal. Comfort and safety are.

Some dogs thrive in busy environments. Others need frequent breaks, quiet spaces, or an early exit. A professional wedding dog attendant understands how to read those cues in real time, understands the working environment and adjusts the plan without disrupting the day.

Experienced dog care means knowing when a dog is done, even if the timeline says otherwise. 

2022 - Pawfection. Getting Archie ready for photos with his favourite people. Photography credit Kendra Ruth Photography

3. Experience Matters More Than Good Intentions

Loving dogs isn’t the same as knowing how to support them on a wedding day.

Over the last seven years, I’ve worked alongside photographers, planners, venues, and vendor teams across Ontario. Before launching Black Dog Weddings, I completed my Wedding Planners Certification (WPIC) and worked behind the scenes as a planner’s assistant, learning how weddings truly unfold - not just how they appear.

That experience allows Black Dog Weddings to anticipate challenges before they happen, communicate clearly with vendor teams, and make real-time decisions that keep dogs calm and couples stress-free. This is what separates professional wedding dog attendant services from asking a friend or family member or occasional Rover sitter to help out.

2023 - On standby for “first sniff” with Bowie & Gibson - Photography Credit: Sarah Lilley Photography

4. Advocacy Is the Most Important Part of My Job

On a wedding day, dogs can’t speak for themselves - so someone needs to advocate for them.

That advocacy might look like:

• Suggesting quieter photo timing

• Advocating for shade, water, or rest breaks

• Removing a dog from a situation before stress escalates

• Making sure expectations stay realistic and dog-focused

Advocacy protects the dog and preserves the couple’s experience. When dogs are supported properly, everyone enjoys the day more…including the humans.

5. Calm, Professional Presence Changes Everything

Weddings are emotional. Timelines shift. Weather changes. Energy runs high.

One of the most valuable things Black Dog Weddings brings to a wedding day is a steady, calm presence. Dogs feed off energy  - and so do couples! When dog care is handled confidently and quietly in the background, couples can stay present and actually enjoy having their dog involved.

That calm doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from preparation, experience, and showing up with intention every single time.

2024 - is a beagle sammich - lots of love for Mack. Photography Credit: Canan Studio

6. Trust Is Earned Through Consistency, Not Marketing

Seven years in, I’m proud that Black Dog Weddings is known as a trusted, professional wedding dog attendant service in Ontario - not because of flashy claims, but because of consistent, thoughtful work.

Trust is built when:

• Couples feel genuinely supported

• Dogs are prioritized without question

• Vendors know they can rely on you

• You show up prepared, insured, and professional - every time

Longevity in this industry comes from doing the work well, even when no one is watching.

2025 - Ginny leading the way! Photography credit: Lovely Sparrow Photography

7. This Work Is Bigger Than Me - and That’s Exactly the Point

Black Dog Weddings was never about me being the centre of the story.

It has always been about creating something that didn’t exist, so couples could include their dogs safely, thoughtfully, and without compromise. It’s about raising the standard for wedding dog care in Ontario - and advocating for dogs to be treated as living, feeling members of the day, not accessories.

Seven years later, I’m incredibly proud of what Black Dog Weddings has become and even more excited about where it’s going.

Thank You for 7 Incredible Years

To every couple who trusted Black Dog Weddings with their dog. To every dog who allows us to be their plus one, cuddle buddy, dinner date for one special day. To every vendor who welcomed dogs with care and professionalism.

Thank you for being part of this journey. 

Here’s to continuing to advocate, educate, and create beautiful, dog-inclusive wedding days across Ontario with intention, experience, and so much heart.

With much love and appreciation,

-Ash