Choose the Right Venue

Like any party, the right venue is essential for event success. Depending on the climate zone, outdoor venues such as dog parks, backyards and rooftop terraces are ideal. In colder areas, indoor venues like basements or rooms without carpeting can be easily adapted for pet-friendly gatherings.

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Set the Guest List With Care

As most pet-parents would know, it is preferable to not invite cats to a doggy party or dogs to a kitty party. Plan to only invite one or the other.

A dog party is not the ideal time to bring a new dog into the social mix, and it's definitely not a good place for an aggressive dog or any dog you're unsure about.

Create Pet-Friendly Foods

Like people, dogs love to be treated to homemade goodies. But dogs can't eat many ingredients that people enjoy, like cheese, chocolate, onion, macadamia nuts, walnuts, raisins, grapes or artificial flavorings. Generally, use good-quality ingredients and avoid excessive amounts of sugar and salt. As you would with human parties, ask pet-parents well in advance of any special dietary requirements or allergies.

There are so many gourmet options available at most pet stores, but why not mix it up by making some of your own? Not only are homemade treats fresher, healthier options, they also allow to limit qty of sugar and salt intake. Here are some recipes to try:
-Dog-Friendly Strawberry Shortcakes
-Dog Biscuits With Cream Cheese Frosting
-Peanut Butter Biscuits With Carob Frosting
-More Homemade Pet Foods

Have plenty of fresh cool water available in several bowls around the space.

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