Home > Dog Holidays & Celebrations > How to Throw a Pet Party

Posted on June 26, 2012 by WayCoolDogs

For a lot of people, pet dogs are more than just animals. Many dog-owners consider their furry companions a part of the family. If you’re someone who most people consider a step above “dog-person,” don’t worry. You aren’t alone!

We know how you feel and want to share some tips on how to celebrate your beloved family pet. Here’s an idea: set aside day that’s just about them and throw party! Here are some great ideas for holding a fantastic puppy party with all your dog’s favorite four-legged pals in just a few easy steps.

BEFORE-PARTY PREP

Decorations are the first step in creating the right atmosphere for your party, canine or otherwise. Check out these ideas:

• Make cut-outs from colored cardstock or tag board in pet-related shapes like dogs, fire hydrants, and dog bones. Hang them the ceiling with string if you are indoors or from tree branches if you are outside.

• Another fun idea is to make poster-sized copies of your dog and hang them up around the house, adding 2D party hats and festive gear to the photo.

• Otherwise, treat the party like a regular get-together! For example: pick colored streamers that match your dog’s fur or find dog-bone shaped confetti for around the tables. Just make sure to keep decorations away from pets so they can’t eat them or tear them up.
• For music: create a playlist with all dog related tunes. (Just don’t pick the barking Jingle Bells song, though, if you want people to stay at your party.) Here are a few songs: “Hound Dog” by Elvis, “Walking the Dog” by Rufus Thomas, and “Puppy Love” by Paul Anka.

ACTIVITIES

Keep the pets (and humans) entertained with party activities, especially ones focused on the puppy-persuasion.

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  Credit: Halloween Costumes / Elise Schwartz

  Have people dress their dogs in a pet costume and have everyone vote which one is the cutest, funniest, most creative, etc. Give winners a gift card to the pet store or some pet supplies.

• Nothing says party time like a dog collar full of bling! Let guests get creative with a make-your-own dog collar station. Provide plain collars that people can decorate with charms, jewels, and more.

• If it is summertime, set up a kiddie pool with water for pets to romp around in. Don’t forget to have doggie toys lying around for an old fashioned game of fetch.

TREATS

What is a party without delicious food? Provide yummy treats to keep everyone from getting hungry.

• For the humans, make Chex cereal “puppy chow” with chocolate, peanut butter, Chex cereal and powdered sugar. Serve in dog bowls that guests can take home later.

• Use dog bone shaped cookie cutters to cut out sandwiches, meat, and cheese.

• For the pets, provide rawhide chews, dog biscuits, or homemade dog treats. Make your own dog treats from simple recipes found online. Most recipes involve ingredients that you already have at home. Keep the ingredient list at hand in case anyone’s pet has an allergy.

• Don’t forget the classic doggy bag! Make personalized to-go treat bags for each party-goer to take home after the bash.

FINAL TIPS

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  Credit: Dog Lover Gift Baskets/ Elise Schwartz

  Pets need to stay hydrated so leave a few water bowls around the party.

• Even though they feel like your little furry baby, dogs are still animals. So don’t forget, puppies tend to leave behind puppy messes, so have a good number of baggies at hand for easy cleanup.

• Keep in mind how the dogs will interact with one another. Make sure your pet is familiar with the other dogs and will be comfortable with having them around. This way you’re guaranteed a great time!

Guest Information: Tonja Thompson writes for HalloweenCostumes.com, which sells costumes for dogs and costumes for adults. If she had one puppy-wish, it would be that her dog would let her paint her toenails for a party.

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