Ways to celebrate your dog’s birthday
Do you get them a massive bone to chew on, some special treats, do you make them a cake, order a cake, dress them up in a party hat and snap a photograph to share on Facebook or on their own dedicated dog Instagram account?
When my own doggy Max’s1st birthday was approaching I compiled my research here so other dog lovers like me can use some of these awesome party ideas. Max has now celebrated his 2nd birthday and this blog been updated with new pet bakeries and his birthday photos.
When I started asking around what people do for their best bud’s birthday, a story I love, is of a lady who gets a cheeseburger for her doggy, minus pickles and onions. When she gets home, she unwraps it, cuts it into small pieces, puts it back in the wrapper and hides it somewhere in the house for her birthday dog to find. She says it’s the highlight of his year and she loves to see him enjoy it.
Within the dog community, it’s also not uncommon to be invited to a dog’s birthday party! They are super high energy, full of laughs, and snacks for dogs and humans!
I also asked my friends on Facebook to help out with images of their doggy’s birthdays and here is what they sent:
Birthday photos:
Photo 1-5; Row 1: Kelly’s cuties; Henry on his 11th birthday
Photo 6-10; Row 2: Jean’s homemade cake, it’s cooked mince, the icing is made of mash potato and cheerio sausages on top; Lee’s pup got a candle, raw meat and tripe treaties; Cassie’s Snow on her first birthday; Zarina’s doggy turned 4; Master Po
Photo 11-15; Row 3: Kylie’s Leo, barkbag and gourmet birthday cake; Jessica’s sweet doggy in blue and white stripey hat; Jelly and Max at a super cute red themed party; Kiri’s pup number 4 cupcake; Tania’s dog with a chicken bacon burger
Photo 16-20; Row 4: Molly’s cake for her dogs, raw cake apart the biscuit on top. It’s 2kg chicken mince squashed in to a circular mold and then frozen and then natural yoghurt and mussel powder mixed together and poured over the top and then treats; Erin’s cute pup with green hat; Hayley’s Vivi got spoilt with a Barkbag; Another one of Jean’s cakes, this one has kumara mash as icing and liver treats on top; One of Tania’s cuties
Photo 21-25; Row 5: Tania’s dogs get spoilt with photoshoots donning tutu’s & matching decorations, personalised birthday cake and a Barkbag; Molly’s 2 posing seriously; Fleur’s labby got a gourmet cake
Photo 26-30; Row 6: Fleur’s labby; Rilo and his number 5 balloon; Luci’s cutest collie; One of Tania’s dogs got a stunning flower cake; Beefer celebrated his 13th birthday with his daycare buddies
checklist to plan your dog’s party:
Do you want to have your party at an off leash park or at your home? Best off lead dog walks in Auckland where you could possibly meet your friends.
How much time do you want to spend on preparing for the pawty? You can get really creative with props, backdrops, and goodie bags 💕 check Pinterest for ideas.
Guests always appreciate food for the humans, or if the party venue is close to where they can get coffee.
Some of my friends who hosted a doggy party said of their experience: Get to the location at least an hour early to set up. Don't try do it all yourself. A smaller intimate gathering is amazing.
If you’re inviting people, make sure you have their RSVP so you can prepare your goodie bags if you want to give them.
Researching the park and off leash area so you know if there is shade and a suitable space for your party.
Another party I’ve been to were at their home. It worked because it was a small gathering.
If you have your party at a park, take something to collect rubbish in so people can put stuff in if there isn’t a bin around.
Puppuccino are a hit! If you don’t know what it is, a puppuccino is small amount of whipped cream. You can put a liver treat at the bottom of the cup if you’d like and/or add a long thin treat to look like a straw if you feel like going over the top :-D.
If you’re partying outside, do you need a few weights for the table cloth? Other things you’ll likely be running after with the wind blowing it are disposable cups, napkins and paper plates.
Requirements for a good doggy birthday:
Party hat/ special outfit
Photo of the birthday pup (photo or it didn’t happen!)
Birthday cake
Decorations optional (use eco friendly options if you can, we skipped balloons and used a Happy Bday banner we had and made a tassel garland we’ll reuse)
Friends
Easily document your pet on their special day!
"Perfect Pet Pictures: Smartphone Photography for Dog Lovers" is the ultimate guide to capturing the perfect snapshots of your furry friend using just your smartphone. Whether you're a novice or experienced photographer, this ebook provides essential tips and techniques to help you take amazing photos of your dog anytime, anywhere. Learn how to optimize your smartphone's camera settings, leverage natural light, and capture your dog's personality in every shot. With step-by-step instructions and real-life examples, you'll master the art of smartphone pet photography and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Say goodbye to blurry or poorly lit photos and hello to stunning, Instagram-worthy images of your beloved canine companion!
A few photos from Max’s 1st birthday party
Max’s 2nd birthday
We met up with our West Auckland dogwalk & brekkie club friends (feel free to join!) and took the dogs for a play at the off leash dog park Bomb Point in Hobsonville Point. FInd other off leash dog parks in Auckland here. Afterward we set up a table with cakes and treats under one of the fairy trees with picnic blankets. It was low key (stress free) this year and so fun!!! It just makes you happy to see how everyone is having a great time.
