FAQS

A Wedding Chaperone is basically your pooch's plus one who is there to take care of their every need, and to ensure they are kept comfortable and happy throughout your special day.

We take care of all the logistics of getting your dog to and from the venue.

All their pre, during and post pet care needs. This includes walks, toilet breaks, attending to any medical needs, refreshments, feeding, fussing, settling down and where required - overnight pet care.

We help and prepare your dog with appropriate exercise and play beforehand, which can help alleviate any excited energy so they can manage the day better.

We make sure they are clean, tidy and wearing any new wedding day outfit in time for their involvement.

We help and support your dog with any wedding duties they may have eg: meeting and greeting guests, ring bearing duties, walking down the aisle, mingling during drinks reception and in photos.

We also work closely with your photographer to help capture the best possible photos where your pooch is involved.

Once their duties are complete, we will safely transport them to their final drop off point and can even stay with them until 9am the next day if required.

We are lucky enough to live off the canal in lovely, semi-rural Trentham, Staffordshire.

Every enquiry is assessed to ensure that we are providing a service at a cost that we feel is value for money for every couple, that's why we look to limit to 1.5hrs maximum traveling to your venue to ensure you are not incurring too high a mileage cost on top of your package. This also helps work towards further reducing impact on the environment.

Main areas currently covered are across the West Midlands, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire.

Please note: within your package we cover the first 40 miles. any additional mileage is charged at the HMRC recommended business mileage of 45p per mile.

2026 is my eleventh year in the pet care industry.

We have an ongoing commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and will be undertaking a variety of professional education courses each year. In the meantime our current professional qualifications are:

• Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Assessing Dog Behaviour & Health Certification 2026
• HSQE Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Awareness V4.6 (CPD Accredited) 2026
• PIF Competency Certificate for Kennels, Dog Day Care and Home Boarding as per the 2018 Animal Activity Licensing (AAL) Regulations
• Small Business Sustainability Programme BT/Small Business Britain (CPD Certified) 2024
• Advanced First Aid for Puppies & Dogs (Oplex CPD Certified) 2024
• Pet First Aid Certificate (PDSA) 2017
• Transporting Dogs Course (National Pet College/PIF) 2023
• PIF Certificate COVID19 - Disease Control for Pet Professionals
• Professional Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business Qualification NARPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Dog walkers) includes dog handling/understanding breeds/animal law and legislations
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) - Fundamentals of Marketing
• Investors In People (IIP) Accreditation - useful when looking to expand

Other CPD courses completed to date include:

• Working With Dogs - Dr Tom Mitchell BVSc/BSc/MRCVS
• Inside Your Dogs Mind - Victoria Stillwell US Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)/International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)/ Ambassador for the RSPCA and the Soi Dog Foundation
• Building Your Dogs Resilience - Victoria Stillwell
• Certificate of participation in Canine Body Language Workshop - Dog Training College (DTL)
• Understanding and Managing Your Dogs Behaviour Certificate - Dogs Minds Matter/Adam Dunn Canine Behaviourist & Psychologist

In addition:

Prior to launching the business I also did six months voluntary work at Animal Lifeline, our local dogs home which helped to gain experience with lots of different breeds and sizes, with different needs and challenges. This was invaluable in developing my skill set and how to communicate better with all types of dogs.

Outside of weddings we provide daily pet care and dog walking services. This way we can continue to build our exisiting skills by having daily hands on experience.

In addition to growing up with dogs/cats we are long term dog owners. Our boys, (Golden Retrievers) Barney who is 12.5 yrs young and Oscar who we unfortunately lost 2025, was 12.5yrs young and we have had them since they were nine weeks old.

In my previous role I was head of the Education team at the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) with a clear remit to help educate all schools/colleges about the Animal Welfare Act 2006: The Five Freedoms, which you can read more about here

Used as the basis in writing animal care protocols and expectations for many professional groups, including veterinarians as noted on the British Veterinary Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association website. The Five Freedoms have been adopted by representative groups internationally including the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

 Yes we have full Public Liability Insurance (PLI) up to five million pounds and you will be provided with a copy at the time of booking.

As of the 18.09.26 we have completed 234 weddings & chaperoned a total of 303 dogs.

We have officially booked our 336th dog!

We have a fully insured Renaul Kangoo Van which has been fitted with bespoke, reinforced steel cages which have locks and escape doors.

The flooring is hard wearing rubber matting and we are able to regualte the temperature throughout the van.

We also do not brand any vehicles for security purposes as we do not want to highlight that we are carrying precious cargo on board. 

You can read more about our security measures here.

Yes. We feel this is essential to our service delivery and helps your dog and us get to know each other to best support them on the day.

The health and welfare of every dog in our care is a key priority for us. Therefore each package has a minimum of 3 familiarisation/bonding sessions built in as standard.

Following the initial meeting and assessment, should you and I feel as though your dog would benefit from additional sessions, these can be added into the package at an additional cost of £20 per hour.

Proposed dates for the sessions will automatically be included in your initial quotes, with the first meeting around 3 months prior to your date and the remaining two sessions closer to the wedding date.

