Decide what role your dog will have before the party, not when the doorbell rings. With lots of children or a long party, the simplest choice is a quiet room prepared in advance or a few hours away from home with someone your dog knows. For a short visit, you can consider a supervised introduction, but one adult must be dedicated solely to the dog. In any case, let the guests’ families know before the visit: not everyone knows you have a dog.
A few days before: decide your dog’s role and let the families know
Before making a choice, consider how your dog usually reacts to noise, running, and unfamiliar children. Also consider how many guests are coming, how long the gathering will last, and whether there is enough space to keep the dog and children apart without getting in each other’s way.
There are three options:
- Let your dog join for a short time, with one adult looking after them exclusively.
- Keep your dog in their room, prepared in advance and separate from the party.
- Have your dog spend a few hours away from home, with a familiar person or in a familiar place.
When in doubt, choose the more protective option. If no one can focus solely on the dog, don’t plan for them to join the party.
You can message the families:
If your dog spends the party away from home
You can leave them with a family member or friend they know, or choose a pet sitter or daycare they have already tried. The day of the party shouldn’t be their first experience with a new person or in a new place.
If it’s a new arrangement, try it for a few hours in the days beforehand before deciding whether to leave your dog for the entire party. Book early: finding a service does not guarantee availability on your chosen date.
To arrange a trial in advance, search for «Asilo diurno» services in the «Servizi» tab of the PawsPet app, and check «Disponibilità» and «Recensioni» in the details before booking with «Prenota ora».
The day of the party
If your dog stays in their room
Prepare the room a few days beforehand and use it at ordinary times too, not only when guests come over. Set up their bed, water, and a quiet activity or a chew they already know.
Before guests arrive, take your dog on their usual walk. Then close the door or use a safety gate, and add a sign for older children: the sign reminds them of the rule but does not replace the barrier. During the party, only the designated adult should go in to check on the dog; guests should not go into the room to say hello.
If your dog joins for a while
An adult other than the person organizing the party must be assigned solely to supervise the dog. The children should stay still and let the dog approach and sniff them, without trying to make contact.
Explain a few rules: no hugging, hand-feeding, or chasing. Keep a leash close by or set up a safety gate. Take your dog back to their room before they get tired or upset. They should stay there during noisy games, running around, opening presents, and cake.
If a guest is afraid of dogs, your dog stays in their room for the entire party: no forced introductions.
Food, doors, and balloons: practical risks
Don’t leave plates within your dog’s reach, especially on low tables; pick up dropped food and close rubbish bags somewhere inaccessible. Put away skewers, sweet wrappers, and small favors from gift bags.
Some common party foods are dangerous for dogs, such as chocolate sweets, grapes and raisins, and candies or gum containing xylitol: if you suspect your dog has eaten any, call your veterinarian immediately.
Your dog could get out during arrivals and departures, so keep them in their room until everyone has come in or gone out. Popping balloons can scare them; pick up the pieces right away and don’t leave them on the floor.
After the party
Before letting your dog out of their room or bringing them home, check the floor, tables, and rubbish: no leftovers or small objects should be left within reach.
Give your dog some quiet time and check how they’re doing. If they show signs of feeling unwell, contact your veterinarian.
Finally, make a note of what worked and what you’ll change for the next party.
