It's your dog's special day (be it a birthday, or the special day your adopted dog joined your family) and a celebration is in order! Good food, good friends, and maybe a good romp around the park! After all, dogs, just like their people, love a good get together! So, what do you need to know to plan a good birthday party? Here are a list of some considerations.

Planning

• Put the party pooch first. Consider your dog's preferences and personality type. Does your dog enjoy playing with a large group of dogs, or does your dog prefer a smaller, less active groups? Since this is your dog's special day, it's important to consider what your dog will enjoy the most.

In addition to the dogs in attendance, you'll have to think about the people in attendance also. Are you going to have small children at the party? How are you going to occupy the human party guests? Depending upon the birthday dog and and the doggy guest list, you'll want to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the comfort of all guests, particularly if there are going to be small children around.

• Find a place that fits. After you've determined how many dogs might be coming to Fido's party, you need to find the proper venue to host the party. For a small group, it could be hosted in your home or backyard. For a larger group, you could consider a local dog park or dog care facility. Often times, these places will have play rooms which can be rented out to individuals or groups for dog events like birthday parties or doggie playdates. You can find the names of dog parks and doggie day care facilities listed in the wikiFido City Guide.

• Ask about alternatives for guests. When planning your party, keep in mind that some guests may have allergies or other particular needs. You will want to ask the families of your doggie guests in advance about food allergies or other potential issues. One suggestion is to include a small note on the party invitation near the RSVP contact information, "please indicate any food allergies or special concerns."

Invitations

Be creative when it comes to the invites! The traditional mailed or emailed invites are always a great way to extend an invitation, but consider some other more personal options as well.

	For the Frisbee lovin' disc dog, purchase colorful frisbees at your local retail outlet. Then, using a Sharpie marker, inscribe the party details on the Frisbee.
	For the cuddly lap dog, purchase small stuffed dogs at your local toy or pet store. From cardstock or construction paper, create a "dog tag" with the party invite inscribed.
	For the chow hound, make or purchase a small assortment of yummy doggy treats. Fill treat bags, boxes, or wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon. From cardstock or construction paper, add a gift tag, including the party details.

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Party Hats

What's a birthday without party hats? You can make your own basic hats out of discarded cereal boxes then add decorations either from scrap materials or purchased supplies.

Party Favors

Definitely a crowed pleaser, take home party favors can make one bow-wowin' presentation! Put together one of these goodie bags, and your guests are sure to go home howlin' about one great party!

	Decorate a dog dish. Purchase plain dog dishes from your local pet store or retails store. Using Sharpie markers, personalize and decorate for each party guest! Fill with yummy dog treats, and wrap with cellophane and ribbon.
	Swags & treats. Make or purchase and decorate dog bandanas for your guests. After the decorating is finished, open the swag, fill with dog biscuits or treats, and bow tie at the top.

For more party favor ideas, check the Dog Birthday page of the Dog Gift Guide.

Cakes, Treats, and Snacks




What would a party be without the food?! While most of your furry guests would probably love to chow down on a good buffet, it's probably best to keep it light. Maybe have a few platters of dog treats available that each party guest's human can offer their dogs at their own discretion. These individual snacks could be store-bought, dog bakery bought, or homemade, for an extra special touch.

As for the crowning glory, your guests will be looking forward to the birthday "cake!" Dog birthday cakes can be homemade, or you can order these from a dog bakery or specialty supplier (as included in our wikiFido Dog Gift Guide).

Remember, though, before serving your guests any treats, be sure and check with their people about any food allergies they might have.


Other Considerations


When the big party day arrives, you'll need to make sure all of your guests are cool and comfortable. Here are some general suggestions for party basics:

• Be sure and place plenty of bowls of fresh water in various spots around the party area so that your guests can help themselves to fresh, cool drinks at any time--after all, partying is exhausting!
• Keep a handy kit of clean-up supplies, including small plastic bags, nearby so that wiping up after an excited party guest is quick and convenient.
• When making homemade treats or cakes, be sure and avoid any potential harmful foods for dogs.