We will only ask to change the dates if we need to book a wedding or there is an unexpected emergency.

However, we will also work with you to ensure the dates work for all of us.

From the initial consultation we aim to have quotes landing in your in-box within 48hrs.

If, for whatever reason we feel this is unachievable, we will confirm that during the consultation.

No. Your date is only secured once we have received your deposit and subject to agreeing mutually acceptable terms and conditions.

Every potential new client who receives a quote, has 5 days to make their decision. The 5 days ensures there is no increase in costs or changes to packages. 

However, please note that we may have additional requests for the same date, that we will also quote for within that 5 days.

At the time of your consultation, we will always make clients aware if there are any other requests for the same date, or will inform you within the 5 days if this changes.

We accept bookings on a first come first served basis i.e.: the first couple to secure their deposit will automatically secure the date.

As a small business that relies on regular custom, we are sure you can appreciate that we are not in a position to keep dates open indefinitely. 

We currently only change our prices once a year in January, following our annual review and performance report.

Our prices are fixed at the point of your booking and we can accept bookings up to a maximum of 18months ahead.

If, for whatever reason we would need to do an interim increase, the reason for doing so and by how much we intend to increase, will be made public on this website and social media channels at least 28 days ahead of any changes.

To secure the date, you need to pay a 50% deposit up front and the remaining balance will need to be paid 7 days before your wedding date.

We can currently accept BACS transfer, cash, credit card for the deposit and can set up direct debits for any remaining balances if required.

We also offer payment plans which we can discuss with you prior to booking.

Confident walking any sized breed - The largest to date at a wedding has been Bernese Mountain Dog, Basset Hound, Rottweiler, Boxer, Huskies (two at once), Lurchers (3), Akita's, Dalmations, huge Airdales which could look me in the eye if they stood on hind legs, I am 5ft 6inches.

During my daily dog walks, the largest breed to date I have walked is Briards. A large shepherding dog with a typical weight range of between 50 - 100lbs fully grown, and I used to walk two of them together with the largest one at 80kg. I also walk a large German Shepherd/Lab cross, big Labradoodles and medium sized dogs such as Labradors and am keeping everything crossed for a Great Dane!

We would look to double/trebble up on staff to take care of dogs should the need arise.

As with all dogs, whatever the breed, there needs to be levels of health and safety in place; whilst still prioritising the health and welfare of every dog in our care.

All dogs signed up with us will be assessed during the familiarisation sessions to ensure the level of health, safety and welfare is in place.

There are additonal UK levels put in place for all banned breeds.  Our Public Liability Insurance (PLI) covers us to handle banned breeds.

Prior to providing any quote - you will need to confirm all the relevant legal requirements are in place and you can prove that:

- you have legal liability insurance,

- your dog is registered and that you have a Certificate of Exemption,

- you provide microchip details,

- that your dog has been neutered

- that your Certificate details are up to date on the Index of Exempt Dogs

- that your dog is comfortable and not stressed wearing a muzzle, that they can breath, pant and drink normally

- that the dog lives with the named keeper

As mentioned above, all dogs, no matter what breed or size will go through assessment during our time with them.

If at anytime we feel that they would not cope with attending a wedding, or that we concerns that we have been given wrong information by the owner about their personality/behaviour, we will provide a full refund. minus the admin fee.

In our experience there are a number of things that can change leading up to a wedding, especially if you have booked well in advance eg: house move, changes to ceremony timings, you welcome more dogs into your home that you also want included in your wedding day.

This is why we only take a deposit leaving the final balance to be paid nearer the wedding date. This way we can discuss and alter any relevant and realistic requirements that will then be reflected in your final invoice.

This will depend on what your specific reqirements are, along with the package you have chosen.

For example, you may prefer that your dog is collected early due to your wedding preparations ie: hair/makeup so we could be with your dog from 9am or earlier if required.

Or you may want to have your dog with you right up until the meet and greet and would prefer to hand them over to us at the venue. Therefore it would be later in the day and an hour prior to the meet and greet (we always build in time for some exercise and fun).

If you have chosen overnight care, we may be  with your dog for 24 hrs+.

We would discuss this during your initial consultation where we can get a better understanding of what you need so we can provide your bespoke service.

Whatever time we agree works best for you, the health and wellbeing of every dog in our care is the priority and for their actual involvement in the wedding we recommend 2 - 2.5hrs maximum.

If you require an early start then we will discuss with you where your dog can be cared for in quiet surroundings.

Please also note that for some dogs, being around lots of hustle and bustle eg:people coming and going, lots of noise,hairdriers etc,  can actually aid in building stress; which in turn can make the day a lot more challenging for your beloved pooch.

We know that every dog is unique and will respond differently to each situation.

However, a wedding, whilst wonderful, can also be very stimulating, potentially overwhelming and very tiring for dogs, therefore we only recommend 2 - 2.5hrs  involvement in the actual wedding proceedings.

2 - 2.5hrs is ample time for your dog to be involved in meeting and greeting guests, in the ceremony, mingling during drinks reception and in photos.

