Whether our dogs are mischievous troublemakers, loyal companions, or something in between, they undoubtedly bring joy into our lives. So, it’s only fitting to get down and paw-ty on their special day. Join us as we take you through six steps for creating an unforgettable birthday bash that also reduces, reuses and recycles.
Step 1: Choosing the location
When it comes to hosting a party or event for many four-legged friends, location is key. Dog friendly parks or even your own backyard can offer grass, fresh air, space and (hopefully) sunshine – allowing all party goers to get into the groove. If you’re keen to explore our beautiful country while throwing your pup’s party, make sure to check out AA Traveller's guide to travelling with pets, you can find some great locations and activities for your event.
Step 2: Sending out an e-vite
Nowadays, creating and sending birthday invitations is an easy task that can be done with just a few taps and swipes on your device. With lots of free templates available online, designing a unique invitation, personalised to your pooch, is a piece of cake. Good template sites include Greetings Island and evite which both have adorable dog designs. Don’t forget to include it’s a sustainable birthday party on your invitation, so everyone is on the same (digital) page.
Step 3: Curating the paw-fect playlist
Music can really make any event, even an event for your furry friend. Here’s a playlist that's paw-fect for the occasion. Pack the portable speaker and hit play on classics like "Hound Dog" and “Who Let The Dogs Out?” to more modern hits like "Dog Days Are Over". If that doesn’t get your furry friend's tongue out and tail wagging, then Spotify has an awesome feature that allows you to create a customised playlist based on your dog's personality. What a great way to include your pet in the festivities!
Step 4: Preparing the food (puppertizers)
Whether for people or pooches, we can all agree that food is certainly going to be very important at the party. It's no secret that the centrepiece has to be the cake (or pupcakes). As pet parents, we’re well aware that our fur babies can’t enjoy everything us humans can. Luckily, there are several delicious and pup-friendly cake and cupcake recipes available that’ll hit their sweet spot. Packing all the treats (human and pooch) into reusable plastic containers is not only sustainable but also makes for a quick set up.
Step 5: Tail-chasing games
We love the party game ‘Scooby says’ – which is the pup version of the hooman classic ‘Simon says’, where each parent gets their dog to follow instructions like “speak”, “sit”, or “shake”. If the pooch doesn’t follow the command, they’re out of the game. The commands keep coming till we have a champ. 'Tug o’ war' is also a goodie – grab a strong piece of rope and let the dogs handle the rest. Keep matching up pairs of pooches until you have a winner.
Step 6: Gifts and goodie bags
We’re all aware that our pooches will be thrilled to receive any toy on their special day, and one that considers its environmental impact is even better! Check out these environmentally-friendly toys from FunDiggityDog and Pets of Ponsonby for a start. Goodie bags have proven to be a real hit at children’s parties, and nobody said our furry friends can’t have them too. A goodie bag with a few natural treats, a pack of biodegradable poop bags, and some eco-friendly dog shampoo will have your guests (pooch and parents alike) leaving very happy.
Donating to a charity as a gift is an option that is both very meaningful and kind. Whether it’s a charity of your choosing or the birthday pooches, you’ll find it goes a long way.
Did you know? By purchasing an AA Pet Insurance policy you’ll help support the dogs of the New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dog Trust, which will enable people living with severe epilepsy to achieve independence. With your help, we’re proud to play a small part in the life-changing effects of these awesome canine companions.^
^For full terms and conditions see here.
The Insurer
AA Pet Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (NZBN 9429042781608, FSP 41189), are administered and managed by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd, (NZBN 9429049378085) and are underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (NZBN 9429042129851, FSP 480747).
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