One of our number one frequently asked questions is... "Can we bring our dog to Dodmoor?"... In short, the answer is YES!!
Photos courtesy of Anthony Maxted Photography, Kie Fuller Photography, and Sophie Ann Photography
We love how much you all love your pups! However, it is worth knowing that while we love having dogs here for your wedding day, they must always be supervised and kept on a lead at all times please. They are welcome in the Courtyard Barn and can always stay for photos during the drinks reception, but we do advise that they are then taken home before the meal begins (please do discuss your ideas with us!).
Unfortunately, we just can't allow dogs in the Dodford Room and Honeymoon Suite, due to possible allergies of future couples.
Doggy Chaperone
We always encourage you to have a nominated person in charge of your furry friend, whether this is a member of the wedding party, or a dog chaperone. We can not recommend Pamper my Poochie enough! Jules, the owner of PMP, is super bubbly and enthusiastic, who just loves dogs and will treat your VIP (very important poochie) like a king or queen!!
Here is a little bit of information from Jules about their wedding chaperoning service on your big day...
Pick up from the Bride or Groom when you are getting ready, and take your poochie for their own pamper.
Your poochie will have a deluxe package suitable for their breed type, complete with facials, aromatherapy massage and pawfume.
You can add your choice of accessory to match your wedding colours (or you can provide your own for them to dress your poochie).
They will then refresh your poochie on the day with special dog wipes and a spritz of pawfume!
Transport your poochie/s to Dodmoor, ready for your choice of how you envisioned your poochie to be involved in your special day! From walking down the aisle to being the ring bearer or just for some family photos after the ceremony.
They can then stay with your pooch until a family member comes to take over, or check them into a recommend luxury dog hotel whilst you enjoy your wedding night, dancing with friends and family as newly weds.
They are fully insured, City and Guilds qualified dog groomers, British Dog Association and Pet Industry Federation members, as well as being wedding safe, DBS checked and Canine First Aiders.
Top Tips with Jules!
Why do you think couples should include their pets in their big day ?
Everyone loves a dog at a wedding. Poochies are not just dogs, they are part of the family and most definitely need to be part of your wedding celebrations! They are the star of the show and super cute of course! Most couples comment that their favourite photo is one with their four legged bestie.
How does having a pet chaperone help you on your wedding day? How long should you book them for?
We take away the stress of worrying about what your poochie is up to. We tend to their every need. We can transport your poochie, pamper them in our holistic spa and get them 'wedding ready' with their own photoshoot. Our most popular package is the 6 hour deluxe service with pamper. The 3 hour photography package also works well for poochies with less patience.
Have you seen any memorable wedding outfits on a dog ?
Oh my goodness, over the last 8 years we have seen so many amazing outfits! They have made us melt! We have seen pugs in tuxedos and poochies in bridesmaids dresses. A harness with a 3 piece suit attached is a great option. Flower garlands from your florist with dog friendly flowers also look amazing.
What’s your top tip on capturing the best photo of the couple and their dog ?
We liaise with your photographer to get the best out of having your VIP present. We always recommend having any photos with your poochie as part of your group shoot and some with just the couple early doors, just in case your poochie is overwhelmed and they tell us it's time to go home.
As a wedding couple all you need to concentrate on is looking at your photographer. PMP, the professional chaperones, will do the rest! We have a lot of tricks and treats to make sure we capture pawfect photos you will be able to cherish forever. Since 2016 we have perfected the formula for poochies at weddings and we absolutely love it. Best job in the world!
Photos courtesy of Sophie Ann Photography and Kie Fuller Photography
"What if my dog is nervous/or naughty?"
Again, we understand- it's a big day for everyone. We always encourage nervous dogs to arrive to Dodmoor a little earlier than guests, to get used to the venue. You would also be welcome to bring them to Dodmoor for a sniff around pre-wedding day, so it is not as much of a surprise when they arrive here on the big day.
It is also a good idea to reserve your dog and their chaperone a seat within the ceremony, ideally near a door. So that they can discreetly exit during the ceremony, should they need to.
Treats and toys on reserved chairs are also a massive hit!
Photos courtesy of Rebecca Watts Photography and Bubear Photography
Charity work
In 2023, our wedding coordinators teamed together to raise money for a fabulous charity- Dogs for Good.
Our aim was to get sponsored to walk 1 million steps between us on our weddings in April. We smashed it and also managed to raise £1000, which meant we could become a puppy partner.
This means we were assigned a puppy- Alex, who we get to watch grow into a super strong support dog.
We get regular pupdates, here is our first photo of him compared to our newest one where he looks as handsome and grown up as ever!
Expect a lot of love from our staff! We all absolutely love dogs ourselves. Dodmoor's owners Mark and Louise, have a dog called Bramble- sometimes we are lucky enough to have him in the office with us.
Our staff are always more than happy to grab your pooch some water, after all it is hard work being the centre of attention!
Photo courtesy of Sophie Ann Photography
We look forward to welcoming you and your companions soon. As always, just drop us an email if you have any questions about the logistics of bringing your dog to Dodmoor.
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