We celebrated an entire week long, and for Max’s birthday present, I took him to Healthy Dog and Co in Birkenhead to choose his present.😄 Watch the reel to see what he got from the Birkenhead doggy Boutique.
Max’s 3rd birthday
We had a fun birthday cake smash photoshoot with Max. I thought he’s eat bites out of the cake instead licked the icing off his Little Cake Co Pet Bakery cake like a little gentleman.
Max’s 4th birthday
We invited our friends from our dogwalk group for a catch up and dog birthday cake at Pocket Bar and Kitchen in Grey Lynn. I got a cake from The Barkuterie Box that the doggies LOVED! Watch the video on insta to see the fun we had :-D It was low key and easy, the best way to celebrate this year.
Dog friendly cake bakery:
Hello Sailor Cafe & Bakery in Takapuna Auckland made Max’s 2nd birthday party cake. Find Hello Sailor Cafe & Bakery on Instagram and Hello Sailor Cafe & Bakery on Facebook. They make big dog friendly cakes and mini pupcakes with your choice of coloured icing. Even the fussy dogs at Max’s party couldn’t get enough. 😄
Another cute spot for individual cupcakes for dogs, Pupcakes.
Amy’s Secret Kitchen in Ponsonby Auckland
The Dog Schnack for the cutest colored cookies. They look too good to give to your dog. They have an adorable birthday cookie pack for your dog. It’s a fantastic treat, will jazz up their everyday enrichment and be super cute for doggy gift bags if you wanted to gift the dog guests who attend your party.
Smack Bang for Wellington puppers
Daisy Doggy Deli for customised dog birthday/ gotcha day cakes. They ship all over NZ, even to South Island, but not to rural addresses
Sugar’s Sweet Shop is another pet friendly bakery you want to know about. The cakes have a rustic charm to them and have a fresh/ dried flower topper. It’s what insta dreams are made of. They also make adorable custom cookies with your own words on it. They’re in Tirau but can courier.
The Barkuterie Box has options of special celebratory dogtreats in a gift box, baking kits or ready made dog birthday cakes. They’re based in Hamilton, so if you’re not local, they’ll bake the cake and send it to you to assemble and decorate. I got a custom number cake for Max’s 4th birthday and it took so much pressure off and looked ridiculously cute!
Claire’s Secret Kitchen in Ponsonby Auckland has a selection of pupcakes, dog biscuits, small or larger dog birthday cakes with different decoration of cream cheese icing even the pickiest pooches will love.
Animates stocks a cute birthday cookie by Kazoo that’s perfect for your dog’s birthday picture.
DIY cake inspiration*:
Raw chicken mince squashed in to a circle mold and frozen. Covered in frosting of natural yoghurt and mussel powder. Decorated with favourite dog treats.
Large cooked meat patties with potato mash or kumara mash to 'ice' the cakes, fav treats on top.
Burger bun with chicken and bacon
Dog friendly cake from Dog Friendly New Zealand. I used this recipe to make mini cupcakes for the dogs at Max’s 1st party and they LOVED it!
*Note: our dogs have sensitive tummies. We don’t want to give them an upset tummy by giving them too much of something or the wrong thing on their birthday. You’re your dog’s person. They will likely eat ANYTHING you give them. Be responsible. Said with all the love in the world.
Your dog’s barkday party outfit
Other doggy businesses in party business:
Rocco and Co for cute over the collar bandanas that you can personalise
Pup and Running make themed bandana, bow, collar and leash sets. She’s known for her popular tv shows and movies range. If a Harry Potter, Star Wars, Minecraft, Marvel etc theme is up your alley you know you need to visit Tash’s website.
Clothes By Portia is a little doggy brand that specialises in cute dog clothes, tshirts for dogs, sailor bows, collared button shirts to name a few from their range.
Jewel Designs for bow ties, dog sailor bows, bandanas and matching ribbon scrunchies for dog mom.
Bark Bag will deliver your dog’s birthday pack all wrapped and ready. Perfect if you’re short on time or just have no idea what to get.
Yellow Lab (that’s me!) for event photography. You’ve put so much effort into having your doggy’s friends over, let me document it beautifully for you and get all the happy pups in action. Auckland only. Email [email protected] for event rates. Alternatively, book a photoshoot to celebrate your dog’s birthday and get a stunning wall portrait made of the family and some of doggy on his/ her own.
FAQ about what a dog and family photoshoot is like. Everything you want to know, what to expect, what to bring and what to do with your photographs afterwards.
Games to play at a pet party
I found some fun games / activities for a doggy birthday party.
My favs are:
A photobooth. Use a hashtag to keep them all together
Put a treat inside a used toilet roll and fold the ends closed. It’s a great game for doggies to work for their treats.
A party I’ve been to at someone’s home, had photographs from their photoshoot with YELLOW LAB on rotation as a screensaver on the television. It’s such a conversation piece and you get to enjoy your portraits again with your friends.
Playing pass the pawcel
Scooby Says. A pupified version of "Simon Says". Party-goers follow basic commands like "sit" or "stay". Each pup who doesn't follow the command is out of the game and the last one standing (or sitting) wins.
Tug of war toys
Top content and tips for dog owners from Auckland dog photographer.
Please comment below if there is anything you’d like to add to this party list 👇.
Previous blog post: 3 fun ideas for your furbaby’s birthday