Please note also, that most wedding venues will expect the dog to vacate the premisses just prior to the wedding breakfast.

If we are providing a pet sitting service for your dog at the venue we can bring them down to say hello to your evening guests - on the proviso:

- That they have had a few hours rest and sleep following participation in the wedding

- That we feel that in our expert opinion that they would be ok to do so

- That they would only attend for 15-20mins maximum to say hello

- That it is a timely slot which allows us to retire them back to their room for calming and settling down prior to leaving

The health and welfare of each and every dog in our care is the number one priority, therefore if we have any doubts around any of the above points, we would continue to care for your dog away from the evening reception.

Yes. For example - Many couples marry in church then move on to their chosen wedding venue for the reception. We take care off ALL logistics to ensure your dog attends both locations, or multiple if that's what you wish.

However, our priority is the health & wellbeing of all dogs in our care. Depending on how well they travel, their temperament, age & general health/ability, will reflect in the length of time involved at multiple locations. After all we want to make sure EVERYONE has a lovely day.

We know that every dog is unique and will respond differently to each situation.

Prior to the day, we will have met and spent quality time with your dog a minimum of 3 times. We also suggest that one of the sessions takes place at the venue as this helps prepare your pooch better as it won't seem a completely strange place for them to be.

During the time allocated for your dog to be a part of your special day there are a number of activities we undertake such as:

- We would be exercising your dog prior to their direct involvement in the wedding. This usually takes place at the venue, however, if there is no sutiable sized area, we will look to make alternative arrnagements in a more suitable environment.

This way we can ensure they expell some of that excited energy, which can help them manage the day much better. Please note this is based on each individual dogs needs, their age, health and ability

- We will keep them entertained during key moments, whether with a fav toy, game or high value treat. And yes, we have a technique that ensures a treat can last a lot longer than usual!

This can also work really well for those pooches that are not used to being on lead for longer periods than usual and helps eliviate potential boredom. Although a wedding is a super happy place for a dog and we've yet to see a bored pooch in our care!

- We constantly monitor their body language to ensure they get regular toilet breaks, water refresh and general time out should they need to just shake it off and be a dog, before escorting them back to the wedding party.

The health and welfare of each and every dog in our care is the number one priority, therefore if we have any doubts around any of the above points, we would continue to care for your dog away from the wedding party.

Yes. We can cater for more than one dog and we are insured for up to 6 dogs maximum.

Yes. In addition to your own 'wedding day' pooch, we can cater for family dogs with pop in/walking services. This is on the proviso that they reside within close proximity to your own dog & will incur additional charges.

We can also provide overnight pet care for your dog & other family dogs providing they are either in your own home, the family members home, & that they get along well together.

No. Unfortunately, one of our Goldies was diagnosed with a progressive heart disease and since then, we cannot have other dogs coming into our home as this upsets him and makes him poorly. As you can appreciate we want Barney to feel happy and comfortable in his safe space.

To help - We can stay with your dog overnight in your own home, at a friend or family members home, at the venue or at a near by location ie: air B&B, cottage, dog friendly hotel etc

We can also provide overnight pet care for your dog & other family dogs providing they are either in your own home, the family members home, & that they get along well together.

Just the basics really - Somewhere comfortable and suitable to sleep i.e.; a bed or comfy sofa bed, running water, heating and electricity and that your home is secure 🙂

You don't have to provide food as we bring our own. And if required, we can bring our own bedding too.

We are more than happy for you to use indoor camera's if it makes you feel more comfortable. However, under current GDPR domestic rules, we do request that privacy is provided in relevant areas of the house i.e. bathroom and bedroom and that all recordings are destroyed immediately following the overnight stay.

Whilst we do go through all details with you during the familiarisations sessions leading up to the big day - You do need to leave out the current up to date Vet card, your dogs Chip number, an alternative emergency number and any other clear instructions we may have not covered off in meetings.

A key aim for our business is to become a more sustainable and eco-friendly organisation and has been included in our strategy from day one.

We were also the first Wedding Chaperone/Pet Care business to pledge and sign up to the Gvt #RaceToNetZero campaign in Sept 2021. We, along with other small businesses are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and helping to reach the Gvt targets as of 2030.

We became a fully paperless business in June 2021 and launched our Giving Back campaign which you can read more about here. 

Since launching in 2017 we have continued to work with like minded companies to source 100% natural, sustainably produced dog treats and toys. All our current range of toys is 100% recycled and biodegradeable.

The cleaning products used to disinfect our pet taxi/leads etc are also 100% natural, pet friendly, vegan and cruelty free.

Even the display units we use at the artisan markets we attend, are either made out of cardboard, rattan or natural, unstained wood.

All our poop bags used and sold are degradable to a maximum of 12 months to completely disappear and we even have fully compostable bags that disintegrate within 4 months!

We have replaced light fittings/bulbs throughout the home (office) to LED, installed water butt and power down every eveing and where required, throughout the day.

We are currently focused on identifying our current carbon footprint so we can move forward to work more smartly and reduce this down.