Adedokun Waliyu 
Among the trends is to include a furry loved one in the ceremony.
Whether it’s walking down the aisle, being featured in vows and decor, or simply appearing in wedding photos, pets are becoming a prominent feature in celebrations of love.
Rover, a dog and cat sitting and walking service, released a report saying that three-quarters of Canadian pet parents who are currently engaged — or plan to be in the near future — will include pets on their big day.
“Whether you’d like your dog or cat to walk down the aisle, join you for photos or share a special toast, including your pet in your celebration of love is the ultimate testament to the unique bonds that exist between people and their pets,” said Rover’s trend expert, Kate Jaffe.
The report surveyed 500 married or engaged pet owners in Canada and while 75% plan to include their favourite furball in their wedding or union, another 15% are considering it.
A whopping 87% of pet parents said they would be more inclined to choose a wedding venue with pet accommodations.
The majority (86%) would also be willing to remove certain people from their guest lists in favour of including their adorable animal instead.
If you fall under the “out-of-town family” category – including cousins, aunts and uncles – your invitation is more likely to get lost in the mail. That group tops those who are most likely to be axed, at 35%.
Children (30%), work colleagues (20%), college buddies (20%) and childhood pals (20%) round out the list.
Of the respondents who are already married, more than one-third (36%) reported that they walked down the aisle with their pet while nearly half (48%) said they would walk down the aisle with them, given there are no limits or barriers to including them.
Further proof that pets are good for childhood health
Max and Luna, two eight-and-a-half year old bonded cats and siblings were left without a home when their owner died without leaving instructions for their animals’ care in their will.
That said, more than half (52%) of the married respondents said they spent more than $250 for their pet to be in attendance, while 30% of pet parents said they would go without wedding gifts if it meant they could include their pet in the ceremony.
