01 / THE EXPERIENCE
A Place for Them in Your Ceremony
We take time to learn about your animal, their personality, and the place they hold in your relationship. Together, we plan a simple moment within your ceremony that feels natural for both you and your animal.
Depending on your wishes, this may include:
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A few words acknowledging your animal and their place in your lives
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A blessing or symbolic ceremony moment
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A paw print on a keepsake Unity Certificate
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A tribute to an animal who cannot attend or has passed away
Your animal does not need to perform a particular task. Their comfort comes first, and they can be acknowledged even when they are not physically present.
We do not charge an additional fee to include Pawfect Witness™ in your wedding ceremony. Instead, we ask couples to make a donation of CA$40 or more to an animal charity of their choice. Simply provide us with a copy of your donation receipt as confirmation.
02 / PLAN YOUR CEREMONY
Include Pawfect Witness™ in Your Wedding
Pawfect Witness™ is available as part of Vancity Officiant's wedding ceremonies and intimate elopements in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.
Simply tell us about your animal during the ceremony planning process. We will help you decide how to include them, whether through a small acknowledgement, a paw print blessing, or a tribute woven into your ceremony.
03 / BEYOND THE CEREMONY
From Ceremonies to a Wider Community
Founded by Kit and Kevin of Vancity Officiant in British Columbia, Pawfect Witness™ began with a simple idea: the animals who share our lives deserve a place in the moments we celebrate.
What began within wedding ceremonies has grown into a wider initiative encouraging more thoughtful inclusion of pets in weddings and beyond.
Through the Pawfect Witness Community, a pet-friendly wedding vendor directory in British Columbia, couples can discover wedding professionals who go beyond simply allowing pets, taking the time to consider their individual needs, comfort, and wellbeing.
Vancity Officiant is Beyond Pet Friendly Acknowledged, recognizing our approach to thoughtfully including animals in wedding ceremonies, whether they are present, unable to attend, or lovingly remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pawfect Witness™
Who is Pawfect Witness™ for?
Pawfect Witness™ is for couples who see their animals as more than pets and want to acknowledge the place they hold in their lives. It is especially suited to those who share a deep connection with their animals and appreciate having that relationship recognized as part of their wedding ceremony. It is not about having an animal perform a role or simply adding a cute moment to the celebration. It is about recognizing a relationship that already matters deeply to you.
Can we include an animal who has passed away?
Absolutely. Pawfect Witness™ can include a tribute to an animal who has passed away, whether through a few words of remembrance, a meaningful object, or a symbolic moment within your wedding ceremony.
Is there an additional fee to include Pawfect Witness™?
We do not charge an additional officiant fee to include Pawfect Witness™ in your wedding ceremony. Instead, couples are required to make a donation of at least CA$40 to an animal charity of their choice and provide a copy of the donation receipt as confirmation.
Can my pet be included if they cannot attend the wedding?
Yes. Your animal does not need to be physically present. We can acknowledge them through ceremony wording, a symbolic gesture, a keepsake, or a tribute that reflects their place in your relationship.
Is Pawfect Witness™ only for dogs?
Not at all. We have acknowledged dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises, horses, and other animals. What matters is the relationship you share with them, not their species.
How do we include Pawfect Witness™ in our ceremony?
Pawfect Witness™ is available as part of Vancity Officiant's wedding ceremonies and intimate elopements. Let us know during the booking or planning process that you would like to include your animal, and we will discuss how to incorporate their acknowledgement into your ceremony.