Many Consider Pets Appropriate at Weddings

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something chewed? According to a recent poll by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, the latest trend in wedding ceremonies is petsStain and Odor Remover
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is Guaranteed to remove pet accident stains and odors that other products fail to remove including old uri.... VPI polled more than 3,000 of its policyholders to find that 42 percent involved a pet or plan to involve a pet in their wedding ceremony. Eleven percent did not include a pet in their wedding ceremony but had been to a wedding in which pets played a part, and the remaining 47 percent indicated that only humans participated in their wedding ceremony.

"Traditionally, pets were added to a family after marriage," said Curtis Steinhoff, senior director of corporate communications for VPI. "Today, it is not unusual for brides and grooms to bond with four-legged companions before finding their mate.

Because these pet companions were an important part of their single lives, some soon-to-be-couples choose to have their pets play an important role in their wedding."

Tonya Guy-Williams, a VPI Pet Insurance policyholder from Clements, Md., chose to include her huskyHuskies Book
Best known as sled dogs, Huskies also make handsome, affectionate, and loyal house pets.Barron’s Huskies Book provides detailed advice on genera... mix, Klondike, in her wedding. Klondike served as the ring-bearer and best man. Under the guidance of Tonya's mother Linda, Klondike performed his duties without a hitch.

"He did fine with all of the people, and he never barked until the very end when we think the sun started to get to him," said Tonya. "He is our baby. No one who knows us was surprised that we would want him in our wedding. They were more surprised that we found a tuxedo that fit."

Wedding planners advise that not all pets are cut out for a wedding and not all ceremonies lend themselves to the inclusion of a pet. Experts encourage couples with pets to consider the reaction of guests, as well as their pet's temperament and level of obedience when planning a pet-inclusive ceremony. Before participating in a wedding, even well-trained pets should be acclimated to large crowds and any unfamiliar surroundings. Wedding planners also recommend couples designate a member of the wedding party for "pet duty." After all, Fido won't bring a gift to the wedding, but he may leave a deposit.

"When it comes to weddings, everyone's definition of family is unique," said Steinhoff. "Though weddings have not conventionally been a place for pets, more of today's couples are going to great lengths to accommodate their furry family members."


**About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare ProtectionSM for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 866-357-0084 or visit
petinsurance.com.