Local wedding business is going to the dogs … and cats and donkeys

From dogs and cats to goats and donkeys, Kelsea Dale has helped incorporate a wide array of four-legged family members into wedding ceremonies.

Royal Paws Pet Services is her Orillia-based business, though she provides services within a 30-kilometre radius of here and Barrie.

The options to incorporate beloved pets is almost endless, she said.

“Grooms will get custom suits,” she explained, describing jacket lining and cuff links with pictures of furry family members.

Dale has also helped dress an American bulldog in a full tuxedo.

The most unique, so far, was the donkey that doubled as a bartender. Groomed and adorned with buckets of ice and coolers, they even incorporated a pail of carrot sticks for guests to “tip” him, said Dale.

Some of the popular ways Dale sees dogs involved in the big day include photography and ring bearing. She finds it particularly cute when brides share their first dance with their pets.

“Usually, it’s with the small dogs, but I have seen it with a golden retriever where they stand up and hold their paws with them. It’s so cute,” Dale said with a smile.

For each request, she is there to chaperone and help make it go accordingly. Depending on the venue, some of which do not allow pets indoors, Dale will even bring them to her air-conditioned vehicle during summertime events.

Her business started in 2018 with dog-walking services. Recovering from jaw surgery, and with an aging Labrador, Dale found herself walking a lot. With her training and experience, she is good with dogs of all sizes, and even packs.

Then, in 2020, a friend reached out for help at her wedding. She wanted her three large furry friends to share the big day.

“You’re the only person who can even walk all three of them together,” her friend said about Dale.

Dale accepted the challenge and worked with the dogs alongside photographers and family members for a successful backyard ceremony. A groomsman, a bridesmaid, and the bride each walked with a dog down the aisle.

“I posted a picture; it was the bottom of the bride’s dress, the groom’s legs, and then the three big dogs sitting there. It blew up,” said Dale, who received requests from dog-walking clients and friends of friends to help at their weddings.

Since 2020, the number of weddings Dale has serviced as a pet chaperone has increased each year.

Both of Dale’s pets, a five-year old basset hound, Ernest, and the photogenic Bengal cat, Marlin, are models. Ernest is even featured in David Cronenberg’s upcoming film, The Shrouds. That said, Dale is familiar with how to comfort, encourage and focus pets on film sets and photo shoots.

It’s not the simplest thing to do. For those who wish to have outfits and accessorize their pets, Dale recommends some practice time leading up to the wedding. 

Most people know what they want or how they hope to include their pets at the ceremony. Yet, Dale can make suggestions and help with how to co-ordinate them. 

“I always say set your expectations low and let them exceed your expectations,” she said, explaining genuine, unique circumstances outdo many plans. 

The animals are excited, surrounded by loved ones and festivities. Or they’re anxious, reflecting the energy of the bride and/or groom.

“But those moments where they stop and greet some guests down the aisle make for really great photos and memories,” said Dale.

Photo trends include dogs encircled by the bridesmaids’ flowers, or “the paw with the rings is really cute,” she said.

Dale is no stranger to the emotional aspect of a wedding. She described how she gets to know her clients and their pets and how helping with the special day is a special part of her job.

Pet chaperone services can be booked two years in advance. Dale explained that since many photographers and venues book that early, so do her services.

“I think it makes it easier so that coming up to the wedding there’s less scrambling,” she said.

Over the past four years, she has encountered many people who wished they knew of the chaperone services sooner. She said one couple would have had her help them with their tortoise. Another two have asked for her services with their goat at their wedding next year.

Her response to that? “Yes, absolutely.”