Services Directory
Pets as Guests
Animal handler with film experience brings your dog to your wedding
Hawkesbury
About
Shelley Thorpe has been training animals for film and television since 2009, working on blockbuster films, live stage shows, and popular TV series. After having her own dog as ring bearer at her wedding, she founded Pets as Guests in 2017 to help other couples include their pets without the logistics stress. Her love for both animals and weddings comes through in everything she does.
How It Works
A week before your wedding, Shelley meets with you for a planning consultation to map out every detail of your pet's involvement. On the day, she arrives at least an hour early — either collecting your dog from home or meeting at the venue — to allow time for a walk, toilet break, and settling before the ceremony. When the celebrating is done, she conveys your pet safely home and sends you a real-time video update the moment they're settled in.
Services & Capabilities
What Sets Them Apart
- Shelley's background training animals for major film and television productions means your dog benefits from professional-grade calm handling and timing knowledge that most pet sitters simply don't have.
- There's no time limit — you won't feel rushed during photos or the ceremony, and Shelley will stay until your dog is safely home for the night.
- You'll receive a full edited gallery of behind-the-scenes footage within 24 hours, plus a one-minute highlight reel of the day from your pet's point of view — a keepsake most couples don't expect.
- Shelley coordinates directly with your celebrant, planner, and venue, handling all the logistics around your pet's role so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Optional floral collars, tuxedo bandannas, harnesses, leads, and ring pouches are all included — your dog arrives dressed and ready.
Pricing
Get in Touch ↓The base wedding day package is $500 with no time limit, and optional extras include a $250 evening service and a $25 Marriage Pawtificate. Travel is calculated per kilometre, and a second dog at $100 for smaller dogs without behavioural issues.
Day of Wedding Service
$500Collect your pet or meet at the venue, travel securely, arrive one hour early to settle, handle ceremony involvement (ring bearer etc.), support photo session, work with photographer, convey home after, personalised goody bag, real-time video updates of safe return home, full edited gallery of behind-the-scenes footage within 24 hours, one-minute highlight reel from pet's point of view. No time limit.
Reception / Evening Service
$250Stay on site or in nearby accommodation, regular walks and toilet breaks, may join speeches and dance floor, satisfies accommodation policies requiring dogs not be left unattended, editing of footage.
Marriage Pawtificate
$25Your pet witnesses your wedding by signing their own Pawtificate using a dress-safe special ink pad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit on the wedding day service?
No — the $500 base package has no time limit, so you can take as long as you need during photos and the ceremony without feeling like the clock is running.
Can Pets as Guests handle multiple dogs at the wedding?
Yes. For a second small dog without behavioural issues, the additional cost is $100. For multiple medium or large dogs, or small dogs with special needs requiring one-on-one attention, Shelley brings a trained assistant whose rate is hourly.
What do we receive after the wedding?
Within 24 hours you'll receive a full edited gallery of behind-the-scenes footage of your pet's day, plus a one-minute highlight reel from your pet's point of view. You'll also get real-time video updates when your dog is safely home for the night.
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Get in Touch with Pets as Guests
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