If you’ve got a pet, it’s only natural that you would want to get a photo with them on your big day but arranging care for them can be tricky
Kathryn Scroope runs a pet-sitting business from her home in Co Kerry but has found that there is a growing demand for her service during weddings and big occasions.
We asked her a few questions to find out more about what’s involved in getting a dog (or multiple dogs) camera-ready for their paw-rents’ big day!
Many pet owners will arrange a dogminder or kennels for their dogs while getting married or on honeymoon. How is your pet-sitting service different?
At Salty Dogs, I offer a boutique dog-minding service rooted in over 14 years of veterinary nursing experience across Ireland and the UK. I moved into an academic role of vet nursing three years ago and work from home – this was when my business was formed. My approach is unique — I only take in one or two dogs at a time, ensuring your pet gets the dedicated attention and love they deserve. I provide a calm and relaxed home environment where dogs become part of our family. I also offer a unique service where I bring dogs to their owners’ weddings as a couple of people asked me to do it and I realised that there was no one really offering this service in Munster.
I am located in the beautiful Co Kerry, which not only is popular with wedding venues but also has the most stunning beaches in Ireland so all of the dogs I mind get walked here every day – hence my business name!
Do you meet the dogs before the big day to ensure they are comfortable with you or to practice taking photos, etc.?
I believe every dog is unique, which is why I tailor the care to meet both your expectations and your dog’s individual needs. Before welcoming your dog into my home, I’ll have a conversation with you to understand exactly what you’re looking for. If you would like your dog to be part of a special event like your wedding (perhaps as a ring bearer!), I’ll make sure their experience is everything you envision. I’ll discuss the details of your big day -venue, timing, and how you’d like your dog to be involved – to ensure everything goes smoothly.
As part of the service, I will mind your dog for the weekend, attend your wedding with them, and bring them back to my home afterwards so it is easy and stress-free for the owner. As part of my commitment as a veterinary nurse, I ask that all pet owners fill out a detailed form, including your dog’s medical history, vet details, and vaccination status. This allows me to fully understand any health or care requirements, so I can give your dog the best possible experience while they’re with me.
What is a typical wedding pet sitting day like for you?
We usually get out first thing and walk the dogs, it’s important to get the wedding dogs energy out first before we go to the venue or church! When breakfast is done, I usually get the dog ready – brush and tidying up their coat, get water and treats ready to go and prepare the car for our journey. At the wedding venue – depending on where that is – I usually let the dog sniff around and become accustomed to the noises and sights from far. I usually introduce myself to the photographers and discuss timings. Depending on where the dog is involved within the wedding, we take photos- I use treats and usually give the dog breaks between photos. I usually take some photos too so the couple can get an immediate image and people seem to really appreciate that. After saying our goodbyes, we head home for some relaxation time. We spend the evening on the couch in front of the fire as dogs are usually very sleepy from the days activities!
What are the main worries or questions people have in the lead up to the wedding?
The majority of my clients are all very relaxed when it comes to getting their animals involved on their wedding day because we have spoken beforehand and clearly have a plan but I think the fact I can bring the dogs back to my home after the photos are done, makes the whole process very easy. I know myself, I wouldn’t feel comfortable having Finn in kennels, he’s happiest when running around on the beach and being on the couch with us so it is really important that I offer a service that we would want ourselves for our own dog. I am conscious about how busy wedding week is also so we always have a conversation well in advance to make sure there is plenty of time. I also can pick your dog up from your house the morning of the wedding, so there is no pressure on the couple to have to drop dogs to me and I also get a first hand view of the excitement of the wedding morning!
What advice would you have for pet owners who want their dogs to be part of their wedding day?
I would say think about the dog’s personality and what they would be comfortable with. The service should be flexible to ensure the dog is stress-free and the owners still get great photos and have them involved. I have done weddings in churches, fields, people’s homes and hotels and I have even stayed in couples houses the night before to mind their dogs, so flexibility is really important.
I would also say have a time slot where the dog will come along, this ensures photographers can use time efficiently and also that the dog is not waiting around for a long time before photos are taken! I pride myself on being conscientious and attentive to the health and well-being of every dog in my care. In fact, I’ve often noticed conditions in dogs that hadn’t been previously diagnosed so I would always advise book someone with qualifications and experience, call to see their facilities and talk to them before booking
Tell us about looking after Tadhg Fleming’s dogs when he got married last year – that wedding must have been good craic!
I have both Tadhg and his wife Alannah to thank for my Salty Dogs Wedding service as they were the first couple who asked me if I could bring their three dogs Binkie, Boo and Otis to their wedding as they knew I was a veterinary nurse! I think everyone knows how much their dogs mean to them so I was flattered that I was asked to come along and get involved. The dogs wore tuxedos and dresses for the photos and the look on the bride and grooms faces when they saw them dressed up was brilliant.
The photos from their wedding then led to others enquiring about my service and I’ve really built up a solid customer base in both dog minding and weddings as a follow on from that. Tadhg has always supported my business, the Kerry folk stick together!
Have you had any disasters/funny or memorable moments involving the dogs at their owners wedding?
We always have fun with the dogs when they come to stay – you get to see their personalities come out! I did a wedding recently where I brought the dog to the church and let him sniff around at the main entrance where the flowers had just been done and of course straight away he decided to cock his leg..! No one noticed thankfully but we swiftly moved on!
My dog Finn is a superstar with every dog that comes to stay here, he’s really social and loves to play so there’s been times where I find him and our doggie guests, in the spare room asleep on the bed! They make themselves at home pretty quick! My fiancé Terry and my parents are really supportive of the business and help me when I’m busy! I have come home to find the dogs all curled up with Terry on the couch, so it’s great that we both love them in the house.
Why do you think more people are hiring pet-sitters for their big day?
I understand that dogs are more than pets — they’re family members. Many of my clients are young couples who own dogs and they are like their children just like Finn is to us. We are getting married next year and would love to have someone to be able to offer what I do.
Couples want to create memories and I’ve never met a couple who regretted including their dog in their wedding. The joy on the couple’s faces, the reaction from guests, and also having a unique memory on your wedding day will be a talking point for years. Knowing that their pet is stress free, staying in a home, getting exercised and having fun gives them 100% peace of mind while they’re away.
Visit Salty_Dogs_Kerry on Instagram for more information.
