Include Your Pet in a Meaningful Wedding Ceremony That Gives Back | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5
At Vancity Officiant, love is something we believe should ripple outward—from couples to families, to the wider world, and especially to the animals who bring so much joy and comfort to our lives. That’s why we created the Pawfect Witness signing ceremony—not only as a way to include your furry friend in one of life’s most treasured moments, but also as a way to give back to animals still waiting for a second chance.
The Pawfect Witness experience is a heartfelt, complimentary add-on to any ceremony booked with us. We don’t charge anything extra—our only request is a donation of $40 CAD or more to an animal charity that speaks to your heart. While we don’t collect donations ourselves, we lovingly highlight a list of dedicated, local charities doing incredible work in rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. Whether it’s supporting an elderly dog, a feral kitten, or a wild bird recovering from injury, your gift helps extend love where it’s most needed.
What is the Pawfect Witness Ceremony?
Our Pawfect Witness ceremony is tender, joyful, and full of meaning. It’s designed for those who consider their pets family and want
them present—both physically and symbolically—during their special day. Couples receive a beautiful Certificate of Unity, complete with a pawprint stamp from their beloved companion.
And if you choose to share the story of how your furry friend came into your life, we’ll write a personalized blessing just for you—a small moment during the ceremony that celebrates not only your union, but the love and loyalty of your pet. It’s these heartfelt touches that make each ceremony truly unforgettable.
Below, we proudly introduce some of the charities we support—with an invitation for others to join this growing circle of compassion.
DOG-FOCUSED CHARITIES
1. SAINTS Rescue (Senior Animals In Need Today Society)
Located in Mission, BC, SAINTS offers a forever sanctuary for senior and special-needs animals. Many of their residents are unadoptable due to health issues, and SAINTS ensures they receive lifelong care and surgeries as needed. Donate: https://saintsrescue.ca/donate
2. Paws for Hope Animal Foundation
This Burnaby-based nonprofit focuses on keeping pets with their families by funding veterinary care, emergency fostering, and outreach in underserved communities. Their "Better Together" program includes support for surgeries. Donate: https://www.pawsforhope.org/how-to-help
3. Vancouver Humane Society – McVitie Fund
This fund supports urgent vet care and surgeries for pets of low-income guardians. It helps keep beloved dogs (and other pets) out of shelters during health crises. Donate: https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/donate
4. Point Grey Veterinary Hospital – Angel Fund
A compassionate fund that helps stray or recently adopted animals receive lifesaving surgeries or diagnostics when their guardians face financial barriers. Donate: https://pointgreyvet.com/vancouver-bc-charity-incentives
CAT-FOCUSED CHARITIES
1. VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association)
A leading no-kill rescue for kittens and adult cats in the Lower Mainland. VOKRA provides medical care and fosters to hundreds of cats each year. Donate: https://www.vokra.ca/donate
2. CARES Cat Shelter (Langley)
CARES gives refuge to cats with limited adoption potential due to health or temperament. They focus on long-term housing and palliative care. Donate: https://www.carescatshelter.com/donate
3. TinyKittens Society (Fort Langley)
Specializing in feral cats and those with special needs, TinyKittens provides medical care and sanctuary for those who can’t thrive in traditional homes. Donate: https://www.tinykittens.com/donate
4. Cat Therapy and Rescue Society (CTRS)
CTRS saves at-risk cats from euthanasia, many needing urgent medical care or surgeries. They offer therapeutic foster programs and permanent homes. Donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ctrs-cat-therapy-and-rescue-society
SMALL ANIMAL AND EXOTIC PET CHARITIES
1. Animal Saints Rescue Society
This inclusive rescue cares for all kinds of animals—from rabbits and guinea pigs to reptiles and birds. They often take in complex medical cases requiring surgery or long-term fostering. Donate: https://animalsaints.org/donate
2. Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue Society
Although dog- and cat-focused, this group also supports other companion animals in need of surgeries and fosters for long-term care. Donate: https://www.heartandsoulrescue.ca/donate
WILDLIFE CHARITIES
1. Wildlife Rescue Association of BC
A critical care facility in Burnaby that rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife for release back into the wild. They provide surgeries and vet care for birds, raccoons, and more. Donate: https://www.wildliferescue.ca/give
2. Critter Care Wildlife Society (Langley)
This group specializes in native mammals such as squirrels, bears, and raccoons. Surgeries and intensive rehab are often needed before release. Donate: https://www.crittercarewildlife.org/donate
3. Northern Lights Wildlife Society
Focused on large and rare species in northern BC, this society rescues and rewilds bears, moose, and more—many requiring surgery and post-op recovery. Donate: https://www.wildlifeshelter.com/donate
Choose Your Own Charity
We know that many couples already have a special animal organization close to their hearts—perhaps the rescue where you met your furbaby, or one that helped your beloved companion through illness. If you’d prefer to direct your Pawfect Witness donation to a different charity, just let us know when you book.
We welcome international animal charities as well—as long as the donation is $40 CAD or more, and a donation receipt or confirmation is provided. We're happy to help share the love exactly where it matters most to you.
Are You a Local Charity?
If you're a BC-based animal charity focused on rescue, sanctuary, medical care, or rehabilitation—we'd love to hear from you. Contact us to be considered for inclusion on our support list. Together, we can create meaningful moments for couples and animals alike.
Our Pawfect Witness ceremony isn't just a sweet memory—it's a way to share your love forward.
If you're looking for a pet-friendly officiant who offers heartfelt ceremonies and supports local rescue work, let's connect. We'd love to help you say "I do" with paws by your side and purpose in your heart.
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