South Philadelphia Friends Start Business Offering Dog Attendant Services for Weddings.

As couples increasingly prioritize their four-legged companions in significant life events, a growing trend in pet-inclusive weddings has emerged. This phenomenon finds its roots in the experiences of Angela Agnes, who envisioned her pit bull-German shepherd mix, Rylee, serving as a flower girl during her wedding ceremony. However, the logistical challenges of ensuring proper care for Rylee during the event led Agnes to a creative solution.

In collaboration with her longtime friend, Oriana Principe, the duo established Waggy Weddings, a sister service to their existing pet-sitting and dog-walking business, Waggy Little Rascals. Launched in 2022, Waggy Weddings now provides specialized services designed to facilitate the inclusion of pets in wedding celebrations.

The offerings from Waggy Weddings are tailored to meet the unique needs of clients on their special day. Services include transporting pets to and from wedding venues, coordinating casual meet-and-greet sessions for guests and their furry friends during cocktail hours, and personalized aftercare to ensure pets are comfortable and relaxed. Packages typically start at 0 and can be customized with additional services, such as pre-wedding training sessions and post-wedding overnight care.

Agnes and Principe have noted that their involvement often alleviates stress for couples, particularly those who find themselves disappointed when alternative pet care options fall through. Their dedication to customer service is evident, as both owners strive to ensure that clients enjoy their day without the added worry of managing their pets.

As interest in incorporating pets into weddings continues to rise, statistics indicate that approximately one in five married couples included their animals in their ceremonies, according to a recent survey conducted by Chewy, a leading online pet supply retailer. Demand for specialized wedding-day pet care has been increasing, with various businesses expanding their service offerings to meet this need.

Despite the burgeoning interest, Waggy Weddings remains a relatively unique service in the Philadelphia area, often the only business of its kind present at local wedding expos. Many couples initially express confusion regarding the service before realizing the unique value it brings to their celebrations.

In addition to logistical arrangements, Waggy Weddings is noted for providing memorable moments for couples and their pets. The joyous reactions from dogs as they reunite with their owners after ceremonies have been highlighted as particularly moving. Such moments reinforce the deep emotional bonds shared between pets and their owners, making their presence at weddings all the more meaningful.

With the growing trend of including pets in wedding ceremonies and celebrations, Waggy Weddings exemplifies a commitment to enhancing the experience for couples and their beloved animals, ensuring that their big day is not only memorable for all involved but also stress-free.