Canary Islands Entrepreneur Launches Professional Pet-Care Service for Weddings

Including pets in wedding ceremonies has evolved from a quirky trend into a professional niche in the Canary Islands. Nathalie Sánchez Méndez, a Madrid native living in Los Realejos, has launched a pioneering business in the region dedicated entirely to managing pets during weddings.

Her company, Tu perro en tu boda (Your dog at your wedding), launched in August 2025 to meet a growing demand from couples who view their pets as full-fledged family members. The business is expanding quickly, growing from five weddings in its first year to an expected twenty in 2026.

Sánchez Méndez brings a professional background in animal care, including experience at rescue centers and marine wildlife parks. Her role goes far beyond simple supervision; she coordinates with wedding venues and photographers, manages ceremonial tasks like ring-bearing, and ensures the animals are groomed with personalized accessories. Her approach focuses on careful planning to ensure the animal’s well-being, including protocols for potential behavioral issues or the pet's physical needs.

The service is flexible, offering everything from short photo sessions to full-day care. While the business primarily focuses on dogs, she has already received inquiries about cats and rabbits. She is even helping pets gain access to traditionally restricted spaces, such as churches.

Despite interest from larger national firms, Sánchez Méndez remains independent. She emphasizes building a bond of trust with each animal before the big day, which helps her manage the unpredictability of pets in high-pressure, emotional environments. This trend highlights how changing family dynamics are reshaping wedding traditions across Spain.