Between the dog park, a special treat and their favorite rubber chicken chew toy, there’s nothing quite like seeing your dog in pure bliss. If you’re celebrating your pet’s birthday, you can use this as inspiration to throw a marvelous party. A dog birthday party is a perfect excuse to bring your human and canine pals together for lighthearted fun.
From playful to extravagant, there are many ways to decorate your home, make dog-friendly treats, and let your dog be the ultimate party animal. Ready for your party to go off without a hitch? Here are some tips to get the (dog) party started.
1. Find a Dog-Friendly Venue
If your home isn’t set up for a dog party, don’t fret yet: there are many options to consider. Depending on how many people are coming, you can make special arrangements at your local dog-friendly pub or restaurant. When talking to the venue, be sure to ask how large the space is. Dogs need plenty of wiggle room to mingle without feeling closed in, just like us. Many alehouses have outdoor spaces as well.
Are you planning a dog birthday party during the spring or summer? Check your local park’s rules and break out the portable BBQ. Public parks and beaches that allow dogs are an easy-breezy way to enjoy the sun and each other’s company.
2. Go Beyond Paw Print Decor
Dogs, dogs, dogs. Though you love your pet, does your dog’s birthday have to be dog-themed? No! Take a break from paw printed tablecloths and search for dog party inspiration. Is your dog’s birthday around Halloween? Create a costume competition. Is your dog made to be a star? Puppy Parties NYC recently put on a star-studded Hollywood-themed party. They showcased dogs walking on a red carpet, getting cake awards, and being the center of attention. Bonus: This party raised money for an animal charity—a double win. There are tons of ready-made costumes for dogs now, from a cute bumblebee ensemble to hilarious UPS driver costumes. Just choose your theme and away you go.
3. Provide the Ultimate Doggy Birthday Cake
We’ve all seen some adorable dog birthday cakes, which are nutrition-filled, dog-safe treats to raise your dog’s birthday to another level. After baking a cake—or picking one up from a specialized “barkery”—personalizing it is the next step. This pet owner decorated the top of the cake with a figurine of their dog’s likeness. There are many plastic or rubber dog breed figures in toy stores or online, or you can get one custom made from places like Etsy.
4. Accommodate Your Dog’s Needs
Is your dog a puppy, ready to celebrate their first year? Or do you have a senior dog, who has lived a full and glorious life? Birthdays can be tailored to your dog’s needs. If your dog has dietary restrictions, for instance, replace the cake with something your dog can eat, or even a pile of chew toys. If your dog isn’t as spry as they used to be, be sure to provide plenty of breaks or a place to retreat so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed by all of the excitement.
5. Create a Doggy Ball Pit
Some of our best childhood memories involve jumping into ball pits. Now imagine a pile of dogs doing the same. Having them run around trying to catch colorful plastic balls is not only entertaining to watch, it’s a great way for dogs to expel their energy. More importantly, ball pit plastic balls are large enough to avoid choking hazards and are kid-friendly. Want a plastic ball alternative? Don’t forget tennis balls—a dog classic.
No pit? Try dumping out 100+ balls in an outdoor area and watch the pure, unadulterated happiness unfold. Just be sure to clean up afterward.
6. Focus on the Food
As much as you’re preparing treats for your human friends, dogs love some grub too. For your dog birthday party extraordinaire, consider providing owner-approved milk bones or pupcakes to offer for excellent behavior. Are you in the dog days of summer? Watermelon ice cream is a refreshing treat in the afternoon sun.
No matter what, be sure to keep all of the dogs well-hydrated, as they will likely be playing for hours together.
7. Make a Fun-Filled (and Funny) Obstacle Course
Sure, not all dogs will immediately get the concept of an obstacle course, but creating a backyard or park filled with activities to get lost in is an instant hit. Do you enjoy building things with your hands? Get crafty in creating some tunnels and jumps out of PVC pipe. Need something a little more readymade? There are many pre-made and compact obstacle courses you can order online. This activity will bond humans and dogs, as well as provide funny videos and giggle-inducing memories.
8. No Dog Birthday Party Is Complete Without…Poop Bags
With all this excitement, dogs will have to relieve themselves eventually. Make sure you provide poop bags so owners can pick up after their pets. This will help avoid anyone stepping into anything accidentally, or ruining the carpet. Especially if your party is indoors, consider having scheduled mini-breaks so the dogs can go take care of their business and come back comfortable and ready to continue the party.
9. Give Out Doggy Favors
After a whirlwind day of excitement, it’s almost time to say goodbye. Were the pupcakes a hit from earlier? Perhaps your friends would like the recipe. What about a plastic ball for the road? Putting together party favors can be as easy as having extra treats and some plastic gift bags to tie in a bow. Add recipe cards, a funny thank you note, or if you’re extra ambitious, you can print out small snapshots before the party is over to hand over to your guests as an additional surprise. Your guests will appreciate the attention to detail.
10. After the Party, Let Your Pet Relax
Your pup was a rockstar for the day. After the party is over, however, it’s time to give them space and some peace and quiet. Besides treats, does your dog enjoy a new blanket to snuggle with? What about a pillow to burrow under? Having a low-key evening together is an excellent way to end the fun-filled day.
