Tying the Knot with Tails

Date

When I came across the business card for WedPets at Zoomies Cafe (very fitting, right?), I was so impressed by the idea. I both wished I’d had known about WedPets for my wedding, and wanted to know more regardless! Luckily, WedPets Founder Nicole Johnson was willing to have a chat.

WedPets came along because Nicole wished something like it existed too back when she got engaged and married. After finding a dog in a grocery store parking lot, getting a bit bonded to it, and the happily finding its owner via its microchip, Nicole knew she wanted a dog. So, she soon surprised her fiancee with a rescued German Shepherd puppy Greta and they were all in love. “We brought her to every patio that allowed dogs. We wanted her everywhere.”

When it came time for engagement pictures, Nicole asked a friend to both watch and assist with their pup being in the photos. But when it came to the wedding, that friend would also be in attendance, so she’d have to find another option, and potentially someone she did not know well. While Greta ended up making it to the entire wedding, Nicole couldn’t stop thinking of this gap of service as a business concept that people not only wanted, but needed. “Anybody I ran this idea by thought it was really great,” Nicole said. Obviously, I agree!

WedPets grew from 12 weddings in its first year, to 70 weddings in its second! Nicole needed some help. “After being a dog mom, I got into the dog rescue community and became more aware of animal welfare. I dove in head first, fostering a mom with puppies,” Nicole told me. It was through these experiences, she found that team she needed. She was able to meet other trustworthy, likeminded people who understood animals. WedPets now has a robust team of handlers.

WedPets’ process is thoughtful and thorough. A meet and greet kicks everything off so the couple, the dog, and the handler can get to know each other prior to any events. Every detail is discussed, especially the pup’s likes and dislikes. How are they in the car? Do they mind if their paws are touched? Do they have food sensitivities? If the dog jumps up or on someone on the wedding day, do we handle it or the owner? Nicole takes great care in ensuring everyone is happy, comfortable, and safe. “They’re trusting us with the most important thing they own,” she said. She also laughed “Plenty of moms and dads know if their dogs shouldn’t be in the ceremony,” and instead, used only for photos!

St. Louis and the surrounding area has been great for Nicole and WedPets. She noted many venues are dog-friendly. The only red tape dilemma that can happen is if a venue can’t accept pets because of possible code violations. These tend to involve things like room turn overs and/or food inclusion. Otherwise, the area has plenty of options, especially with bars, wineries, and other outdoor venues. WedPets has expanded to Kansas City and had a few events in Northwest Arkansas. Nicole has thought about franchising, but hasn’t gotten there yet!

I had to ask for some funny stories, and Nicole had plenty. First, at wedding shows, she often gets asked some great questions like: “Do you marry dogs?” or “Do you bring your dog?”

She then told the story about her friend and a dog named Dirk. A photoshoot for Nicole’s friend and her pup Dirk took place on a dock. “You probably think the dog jumps in,” Nicole laughed. Nope. “Dirk found a big pile of feral cat poop.” She always brings water for the dogs, but didn’t prepare enough water for that. Her friend laughed through it all too, saying, “Oh no, did Dirk find some poop?” Apparently, this wasn’t the only time something like this happened. “Dogs know to really turn it on and make me work!” Nicole said.

As always, I wrapped up our interview with my typical questions.

  1. Favorite local businesses/nonprofits/entrepreneurs?
    1. Hype Queen Media
  2. Favorite St. Louis neighborhoods?
    1. Skinker Debaliviere
    2. Shaw
    3. Central West End

PLEASE follow Nicole and WedPets at @wedpets on Instagram. Learn more and reserve WedPets for your next event at their website!

More Stories