Thinking of throwing a birthday party for your dog? Our dogs are family, after all, and what better excuse for a celebration than showering them with love, treats, and a bit of silliness?
Dog birthday parties have become all the rage, and with good reason, they’re brilliant for making memories and showing off your dog’s personality (and maybe a new outfit!).
Levi loves being the centre of attention at his little celebrations, while Poppy is more focused on sneaking an extra slice of dog-friendly cake.
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a full on extravaganza, we created this guide to help you throw the ultimate poochie party. We cover everything from picking the perfect date and venue to decorations, party games, and tasty treats.
Start with the Basics: Planning the Party
Set a Date and Time
Pick a day when you and your guests can properly enjoy the fun. Weekends tend to work best (no one wants to rush to a party after work), and an afternoon slot gives you plenty of time for games and cuddles. If you’re thinking about having it outdoors, check the weather—you don’t want a soggy doggy and muddy paw prints everywhere.
Guest List
Who’s coming? Is this a dog only affair, or are humans invited too? If you’re having other dogs over, make sure they’re friendly and up for a playdate. A good mix of sociable dogs and relaxed humans will keep the vibe fun and stress-free.
Venue
The perfect location depends on your plans. Your back garden is always a great shout for smaller gatherings, or you can head to the local park. If the British weather decides to be unpredictable (as it often does), renting an indoor space is always a safe bet.
Invitations and Guest Management
Once you’ve nailed down the theme and date, it’s time to send out the invites.
Creating digital invitations on Canva is quick, easy, and lets you add a personal touch with paw prints or cute dog illustrations.
If you’re feeling fancy, physical invites with paw-themed designs are a lovely keepsake for your guests.
Don’t forget to include important details like the location, time, and dress code (especially if you’re encouraging dog costumes). It’s also a good idea to ask about any dog preferences, dietary requirements, or allergies—both for the dogs and their humans.
Choosing a Fun Theme
Now, this is where you can really let your creativity shine.
Picking a theme for your dog’s birthday party not only makes the event more memorable but also helps tie together decorations, activities, and even your dog’s outfit. Whether you go full on fancy or keep it simple, there’s a theme to suit every dog’s personality.
Here are a few ideas to get tails wagging:
Zoo Party
Bring the zoo to life with costumes representing all your favourite animal. Poppy rocked a Panda Dog Costume last year.
Sports Day
Set up mini obstacle courses with tunnels, jumps, and weave poles for the dogs, and add races where humans can team up with their dogs and compete against each other.
Rainbow Party
Bring a burst of colour to your dog’s big day with a vibrant rainbow theme! Decorate with bright balloons, streamers, and tableware in every colour of the rainbow. Encourage guests to dress their dogs in colourful outfits or accessories to match the theme.
Decorations and Setup
Here’s where you bring the theme to life and make your dog’s party Instagramable.
Theme-Based Decorations – Think banners, balloons, paw-print tablecloths, and even party hats for the dogs.
Photo Booth – Set up a dedicated photo corner with props like hats, glasses, and themed costumes. Guests will love snapping pics of their pups, and you’ll get memories to treasure forever.
Safety First – Make sure the space is dog-proof. Keep small, chewable decorations or hazardous items well out of reach. Balloons are great for photos, but avoid using helium ones that could pop unexpectedly.
Food and Treats
What’s a party without great food? Keep it delicious and safe for all your guests.
For dogs, hip up a dog friendly cake or buy one from a specialist bakery. Dog cupcakes or biscuits make perfect party treats, and you can even match them to your theme.
For people, keep it simple and easy to grab. Think finger foods like sandwiches, crisps, or cupcakes that fit your theme; don’t forget tea and coffee.
Hydration is key for excited, hyper dogs. Scatter water bowls around the party area and refill them regularly.
Fun Activities and Games
Decorations and Setup
Here’s where you bring the theme to life and make your dog’s party Instagramable.
Theme-Based Decorations – Think banners, balloons, paw-print tablecloths, and even party hats for the dogs.
Photo Booth – Set up a dedicated photo corner with props like hats, glasses, and themed costumes. Guests will love snapping pics of their pups, and you’ll get memories to treasure forever.
Safety First – Make sure the space is dog-proof. Keep small, chewable decorations or hazardous items well out of reach. Balloons are great for photos, but avoid using helium ones that could pop unexpectedly.
Food and Treats
What’s a party without great food? Keep it delicious and safe for all your guests.
For dogs, hip up a dog friendly cake or buy one from a specialist bakery. Dog cupcakes or biscuits make perfect party treats, and you can even match them to your theme.
For people, keep it simple and easy to grab. Think finger foods like sandwiches, crisps, or cupcakes that fit your theme; don’t forget tea and coffee.
Hydration is key for excited, hyper dogs. Scatter water bowls around the party area and refill them regularly.
Fun Activities and Games
Keep the dogs entertained with activities that suit their energy levels and personalities.
- Classic Games – You can’t go wrong with fetch or tug-of-war. For something more exciting, set up a dog-friendly obstacle course with tunnels, jumps, and cones. Levi loves showing off his speed, while Poppy prefers the “supervisory” role (usually near the treat station).
- Interactive Activities – A treat treasure hunt is a big hit! Hide goodies around the garden or venue and let the dogs sniff them out. If you’ve got space, an agility demonstration or mini training session can be entertaining for both dogs and their humans.
- Calm Zone – Not every dog wants to party all day. Create a quiet corner with comfy blankets or dog beds where dogs can relax and recharge if things get too lively.
Goodie Bags
Everyone loves a goodie bag, and dogs are no exception. Send your guests home with a little something to remember the day.
Goodie Bags for Dogs
Small toys, packets of treats, or mini bandanas make lovely gifts for your guests to take home. You can even customise the bandanas with the party’s theme or the dog’s name for an extra special touch.
Goodie Bags for Dog Owners
A small thank you note or a picture from the party with their dog could be a thoughtful addition. It’s a simple way to show appreciation for coming along and joining the fun.
Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to document the day. Whether you’re taking photos or filming the action, capturing those adorable moments will let you and your guests relive the day for years to come.
DIY Tips
Use natural light, get down to the dogs’ level, and focus on candid shots of them playing, eating, or cuddling their humans.
Hire a Photographer
For bigger parties or milestone birthdays, hiring a photographer ensures you get professional, quality pictures. Plus, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the party without worrying about missing the best moments.
Safety Tips
Keeping everyone safe and happy is key to a successful party.
Monitor Interactions – Keep an eye on how the dogs are interacting. Some might need space, while others will be thrilled to play all day. Step in if needed to avoid overexcitement or conflicts.
Food Safety – Double check that all dog treats and human food are safe for canine consumption. Common foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions are a no go for dogs so it’s best to leave them off the menu overall.
First Aid Kit
It’s always a good idea to have a basic pet first aid kit on hand, just in case.
Throwing a birthday party for your dog is all about celebrating the bond you share and making your dog feel extra special.
Whether you go big with themed decorations, games, and costumes or keep it simple with treats and a few furry friends, the most important thing is the love and care you put into it.
Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about wagging tails, happy barks, and creating memories that will last a lifetime (and fill up your camera roll).
Levi and Poppy’s parties are always a little chaotic but full of joy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, grab a brew, a notebook and start planning your dog’s next big day.
