How to Throw a Birthday Party for a Dog

Decide on where you would like to have the party—in your house, in your backyard, a doggie daycare—or maybe the off-leash dog park.

Invite friends, relatives and neighbors with dogs if the party is at your house. If it’s at a doggie daycare, the guests will be your dog’s “classmates” and their guardians. Of course get permission first—might not be cool to just show up at the daycare with balloons and a cake. If it’s at the dog park, invite your dog’s regular dog park buddies and their humans, and other people you know with dogs.

Pick out invitations. Since it’s a party for dogs and will most likely be informal (we would hope), E-vites are a good idea. Be sure to specify in the invitation that guests don’t have to bring a gift—or what gifts are off limits to your dog (rawhide bones, chocolates, and so on).

Decide on the refreshments. For humans, anything goes. For dogs, make sure it’s canine-friendly. You can buy dog treats or there are plenty of recipes for dog biscuits and cookies online. Dog specialty bakeries have festively decorated treats and even party packages. To go with the refreshments, you'll need some drinks. Make sure the tap water is flowing.

Pick out a birthday cake. Again, a dog specialty bakery is a good place to get one. You can find these in most cities or online. Doggie cakes can be all meat or contain dog-friendly ingredients such as carob or yogurt. There are also recipes for dog cakes from scratch and dog cake mixes.

Have toys on hand for the dogs to play with and plenty of balls (at least one for each dog guest) if the party is outdoors. Agility equipment such as ropes and a doggie tunnel are always fun additions.

Plan very few organized activities, if any. It might be difficult with a bunch of canines. There should be plenty going on, anyway, to keep both the two- and four-legged entertained.

Buy some inexpensive little dog bowls and fill with doggie party favors for your canine guests to take home or have celophane bags filled with treats. Dog bakeries and specialty stores sell these as well.

Line up a videographer. You can’t let this shindig pass without capturing it on DVD for lasting memories. One of your friends or relatives can probably do it, unless you want to hire a professional.