You say you want to throw your dog a birthday party? Well, you’re not alone. Dog birthday parties – or adoptiversary parties – are becoming more and more popular as people are spending more money on their beloved pups. We’ve compiled a list of ideas that’ll help you throw an unforgettable doggie bash for your best friend.
Choose A Dog-Friendly Venue
First and foremost, it’s essential that you find a place to host your party, especially if you live in a cramped apartment without access to a backyard. If that’s the case, then a dog park or fenced in dog-friendly area at your local park or beach is a nice alternative. Another idea is to find a doggie daycare or obedience school that rents out space for such occasions! Wherever you decide to do it, make sure it’s escape-proof. And spruce it up with the “Happy Barkday! Banner.”
Pup Parent Attendance Is Mandatory
Make sure that all pup parents are in attendance so that you can stay focused on the birthday pup. Hosting a party can be stressful and you don’t need the added work of watching a friend or neighbor’s dog. Also, it’s best that they keep their dogs on leash until they know for sure that all the dogs get along.
Bake Or Buy A Doggie-Safe Cake
You’ve seen those photos of dogs chomping down on a birthday cake, frosting all around their muzzle. Delight in knowing that you too can give your pup so much joy with their very own cake! But don’t make them a human cake. Instead, either buy cake mixes specifically for dogs, or better yet, make a homemade cake from scratch!
And then add a little something extra with BarkDay Bites that are festive and fun!
Make Sure Lots Of Water Is Available
Let them eat cake, but make sure you provide them with lots of water. All that eating and playing will make them thirsty, and you definitely don’t want a dehydrated pup! Leave a few dog bowls out, enough for each dog so that they don’t have to fight over any.
Get Snacks For The Hoomans
Oh, and don’t forget to feed the dog parents! Make it fun by using dog-themed plates and napkins. Also, make it easy by serving easy-to-hold finger foods like popcorn in paper cups, hotdogs (sticking to the doggie theme!), or skewers. Don’t serve anything that could be harmful to dogs if accidentally dropped like chocolate, avocado, or grapes.
Have Fun! And Games!
It’s not an epic party without some entertainment. Dogs are often easy to please, just give them something to do and they’ll be happy. Try our “Bark Pong Champion” for some classic college-days nostalgia or the “Full O’ Fluff Piñata“for party-themed fun.
If they tire of the toys, play a game or two of Fido Says. Have the dogs line up in a row and shout out commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down. The last pup to follow the command is out.
Can’t decide? We’ve bundled up some party essentials with our It’s “My Party Kit” that’s perfect for the occasion!
Get Party Favors
Send your guests home with a collection of party favors in doggie-themed gift bags. Include treats that you can easily separate into party-favor sized quantities (just make sure of any allergies) like our “NYC Foodie Bundle.” Add a festive “Funfuzzi Cake” plush toy for the after party!
Don’t forget about your pup! Treat them to the “Lil’ Shindig Bundle” complete with plush toy hat, party blower, plush toy party cake, and more!
Ask For Donations Instead Of Presents
Instead of presents, ask your guests to donate to a local shelter or any one of their favorite doggie causes! If your dog was adopted, make it personal by suggesting guests donate to the rescue or shelter you adopted them from. If you’re looking for suggestions, Foster Dogs, INC is a great choice on the East Cost; A Purposeful Rescue is a great choice on the West Coast; and One Tail At A Time is great in the Midwest.
That said, there are thousands of wonderful rescues and orgs across the country to choose from, and they’d all be happy to help celebrate your pup’s big day!
